Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill

The MHF opposes this Bill, as we believe it will negatively impact mental wellbeing outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau Māori. The provisions in section 7AA are some of the only statutory levers available to hold the child protection system accountable to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, reduce disparities in outcomes for tamariki Māori, and redress generations of harm done to tamariki and whānau Māori by the system. We are not convinced there is sound evidence to demonstrate that poor practice under the Oranga Tamariki Act will be resolved by this Bill, and we are also concerned at the lack of due consultation with affected stakeholders in the lead-up to this legislative change.