2072 (2026). Hon Julie Anne Genter to the Associate Minister of Justice

Written Question

Published date: 20 Feb 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	2072 (2026)
Question asked:	03 Feb 2026
Member asking:	Hon Julie Anne Genter
Portfolio:	Associate Minister of Justice
Minister replying:	Hon Nicole McKee
Answer received:	16 Feb 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_02072_2026
Document guid:	6c420394-1344-41cc-8a69-c3f4561a6ddb

2072 (2026). Hon Julie Anne Genter to the Associate Minister of Justice: What is the reasoning for the age limit on adoption being 20 years old or younger?

Hon Nicole McKee: The Adoption Act 1955 allows for a child to be adopted and defines a child as a person who is under the age of 20 years. This definition was amended by the Age of Majority Act 1970, which reduced the age a person is considered an adult for all legal purposes in New Zealand from 21 to 20 years old, unless otherwise specified by the relevant legislation.