Family Court Legislation Bill Amendments

  • Family Court (Supporting Children in Court) Legislation Bill

Supporting more participation for tamariki and rangatahi

While VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai did not directly make a submission to the Justice Committee on the amendments to this Bill, we strongly support and celebrate their report which has recommended updates be made to the Bill.

This Bill highlights “the importance of listening to children and taking their views into consideration when decisions are being made about their care or contact” (p.2). The amendments include specifying tamariki and rangatahi “must be given reasonable opportunities to participate in any decisions affecting them” when before the Family Court, regardless of “age and maturity” (p.4).

Ngā mihi nui to all those who supported the mahi for the Select Committee submissions, and to all of you who are supporting our young people’s voices every day.

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.