8450 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children

8450 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children: Does the Minister agree or disagree that the duties of the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki are imposed in order to recognise and provide a practical commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (te Tiriti o Waitangi)?

Hon Karen Chhour: I agree that the duties of the chief executive set out in subsection (2) of section 7AA are imposed to recognise and provide a practical commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (te Tiriti o Waitangi). Section 7AA was designed to recognise and respond to the over-representation of Māori children in state care. The intent of section 7AA was to strengthen accountability to improve outcomes for Māori children and young people in addition to reinforcing other key principles such as having regard to whakapapa, whanaungatanga, and mana tamaiti. While well-intentioned, I consider that there is sufficient concern that section 7AA is influencing Oranga Tamariki practice to the detriment of the safety of Māori children.