Ministry of Justice considering legal recognition of whāngai in adoption reforms (Dr Erica Newman, University of Otago Indigenous Development Programme Co-ordinator)

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Ministry of Justice considering legal recognition of whāngai in adoption reforms (Dr Erica Newman, University of Otago Indigenous Development Programme Co-ordinator)

Friday 1st July 2022 | Zac Hoffman | R1 News Reporter | zac@r1.co.nz

The Ministry of Justice has recently announced an investigation into adoption reform in Aotearoa, addressing what many view as the outdated nature of the 1960 Adoption Act. This has the potential to include legal recognition of whāngai adoption. Dr Erica Newman, a lecturer from Te Tumu, says that while legal recognition of whāngai would be highly beneficial for Māori, it's a matter of how that recognition goes ahead, and whether or not whāngai matters are settled by Māori or the Crown.