1: Title
This Act is the Overseas Investment (Forestry) Amendment Act 2022.
2: Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
3: Principal Act
This Act amends the Overseas Investment Act 2005 2022-08-16 Overseas Investment Act 2005
1: Amendments to Part 2 (consent and conditions regime)
4: Section 16A amended (Benefit to New Zealand test)
1: In section 16A(1AA)
a: item relating to the modified benefit test if land is or includes farm land, second column, after (1D) , (1E), (2)
b: repeal the item relating to the modified benefit test for forestry activities.
2: In section 16A(1B) (3) or
3: Replace section 16A(2) and (3) section 16A(2)
2: Subsection (1C) does not apply if the relevant Ministers are satisfied—
a: that, as a result of the overseas investment, the farm land will, or is likely to, be used exclusively, or nearly exclusively, for forestry activities; and
b: that, whenever a crop of trees is harvested on the farm land, a new crop will be, or is likely to be, established on the farm land to replace the crop that is harvested (subject to subsection (7)); and
c: that the non-occupation outcome will, or is likely to, occur in relation to the farm land (where that outcome in clause 17(3) to (5)
4: Replace section 16A(4)(a)
a: that the relevant land is already used when the transaction is entered into, and will continue to be used, exclusively, or nearly exclusively, for forestry activities; and
5: Replace section 16A(4)(c)
c: that the non-occupation outcome will, or is likely to, occur in relation to the relevant land (where that outcome in clause 17(3) to (5)
6: After section 16A(4)
4A: To avoid doubt, the reference in subsection (2)(a)
7: In section 16A(7)(a) and (b) (2)(d) (2)(b)
8: In section 16A(9) forestry activities forestry activities
a: maintaining a crop of trees:
b: harvesting a crop of trees:
c: maintaining the land during the period between harvesting a crop of trees and establishing a new crop of trees:
d: establishing a crop of trees.
5: Section 16B amended (Conditions for consents relating to sensitive land that is residential land: benefit to New Zealand test)
1: Replace section 16B(2)
2: However, this section does not apply (and see
a: to the extent that the relevant land is farm land and the relevant Ministers are satisfied in accordance with section 16A(2)
b: where the application is being considered in accordance with section 16A(4).
2: In section 16B section 16A(1)(c) section 16A(1)(b)
6: Section 16C amended (Conditions for consents relating to sensitive land that will be used for forestry activities)
1: Replace section 16C(1) and (2)
1: Subsection (2) section 16A(2)
2: If granted, the consent must be made subject to conditions for the purpose of ensuring that the requirements set out in section 16A(2)
2: In section 16C(5) 16A(2)(d) 16A(2)(b)
7: Section 17 amended (Factors for assessing benefit of overseas investments in sensitive land)
In section 17(2) (including where section 16A(3) is being applied)
2: Other amendments
8: Schedule 1AA amended
In Schedule 1AA
a: insert the Part set out in the Schedule
b: make all necessary consequential amendments.
9: Schedule 2 amended
In Schedule 2 clause 17(4)
5: For the purposes of section 16A(2)(c) and (4)(c)
a: accommodation is being provided for the purpose only of supporting forestry activities (as defined in section 16A(9)) being carried out on the farm land (in the case of section 16A(2)(c) section 16A(4)(c)
b: all the buildings being used for that accommodation are located on land on which some or all of those forestry activities are being carried out or on land that adjoins land on which some or all of those forestry activities are being carried out.
10: Schedule 3 amended
1: In Schedule 3, clause 6(4)(b) the combined area of all other forestry rights the combined area of all unconsented forestry rights
2: In Schedule 3, clause 6(5) (4)(b)(i) (4)(b)
3: In Schedule 3, after clause 6(6)
7: In this clause, unconsented forestry right
a: a consent:
b: an exemption in, or an exemption granted under, this Act or the regulations (other than an exemption under this clause).
11: Schedule 4 amended
1: In Schedule 4, clause 3(2)(d) applicant has persons referred to in subclause (2A)
2: In Schedule 4, after clause 3(2)
2A: For the purposes of subclause (2)(d), the persons are the following (viewed as a group):
a: the applicant:
b: the applicant’s associates:
c: the individuals with control of the relevant overseas person.


1: Title
This Act is the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022.
2: Commencement
1: This Act comes into force on the earlier of the following:
a: a date appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council:
b: 1 July 2023.
