March 03, 2017
Deadline for Oranga Tamariki Bill changes
The Maori Party is urging whanau to get their submissions in on the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Bill before the midnight deadline.
Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says the bill reduces the rights of whanau, hapu and iwi to participate in decisions over their tamariki.
More than 3000 of the 5000 plus children in state care are Maori, but the bill removes the previous requirement that whanau, hapu or iwi connections be given priority in their placements.
He says as many people as possible need to speak up for tamariki by getting submissions in opposing the removal of section five of the current act.
He says tamariki need to stay connected to their whakapapa, culture and have a strong sense of identity.
The bill is also opposed by former associate minister Dame Tariana Turia, Te Roopu o te Ora, the Iwi Leaders Group and Te Putahitanga.
Copyright © 2017, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com