Articles tagged with International Adoption

New Zealand Introduces Bill to Close Overseas Adoption Loopholes and Protect Children

2 hours ago | 44 views

The Government is introducing the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill to permanently close loopholes that previously allowed unsafe overseas adoptions into New Zealand, replacing last year’s temporary measures. The Bill clarifies recognition of overseas adoptions, citizenship pathways, and immigration processes, ensuring child safety through stricter safeguards and two main pathways for citizenship under the Hague Convention or New Zealand Family Court. It will be reviewed by the Justice Select Committee for public input, with the aim to pass before the current temporary laws expire in July 2027.

Tags: Nicole McKee Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill Associate Justice Minister Adoption Amendment Act 2025 New Zealand Hague Convention Justice Select Committee international adoption child safety immigration pathways

New Zealand Takes Urgent Action to Suspend Unsafe International Adoptions

7 months ago | 725 views

The Government, led by Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee, is urgently suspending recognition of unsafe international adoptions to protect children and young people. The Adoption Amendment Bill has been introduced to immediately suspend New Zealand's recognition of risky overseas adoptions, citing inadequate safeguards in current laws. The temporary suspension, effective until a specified date or July 1, 2027, aims to prevent harm to children adopted into unsafe situations, with plans for a long-term solution and exemptions for countries with safe adoption practices.

Tags: Government international adoptions children young people Nicole McKee Adoption Amendment Bill unsafe overseas adoptions Joseph Auga Matamata Family Court Ministry of Justice