2: An Order in Council made under subsection (1)(a) is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 2(1) brought into force 1 May 2023 clause 2 Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act Commencement Order 2023
1: Preliminary provisions
3: Overview
1: Part 1
2: Part 2 Monitor
a: in subpart 1
i: establishing the Monitor:
ii: stating the objectives of the Monitor and setting out their monitoring function:
iii: requiring the Monitor to act independently when carrying out their monitoring function and developing their tools and monitoring approaches:
iv: requiring the Monitor to appoint a Māori Advisory Group:
v: requiring the Monitor to make reasonable efforts to enter into arrangements with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations:
vi: requiring the Monitor to have a code of ethics relating to their engagement with other people:
vii: requiring the Monitor to prepare reports on the state of the Oranga Tamariki system, compliance with national care standards regulations, and outcomes for Māori children and young people and their whānau:
viii: providing a power of entry to authorised employees and staff of the Monitor for the purpose of carrying out monitoring of the Oranga Tamariki system:
b: in subpart 2 Ombudsmen Act 1975
3: Part 3
a: in subpart 1
i: relating to collection, use, and disclosure of information by the Monitor under this Act:
ii: requiring the Monitor to make information rules relating to the collection, use, and disclosure of information by the Monitor:
iii: providing for the sharing of information under this Act between the Monitor and Ombudsmen:
iv: providing for the disclosure of information by Ombudsmen to appropriate agencies or persons:
b: in subpart 2
i: allowing the Monitor to report non-compliance or interference with the performance of their monitoring function to chief executives of departments or agencies and the Minister:
ii: providing that the Monitor may not review any decision or recommendation, or any act or omission, of a court or tribunal when performing their monitoring function:
iii: requiring the Monitor to refer certain matters to prescribed persons:
iv: allowing the Monitor to refer matters to specified persons:
v: providing for the making of regulations under the Act:
vi: providing for a review of this Act no later than 3 years after its commencement.
4: Part 4
5: This section is only a guide to the general scheme and effect of this Act.
4: Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to uphold the rights and interests and improve the well-being of children and young people who are receiving, or have previously received, services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system and promote the effectiveness of that system by—
a: setting out the functions, duties, and powers of the Monitor; and
b: giving Ombudsmen additional duties and powers when dealing with matters that may fall under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
i: Oranga Tamariki:
ii: care or custody providers; and
c: creating a framework for the Monitor and Ombudsmen to work together in a comprehensive, cohesive, and efficient way and to consult one another and share information, as appropriate.
5: Principles
A person who performs a function or duty or exercises a power under this Act must have regard to—
a: the well-being, interests, and voices of children, young people, and their families and whānau:
b: the best interests of children and young people:
c: the perspectives of children and young people:
d: the need to respect and uphold the rights of children and young people in New Zealand law (including their rights in New Zealand law that are derived from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child or the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities):
e: the importance of relationships and connections of children and young people with their families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities.
6: Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi
In order to recognise and respect the Crown’s responsibility to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi Treaty of Waitangi
a: section 13(2)
b: section 14(2)(c)
c: section 15(2)(b) and (c)
d: section 17
e: section 18
f: section 19
g: section 24
h: section 39
i: operate in a way that recognises the importance of a child’s or young person’s whānau, hapū, iwi, and culture, including providing for whānau, hapū, and iwi to participate in the complaints or investigations processes, as appropriate; and
ii: ensure that their complaints and investigations processes are visible and accessible to children and young people and their whānau, hapū, or iwi, or an individual or organisation supporting them, and to incorporate a tikanga Māori approach:
i: section 43
j: section 49(4)(b)(i) section 19
k: section 58(2)(b)(i)
7: Common duties
1: This section applies to the Monitor, an Ombudsman, and the Children and Young People’s Commission when they are carrying out work relating to children or young people who are receiving, or have previously received, services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system.
2: The common duties of the Monitor, the Ombudsman, and the Children and Young People’s Commission include—
a: to work together in a comprehensive, cohesive, and efficient way with each other, including by consulting and co-ordinating with each other and sharing information, as appropriate:
b: to minimise the burden and potential risk of harm to individuals when the Monitor, the Ombudsman, or the Children and Young People’s Commission is performing or exercising a function, duty, or power:
c: to minimise the burden on agencies when they are gathering information under this Act and carrying out preliminary inquiries, investigations, or reviews:
d: to co-ordinate communications to individuals, agencies, Ministers of the Crown, and the public, as appropriate.
8: Interpretation
1: In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— agency
a: means any person or body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, and whether in the public sector or the private sector; and
b: includes an individual delivering services or support to children and young people through the Oranga Tamariki system independently of any other agency; and
c: to avoid doubt, includes a department; but
d: does not include—
i: the Sovereign; or
ii: the Governor-General or the Administrator of the Government; or
iii: the House of Representatives; or
iv: a member of Parliament in their official capacity; or
v: the Parliamentary Service Commission; or
vi: the Parliamentary Service, except in relation to personal information about any employee or former employee of that agency in their capacity as an employee; or
vii: in relation to its judicial functions, a court; or
viii: in relation to its judicial functions, a tribunal; or
ix: an Ombudsman; or
x: a commission of inquiry, board of inquiry, court of inquiry, or committee of inquiry appointed, pursuant to, and not by, any provision of an Act, to inquire into a specified matter; or
xi: in relation to its news activities, any news entity; or
xii: an inquiry to which section 6
xiii: an individual (except an individual referred to in paragraph (b)) approved provider
a: a care or custody provider:
b: an organisation or a body approved under section 403 care or custody provider Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
a: an organisation into whose care any child or young person is placed under section 362
b: an organisation that operates a residence established under section 364
c: an organisation or body approved under section 396 caregiver
a: means a person in whose care a child or young person is placed under section 362
b: includes a whānau caregiver; but
c: does not include a parent or guardian of a child or young person chief executive of Oranga Tamariki child section 2(1) Children and Young People’s Commission section 11 code of ethics section 21 coercive powers Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 department section 5 harm in care or custody Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System Monitor section 12(2) Independent Monitoring Agency of the Oranga Tamariki System Monitoring Agency Schedule 2 individual information rules section 49 Māori Advisory Group section 17 Minister Minister responsible for the Monitor monitoring function functions section 14 national care standards regulations Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 news activity section 7(1) news entity section 7(1) non-personal information Ombudsman Ombudsmen Act 1975 Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children Oranga Tamariki Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 Oranga Tamariki system section 9 other systems section 13(4) personal information section 7(1) preliminary inquiry section 41 premises section 33(3) services or support Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 State of the Oranga Tamariki system report section 22 whānau caregiver
a: who is a member of the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group; and
b: with whom the child or young person has been placed under section 362
c: who has primary responsibility for the care of the child or young person young person section 2(1)
2: In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, a term or expression that is used but not defined, but that is defined in the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
9: Meaning of Oranga Tamariki system
1: In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, Oranga Tamariki system Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
2: For the purposes of this Act, the Oranga Tamariki system—
a: applies to the delivery of services or support by agencies or their contracted partners within the system; and
b: includes (without limitation) the delivery of health, education, disability, and other services by those agencies or contracted partners within the system.
