Working for Real Change act.org.nz

home where they’ve lived for years is encouraged; that is at odds with the agency’s primary purpose to support the wellbeing of our most vulnerable and at-risk children. I’m campaigning to change this. My petition to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has hit 11,600 signatures. If you haven’t seen it, nd it at: www.colourblindcare.nz

My Member’s Bill, which is due to be debated in Parliament, seeks to repeal section 7AA and ensure the wellbeing of the child is the paramount consideration of Oranga Tamariki. I hope Parliament, as a whole, can see that there shouldn’t be a con ict between protecting the best interests of the child and race-based factors. is con ict has the potential to cause real harm to our children. As someone who grew up dealing with Child, Youth and Family, I have deep appreciation of what children need. Each child, regardless of race, has their own individual circumstances and family background – this means we should never take a blanket race-based approach. Every child should be seen as an individual and their wellbeing must come rst.

Oranga Tamariki’s governing principles and its Act should be colour-blind, utterly child-centric and open to whatever solution will ensure a child’s wellbeing. My Member’s Bill would ensure this happens, placing more value on the best interests of the child rather than the Treaty. If you agree with me on this, I encourage you to support my campaign.