8452 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children

8452 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children: Does the Minister plan to ensure that the cultural identity and connections of rangatahi Māori in state care are safeguarded if section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 is repealed; if so, how?

Hon Karen Chhour: The repeal of section 7AA of the Act will not stop the consideration of cultural wellbeing of children and young people in the care of Oranga Tamariki, nor will it remove the general obligations to meet the Treaty of Waitangi principles applicable to all Crown agencies in regard to the development of policies, practices and services. There are several provisions in the Act that recognise the importance of concepts such as cultural identity, mana tamaiti, whakapapa, and whanaungatanga of Māori children and their whānau, hapū, and iwi. The repeal of section 7AA will not alter the principles listed under section 5 of the Act, which require anyone who exercises power under the Act to be guided by the concepts of mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whanaungatanga. It will also not alter the purposes outlined in section 4 of the Act, which include a practical commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, recognising mana tamaiti, whakapapa, and the practice of whanaungatanga for children and young persons who come to the attention of the department.