10: Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1
11: Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown.
2: Oversight of Oranga Tamariki system
1: Monitoring of Oranga Tamariki system
Independent Monitor of Oranga Tamariki System
12: Independent Monitor of Oranga Tamariki System established
1: This section establishes the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System (the Monitor
2: The Monitor is the person appointed under the Public Service Act 2020
3: The Monitor must be independent of Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children. Monitor’s objectives, monitoring function, duties, and powers
13: Monitor’s objectives
1: The objectives of the Monitor are to carry out objective, impartial, and evidence-based monitoring, and provide advice in order to—
a: assess the extent to which the Oranga Tamariki system and its interface with other systems support the rights, interests, and well-being of children, young people, and their families and whānau who are receiving, or have previously received, services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system:
b: assess whether the coercive powers exercised under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
c: support public trust and confidence in the Oranga Tamariki system:
d: identify areas of high performance and areas for improvement in relation to the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki and approved providers to encourage them to work towards continuous improvement:
e: support an understanding of specific aspects of the Oranga Tamariki system and its interface with other systems:
f: support informed decision making.
2: When developing their monitoring priorities, work programme, and monitoring approaches, the Monitor must ensure that they have as a key priority the need to support improved outcomes for children and young people, with particular attention to the need to support improved outcomes for Māori children and young people.
3: When developing their monitoring priorities, work programme, and monitoring approaches, the Monitor must have regard to the need to listen to the voices of children, young people, and whānau in contact with the Oranga Tamariki system, including, in the case of children and young people, upholding their right to share their views and have those views taken into account.
4: In this section and section 14(1) other systems
a: in relation to children or young people who—
i: are or were the subject of a report made under section 15
ii: are subject to any process under Part 4 5 sections 351 to 360
b: that aim to address the risk factors that increase the likelihood of a person’s involvement in the statutory care and protection system or youth justice jurisdiction under that Act.
14: Monitoring function
1: The function of the Monitor is to monitor the performance of the Oranga Tamariki system in the context of its interface with other systems.
2: For the purposes of subsection (1), the function includes (without limitation)—
a: assessing compliance with the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
b: assessing the quality and impacts of service delivery, service mix, service resourcing, and practices on the experiences of children, young people, families, and whānau:
c: assessing outcomes for children, young people, families, and whānau who receive services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system, and changes in outcomes over time, with particular regard to Māori children and young people and their whānau.
15: Tools and monitoring approaches
1: The Monitor must develop tools and monitoring approaches to support their monitoring and reporting under this Act.
2: The Monitor must ensure that their tools and monitoring approaches—
a: include the sources of information and key indicators of performance that will be used to assess compliance, quality of care, and changes over time; and
b: operate in a way that recognises the importance of children’s and young people’s families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities and their culture; and
c: incorporate a tikanga Māori approach.
3: The tools and monitoring approaches must have regard to systems for continuous improvement, self-monitoring, and assurance.
4: In developing their tools and monitoring approaches, the Monitor must consult—
a: the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki:
b: the chief executive of services approved under section 396
c: the Commissioner of Police.
16: Duty to act independently
1: The Monitor must act independently when—
a: carrying out their monitoring function under section 14
b: developing tools and monitoring approaches under section 15
2: A Minister of the Crown must not direct the Monitor to stop carrying out an activity, or prevent the Monitor from carrying out an activity, that the Monitor considers is necessary to enable them to perform or exercise their functions, duties, or powers under this Act. Māori Advisory Group
17: Māori Advisory Group
1: The Monitor must appoint a Māori Advisory Group in order to support meaningful and effective engagement with Māori.
2: The Māori Advisory Group consists of not fewer than 3, and not more than 6, members.
