The proposed repeal of section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act w The ACT Party's Simon Court: 5th August, 2024

Earlier this year legislation was introduced to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. Section 7AA emphasises the importance of Māori youth being placed with families that represent their whakapapa, as well as honour principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

The ACT Party, and Minister for Children Karen Chhour say this section is putting children in danger, removing them from stable families to place them instead with whanau that align with their whakapapa and iwi. 

Oranga Tamariki say there is no empirical evidence to support these claims - causing widespread backlash, with many believing the move is simply pushing the ACT party’s ideologies. 

Today Ngāpuhi, Aotearoa’s largest iwi are on a hikoi to parliament in opposition to this repeal, saying it will disadvantage Māori rangatahi, who make up the majority of those in state care. 

For their weekly catch up producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about the intentions of the repeal, and the party’s feelings around the backlash.