The Māori Women’s Welfare League have filed a complaint with the Waitangi Tribunal saying “Essentially the claim is brought on the basis that the policy changes to a safe, stable, loving home without the existing priority of placement within whānau, hapū and iwi is a breach of the rangatiratanga and partnership guarantees under the Treaty of Waitangi.”

Hands Off Our Tamariki have been holding hui around the country and you can read their concerns here.

Currently the Social Services Select Committee need to hear from people who know what the effects of any law change will mean for the tamariki Māori and their whānau. Your voice is important and can help stop more tamariki Māori from being taken away from whānau.

The questions below are to help you make a submission to the Select Committee on the proposed bill. We encourage people to share their personal experiences or stories so that MPs can learn more about what children and families go through.

Your submission will be forwarded to the Select Committee, and you will be asked if you wish to speak to it. You can bring a support person along to speak. Listening to people’s stories can really help politicians and advisors understand the current situation for our tamariki and what might happen if further changes are made. Submissions close on March 3rd. Alternatively, you can make just put your contact details below and tick to speak to your submission if you would rather just talk to the committee.