3: A person must not be appointed as a member of the Māori Advisory Group unless, in the opinion of the Monitor, the person is qualified for appointment, having regard to the person’s—
a: experience and knowledge of children’s and young people’s rights and issues in the context of the Oranga Tamariki system; and
b: experience and knowledge of tikanga Māori.
18: Collaboration with Māori Advisory Group
1: The Monitor must collaborate with, and have regard to the views of, the Māori Advisory Group when the Monitor is developing their priorities, work programmes, and monitoring approaches.
2: The Monitor must demonstrate annually on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Monitor how they have had regard to the views of the Māori Advisory Group. Arrangements with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations
19: Arrangements with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations
1: The Monitor must make reasonable efforts to develop arrangements with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations for the purposes of—
a: providing opportunities to, and inviting proposals on how to, improve oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system:
b: sharing information under this Act.
2: Nothing in subsection (1) limits or affects any other legislation that applies to the sharing of information. Engagement by Monitor
20: Engagement by Monitor
For the purpose of performing their monitoring function under this Act, the Monitor may engage directly with—
a: children and young people who receive services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system and the families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities associated with those children and young people:
b: the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki, approved providers, and caregivers:
c: relevant stakeholders, including advocacy services:
d: any other individual or agency that the Monitor considers appropriate. Code of ethics
21: Monitor must have code of ethics relating to engagement
1: The Monitor must have a code of ethics relating to engagement with other persons carried out by the Monitor and the Monitor’s staff in performance of the monitoring function under this Act.
2: The purposes of the code of ethics are to—
a: ensure safe (including culturally safe) and ethical engagement:
b: provide assurance that the voices of individuals, particularly children and young people, are heard:
c: provide certainty in engagement:
d: minimise the burden of engagement.
3: The code of ethics must—
a: include the information prescribed by regulations made under section 57
b: be reviewed by the Monitor at intervals not exceeding 5 years or any shorter intervals prescribed by regulations made under section 57
4: When developing the code of ethics, or any amendments to the code of ethics, the Monitor must consult the person or persons prescribed by regulations made under section 57
5: The Monitor must publish the code of ethics on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Monitor. Reports and reviews
22: State of Oranga Tamariki system report
The Monitor must, at least once every 3 years, prepare a State of the Oranga Tamariki system report.
23: Annual report on compliance with national care standards regulations
1: The Monitor must prepare an annual report on compliance with national care standards regulations.
2: When preparing the report, the Monitor must consider and be informed by—
a: self-monitoring done under the national care standards; and
b: any other information obtained in accordance with this Act.
24: Annual report on outcomes for Māori children and young people and their whānau
1: The Monitor must prepare an annual report on the performance of the Oranga Tamariki system in respect of outcomes being achieved for Māori children and young people and their whānau.
2: When preparing the report, the Monitor must consider and be informed by any information obtained in accordance with this Act. Section 24(2) replaced 8 April 2025 section 8 Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Act 2025
25: Requests for reviews
1: The Monitor must carry out a review on any topic within their monitoring function at the request of the Minister responsible for the Monitor.
2: However, a request under subsection (1) must not require the Monitor to stop carrying out any 1 or more of their monitoring activities currently underway or scheduled to begin in order to prioritise a review of the matter to which the request relates.
3: The Monitor may carry out a review on any topic within their monitoring function at the request of the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki.
4: The Monitor must prepare a report of the results of a review carried out under this section.
26: Reviews on Monitor’s own initiative
1: The Monitor may, on their own initiative, carry out reviews of issues, themes, concerns, or areas of identified practice relating to the delivery of services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system.
2: The Monitor must prepare a report of the results of a review carried out under this section.
27: Comments on Monitor’s draft findings or draft report
1: Before finalising any report prepared under section 22 23 24 25 26
a: provide their draft findings or draft report to the chief executive of the agency that is the subject of the report; and
b: give the chief executive a reasonable opportunity to comment on the draft findings or draft report.
2: Despite anything in this subpart, the Monitor must not, in any report prepared under section 22 23 24 25 26
28: Final reports
The Monitor must provide a copy of a final report prepared under section 22 23 24 25 26
a: the Minister responsible for the Monitor; and
b: the Minister responsible for the administration of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
c: the chief executive of an agency that is the subject of the report; and
d: Ombudsmen; and
e: the Children and Young People’s Commission.
29: Final reports to be presented to House of Representatives
The Minister responsible for the administration of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 section 22 23 24 25 26
30: Responses to final reports
1: The chief executive of an agency that is the subject of any final report of the Monitor must prepare a response in writing to that report.
2: In the response, the chief executive must—
a: state what the agency intends to do in response to the Monitor’s findings; and
b: specify the time frame in which the agency intends to make any necessary changes; and
c: state how the agency intends to monitor the impact of those changes.
3: The chief executive must provide their response to the Monitor, the Minister responsible for the Monitor, and the Minister responsible for the administration of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
a: for a final report prepared under section 22 25 26
b: for a final report prepared under section 23 24
4: The Minister responsible for the Monitor may extend the time frame for providing a response under subsection (3)(a) or (b) if—
a: a final report of the Monitor makes findings relevant to multiple agencies; and
b: the Minister responsible for the Monitor considers that a multi-agency response is desirable.
