April 30, 2024
Heed tribunal on 7AA repeal says Prime
Waitangi Tribunal report on the pending repeal of section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act.
Willow-Jean Prime says the section was brought in by the last National Government to protect Māori children, and repealing it is wrong.
She says ACT’s policy should not be government policy, which is why the tribunal has gone over the head of Children’s Minister Karen Chhour and straight to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with its concerns.
Submissions to the tribunal from a range of groups, including the Māori Women’s Welfare League, said the policy would increase the probability of negative outcomes for Māori children in care.
The interim report says the Government’s focus on implementing one of its coalition agreements has caused it to disregard its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.
It says the Government’s approach could breach the treaty because of its disregard of consultation with those it affects.
The point of 7AA is to help give practical effect to Treaty principals and reduce disparities for Māori.