Published 29/4/2024

The Waitangi Tribunal today issued an interim report, The Oranga Tamariki (Section 7AA) Urgent Inquiry Report, in pre-publication form.

The report concerns claims submitted to the Tribunal under urgency regarding the Crown’s policy to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. Section 7AA imposes specific duties on the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki so as to provide a practical commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi

A key policy objective of section 7AA was to reduce the disproportionate number of Māori entering into care and to improve outcomes for those tamariki already in care. Under section 7AA, iwi or Māori organisations may enter into strategic partnerships with the chief executive. There are 10 strategic partnership agreements under section 7AA currently in place, as well as nine relationships with post-settlement governance entities, some of whom are also strategic partners.

The claimants and interested parties argued that the repeal of section 7AA and the absence of consultation with Māori and the Crown’s strategic partners breached the Crown’s Treaty duties.

Because of its interim status, the report contains no findings or recommendations but it raises three matters for the government’s consideration:

  • the Tribunal’s concern that the government’s singular focus on the implementation of a commitment made in one of the coalition agreements has caused it to disregard its obligations under the Treaty;
  • the Tribunal’s concern that the rushed repeal of section 7AA will cause actual harm; and
  • the availability of a more principled way forward under section 448B of the Act.

For all media inquiries, please email Paul Easton at the Ministry of Justice Media Team.

 

Oranga Tamariki Urgent 10 May PP
Report

The Oranga Tamariki (Section 7AA) Urgent Inquiry 9 May 2024 Report – Pre-publication Version

the Oranga Tamariki (section 7AA) Urgent Inquiry

The Waitangi Tribunal has released The Oranga Tamariki (Section 7AA) Urgent Inquiry 10 May 2024 Report in pre-publication format.

10 May 2024
Size: 1.67MB