31: Publication of final reports and responses
1: The Monitor must publish a copy of a final report prepared under section 22 23 24 25 26 section 30
a: on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Monitor; and
b: within the time frame specified in regulations made under section 57
2: If a final report or response contains information that may identify an individual, the information must be redacted or withheld from publication, unless—
a: the information is of a kind referred to in section 32(4)(a) or (b)
b: section 32(5)
3: However, the exception in subsection (2) may not be relied on if release of the information may identify any child or young person who has received services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system from an individual referred to in section 32(4)(a) or (b)
32: Duty to protect individuals’ privacy in relation to reports
1: This section applies to a report prepared by the Monitor under section 22 23 24 25(4) 26(2) 28
2: The report must not contain any personal information about a child or young person or any member of their family or whānau unless the Monitor has obtained informed consent (in accordance with its code of ethics) from the relevant individual (or individuals) to include their personal information in the report with full knowledge of who will receive the report.
3: The chief executive of an agency that prepares a response to a report referred to in subsection (1) must not include any personal information that relates to an individual referred to in subsection (2).
4: Unless either or both of the circumstances in subsection (5) apply, a report listed in subsection (1) and a response referred to in subsection (3) may not include any personal information about—
a: an individual caregiver:
b: any other individual delivering services or support to children and young people through the Oranga Tamariki system.
5: The circumstances are—
a: the individual concerned consents to their personal information being in the report or response:
b: the Monitor or the chief executive of the agency (as applicable) considers that the public interest in including the personal information in the report or response outweighs the individual’s privacy interests. Power of entry for monitoring purposes
33: Authorisation of staff
1: The Monitor may authorise any of their employees or contracted staff (an authorised staff member
2: An authorised staff member must carry and produce when asked to do so—
a: evidence of their authorisation to enter the premises; and
b: evidence of their identity.
3: In this section and sections 34 to 36 premises
34: Power to enter premises
1: An authorised staff member may enter premises if they reasonably believe it is necessary for the purpose of monitoring the performance of the Oranga Tamariki system under section 14
2: This section is subject to sections 35 and 36
35: Notice of entry
1: Before entering premises under section 34
2: The notice must—
a: state that the power of entry is being exercised for the purpose described in section 34(1)
b: be given within a reasonable time before entry is to occur.
3: However, the notice need not explain why the authorised staff member reasonably believes entry is necessary for the purpose described in section 34(1)
36: Limits on power of entry
1: An authorised staff member must not enter premises under section 34
a: the authorised staff member has reason to believe that entering the premises may result in a child or young person being at risk of being harmed; or
b: a person in charge of the premises denies entry to the premises in exceptional circumstances.
2: In subsection (1)(b), exceptional circumstances
a: people within the premises are experiencing serious health concerns (for example, an outbreak of gastroenteritis); or
b: a serious event or incident has occurred and a visit by an authorised staff member is likely to exacerbate tension or cause emotional harm to a child or young person at the premises.
3: A person in charge who denies entry to an authorised staff member under subsection (1)(b) must provide a reason in writing to the Monitor within a reasonable time before the entry is to occur.
2: Complaints oversight by Ombudsmen
37: Purpose of this subpart
The purpose of this subpart is to provide Ombudsmen with additional duties and powers when dealing with matters that fall under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
a: Oranga Tamariki; or
b: care or custody providers.
38: Application of Act to Ombudsmen
1: The provisions specified in subsection (2) apply to an Ombudsman when they are dealing with matters that fall under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
a: Oranga Tamariki; or
b: care or custody providers.
2: The provisions are—
a: Part 1
b: section 39
c: section 51
d: section 52
e: section 56
3: Nothing in this Act limits or affects the functions, duties, and powers of an Ombudsman under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
39: Duties of Ombudsman in relation to complaints and investigations
When dealing with a complaint or an investigation involving Oranga Tamariki or a care or custody provider, an Ombudsman must—
a: operate in a way that recognises the importance of a child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and culture; and
b: ensure that the Ombudsman’s complaints and investigations processes—
i: are visible and accessible to children and young people and their family, whānau, hapū, and iwi, or an individual or organisation supporting them; and
ii: incorporate a tikanga Māori approach; and
c: involve the child or young person, and their family, whānau, hapū, and iwi in their complaints or investigations processes, as appropriate.
40: Guidance relating to complaints and systems improvement
1: An Ombudsman may provide guidance to Oranga Tamariki and care or custody providers—
a: on the design of their complaints processes; and
b: to support the learning and continuous improvement of those processes.
2: The Ombudsmen Act 1975
41: Preliminary inquiries
1: An Ombudsman may require Oranga Tamariki or a care or custody provider to provide the Ombudsman with any information they consider necessary for the purposes of carrying out preliminary inquiries.
2: The Ombudsmen Act 1975 section 19
42: Information to be proactively provided to Ombudsman
1: The purpose of this section is to provide an Ombudsman with access to classes of information to assist the Ombudsman when they are considering matters that fall under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
a: Oranga Tamariki; or
b: care or custody providers.
2: The chief executive of Oranga Tamariki or the care or custody provider must provide an Ombudsman with access to all information that is available to them in the following categories:
a: information relating to every critical or serious incident:
b: information on complaints made to Oranga Tamariki or the care or custody provider:
c: information on trends and data that identify patterns of those complaints:
d: any other class of information that the Ombudsman specifies in writing will inform their consideration of matters that relate to an agency delivering services in the Oranga Tamariki system and that may fall under the Ombudsmen Act 1975 section 41
3: An Ombudsman may, after consulting the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki and care or custody providers, specify in writing the manner and reasonable time frame within which any information referred to in subsection (2)(a) to (d) must be provided.
4: For the purposes of subsection (2)(a), critical or serious incident
a: the death of a child or young person with current or recent involvement under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
b: the death of an adult who was in recent contact with Oranga Tamariki or who was the victim of youth offending (or alleged youth offending):
c: the suicide or attempted suicide of a child or young person in care or custody:
d: self-harm resulting in significant injury to a child or young person in care or custody or a sustained pattern of self-harm by the child or young person:
e: allegations and substantiated findings of abuse (being actions or omissions that cause emotional, physical, or sexual harm, or constitute sexual harassment) or neglect by a staff member against a child or young person in care or custody:
f: allegations and substantiated findings of abuse (being actions or omissions that cause emotional, physical, or sexual harm) or neglect by a caregiver against a child or young person in care or custody:
g: allegations and substantiated findings of abuse (being actions or omissions that cause emotional, physical, or sexual harm) or neglect by any other person against a child or young person in care or custody:
h: use of force against a child or young person in care or custody by a staff member of a residence established under section 364
i: an event or a situation in which imminent serious injury to or death of a child or young person in care or custody was averted:
j: an event or a situation in a youth justice residence or facility, or involving staff of the residence or facility, in which imminent serious injury to or death of a child or young person was averted:
k: a report that a child or young person is missing from their placement or has absconded from a youth justice residence or other secure care. Arrangements with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations
43: Arrangements with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations
1: The Chief Ombudsman must make reasonable efforts to develop arrangements with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations for the purposes of—
a: supporting Ombudsmen in carrying out their duties in relation to complaints and investigations under section 39
b: sharing information under this Act.
2: Nothing in subsection (1) limits or affects any other legislation that applies to the sharing of information.
3: Information provisions and other matters
1: Information provisions
44: Purpose for which information may be collected, used, or disclosed
The Monitor may only collect, use, or disclose information under this Act—
a: to enable the Monitor to fulfil their objectives and (as applicable) perform or exercise their functions, duties, or powers; or
b: as otherwise provided under this Act. Collection of information
45: Monitor’s power to require information
1: The Monitor may require an agency that delivers services or support to children, young people, and their family and whānau through the Oranga Tamariki system to provide them with information the Monitor considers relevant to fulfil their objectives and perform or exercise their functions, duties, or powers under this Act.
2: A requirement must—
a: be in writing; and
b: be made in accordance with the Monitor’s code of ethics and information rules; and
c: specify the date by which, and the manner in which, the information is to be provided.
3: An agency that is required to provide information under this section must comply with the requirement.
4: Nothing in this section limits or affects legal professional privilege.
46: Consent required to collect information from child or young person
1: Before collecting information directly from a child or young person, the Monitor must—
a: comply with the requirements in the Monitor’s code of ethics in respect of engaging with children and young people; and
b: obtain informed consent from—
i: the child or young person; or
ii: the child or young person’s caregiver, if the child or young person does not have the capacity to consent.
2: A child or young person, or (as applicable) their caregiver, may withdraw their consent to the collection of information at any time.
47: Duty of caregiver to facilitate access to child or young person without undue delay
1: The Monitor may, in accordance with their code of ethics, require a child’s or young person’s caregiver to facilitate the Monitor’s access to a child or young person in their care when monitoring the performance of the Oranga Tamariki system under section 14
2: A caregiver to whom subsection (1) applies must not unduly delay access to the child or young person if required to facilitate access under this section. Disclosure of information
48: Disclosure of information
1: The Monitor must not disclose any information collected by the Monitor under this Act, unless 1 or more of the following apply:
a: the information is shared for the purposes of section 7(2)(a)
b: the information is shared with hapū, iwi, or Māori organisations in accordance with arrangements developed under section 19(1)(b)
c: the information is shared with an Ombudsman in accordance with section 51
d: the information is for a referral under section 56
e: the information is—
i: available to the public under this Act; or
ii: publicly available and, in the case of any personal information, it would not be unfair or unreasonable in the circumstances to disclose the information:
f: the information is non-personal information included in materials proposed to be published by the Monitor and the disclosure is for the purpose of any 1 or more of the Monitor’s objectives set out in section 13
g: the information is non-personal information and the Monitor believes on reasonable grounds that the disclosure is for statistical or research purposes and the information will not be used in a form that could reasonably be expected to identify any individual:
h: the disclosure of the information—
i: is made under this Act or regulations made under section 57
ii: is otherwise required by or under law:
i: the disclosure is permitted by section 33
j: the disclosure of the information is with the consent of the person—
i: to whom the information relates; or
ii: to whom the information is confidential:
k: the Monitor believes on reasonable grounds that the disclosure is reasonably necessary—
i: to protect a person from harm; or
ii: to prevent or lessen a serious threat to public health or safety or to the life or health of any person.
2: In subsection (1)(k)(ii), serious threat
a: the likelihood of the threat being realised; and
b: the severity of the consequences if the threat is realised; and
c: the time at which the threat may be realised.
3: Nothing in this section limits or affects section 15 Monitor’s information rules
49: Monitor’s information rules
1: The Monitor must make rules ( information rules
2: The information rules must support the performance of the Monitor’s monitoring function and protect the privacy of children, young people, their families and whānau.
3: The power of the Monitor to make information rules must not be delegated to another person.
4: When making information rules, the Monitor must—
a: make reasonable efforts to consult interested or affected agencies; and
b: consult the following:
i: hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations with whom the Monitor has entered into arrangements under section 19
ii: the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki:
iii: approved providers:
iv: the Privacy Commissioner.
5: Information rules made under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 LA19 s 74(1)(aa) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act.
50: Content of information rules
Information rules made under section 49
a: the collection of information under section 45
b: the methods of collecting information:
c: the use of information (for example, that information may only be used by approved staff):
d: the storage and disposal of information (for example, how information is to be kept separate from other information held by the Monitor):
e: the accuracy and completeness of information (for example, procedures for confirming or validating information):
f: the disclosure of information under this Act:
g: the operational procedures to support the sharing of information between hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations and the Monitor under section 19 Sharing of information
51: Sharing of information between Monitor and Ombudsman
1: The Monitor and an Ombudsman may share information with each other if the provider of the information believes either or both of the following apply:
a: the sharing of the information would minimise the burden on individuals or agencies:
b: the sharing of the information would assist the Monitor or an Ombudsman in the performance or exercise of their functions, duties, or powers.
2: Any information received by the Monitor or an Ombudsman under this Act may only be used in connection with,—
a: in the case of the Monitor, the performance or exercise of their functions, duties, or powers under this Act:
b: in the case of an Ombudsman, the performance or exercise of their duties or powers under this Act or functions, duties, or powers under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
3: Information may be provided whether or not a request has been made.
4: The Monitor or an Ombudsman may decline a request for the sharing of information under this section.
5: This section overrides section 21
52: Disclosure of information by Ombudsman to appropriate agency or person
1: An Ombudsman may disclose information obtained in the course of performing or exercising their functions, duties, or powers under this Act or the Ombudsmen Act 1975
a: there is a credible and serious risk of harm to a child or young person; and
b: the disclosure is necessary to mitigate that risk.
2: This section overrides section 21
2: Other matters
Reports of interference or non-compliance
53: Monitor may report interference or non-compliance
1: The Monitor may report to the chief executive of a department or an agency, or to any Minister responsible for the department or an agency, if—
a: the Monitor considers there has been interference with the performance of their monitoring function under this Act:
b: a chief executive of an agency has not provided a response to a final report of the Monitor within the time frame specified in section 30(3)
c: any authorised staff member of the Monitor has been denied entry to premises under section 36
d: an agency has not complied with a requirement to provide information under section 45
e: a child’s or young person’s caregiver has unduly delayed or denied access to the child or young person after being required to facilitate access under section 47
2: The Monitor must give a copy of any report prepared under subsection (1) to the Minister responsible for the Monitor and the Minister responsible for the administration of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
3: The Minister responsible for the Monitor may report to the House of Representatives on the matter.
4: The Monitor may publicly notify the matter on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Monitor.
5: The Monitor must not, in any report under this section, make any comment that is adverse to any individual unless the individual has first been given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
6: If a report prepared under this section contains information that may identify an individual caregiver or other individual delivering services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system, that information must be redacted or withheld from publication unless—
a: the individual concerned consents to the information being included in the report; or
b: the Monitor or the chief executive of the agency (as applicable) considers that the public interest in including the information in the report outweighs the individual’s privacy interests.
7: However, the exception in subsection (6) may not be relied on if release of the information may identify any child or young person who has received services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system from an individual referred to in that subsection. No power for Monitor to review courts or tribunals
54: No power for Monitor to review courts or tribunals
1: Despite anything in this Act, the Monitor may not review any decision or recommendation, or any act or omission, of a court or a tribunal when the Monitor is performing the monitoring function under this Act.
2: If a matter is the subject of proceedings before a court or tribunal, the Monitor must not commence or continue a review into the matter until the proceedings are finally determined. 2003 No 121 s 18 Notification of certain matters
55: Monitor must notify certain matters
The Monitor must notify the person (or persons) prescribed by regulations made under section 57(1)(a) Referrals
56: Referrals of matters
1: This section applies when—
a: the Monitor is performing or exercising their functions, duties, or powers under this Act:
b: an Ombudsman is performing or exercising their duties or powers under this Act or functions, duties, or powers under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
2: If the Monitor or an Ombudsman considers that the subject matter of an inquiry, review, investigation, complaint, or other function relates (whether in whole or in part) to a matter that is more properly within the scope of the functions of a person or body specified in subsection (5), the Monitor or the Ombudsman must, without delay, consult that person or body to determine the appropriate means of dealing with the subject matter.
3: As soon as practicable after consulting the person or body, the Monitor or the Ombudsman must determine whether the subject matter should be dealt with, in whole or in part, under this Act.
4: If the Monitor or the Ombudsman determines that the subject matter should be dealt with, in whole or in part, by one of the persons or bodies specified in subsection (5), the Monitor or the Ombudsman must, without delay,—
a: refer the subject matter, or the appropriate part of the subject matter, to that person or body; and
b: give written notice of the referral to the individual who initiated the inquiry, review, investigation, or complaint.
5: The persons and bodies are—
a: the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki:
b: the Children and Young People’s Commission:
c: the Monitor:
d: an Ombudsman exercising jurisdiction under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
e: the Chief Commissioner under the Human Rights Act 1993
f: the Director-General of Health:
g: the chief executive of Health New Zealand:
h:
i: the Health and Disability Commissioner:
j: the Secretary for Education:
k: a board constituted under subpart 5
l: the Commissioner of Police:
m: the Independent Police Conduct Authority:
n: the Privacy Commissioner:
o: any other person or body that the Monitor or the Ombudsman considers appropriate. 2003 No 121 s 19 Section 56(5)(h) repealed 30 June 2024 section 43 Pae Ora (Disestablishment of Māori Health Authority) Amendment Act 2024 Miscellaneous
57: Regulations
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes: Notifications
a: prescribing, for the purposes of section 55 Monitor’s code of ethics
b: prescribing the information that must be contained in the Monitor’s code of ethics:
c: prescribing, for the purposes of section 21(3)(b)
d: prescribing any 1 or more persons who must be consulted when the Monitor is developing their code of ethics or any amendments to the code of ethics: Monitor’s reports
e: prescribing the minimum matters to be contained in the 3-yearly State of the Oranga Tamariki system report to be prepared by the Monitor under section 22
i: the performance of the duties of the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki set out in section 7(2)(h) and (i)
ii: Māori children and young people and their whānau; and
iii: disabled children and young people:
f: prescribing the minimum matters to be contained in a report prepared by the Monitor under section 23 section 24
g: prescribing the time frame within which reports and responses to reports must be published on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Monitor: General
h: providing for anything this Act says may or must be provided for by regulations:
i: providing for anything incidental that is necessary for carrying out, or giving full effect to, this Act.
2: Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 57(1)(e)(i) replaced 8 April 2025 section 9 Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Act 2025
58: Review of Act
1: The Minister must arrange for an independent review of the operation and effectiveness of this Act and the operation of the Monitor under this Act.
2: The review must consider—
a: whether the functions, duties, and powers set out in this Act give effect to the purpose of this Act; and
b: whether the Monitor is—
i: working effectively with Ombudsmen and hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations; and
ii: being effectively supported by agencies and their contracted partners in the Oranga Tamariki system, and whether there is any evidence that the Monitor is being obstructed in performing their functions, duties, or powers under this Act; and
iii: appropriately resourced to efficiently and effectively discharge their functions, duties, or powers under this Act and to support the resilience of the Oranga Tamariki system; and
c: whether any amendments to this Act are necessary or desirable; and
d: any other matters that the Minister considers appropriate, after consulting the Monitor, the Chief Ombudsman, and other Ministers of the Crown with relevant portfolios, as necessary.
3: The review must commence no later than 3 years after the commencement of this Act.
4: The findings of the review must be reported to—
a: the Minister; and
b: the Minister responsible for the Monitor; and
c: the Minister responsible for administration of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
d: as far as they relate to Ombudsmen, the House of Representatives.
5: The Minister must present a copy of the report on the review to the House of Representatives as soon as practicable after receiving the report.
4: Amendments to other legislation
1: Amendments to Acts
Amendments to Official Information Act 1982
59: Principal Act
Section 60 Official Information Act 1982 OIC SL 2023/35 2023-05-01 Official Information Act 1982 Act bought into force by SL 2023/35
60: Section 2 amended (Interpretation)
1: In section 2(1) official information does not include subject to paragraph (ia),
2: In section 2(1) official information
ia: does not include information contained in any correspondence or communication that has taken place between an Ombudsman and any public service agency, Minister of the Crown, or organisation and that relates to—
i: an agency delivering services or support to children and young people through the Oranga Tamariki system and the performance or potential performance of functions under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
ii: the provision of guidance by an Ombudsman under section 40 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
ib: does not include information provided by an Ombudsman to the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System under section 51 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
3: In section 2(1) Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System section 8(1) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 Oranga Tamariki system section 9 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 Amendments to Ombudsmen Act 1975
61: Principal Act
Sections 62 63 Ombudsmen Act 1975 OIC SL 2023/35 2023-05-01 Ombudsmen Act 1975 Act bought into force by SL 2023/35
62: Section 15 amended (House of Representatives may make rules for guidance of Ombudsmen)
1: In section 15(1) 2022 or under the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
2: In section 15(2) 2022 or under the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
63: Schedule 1 amended
In Schedule 1, Part 2 Care or custody providers within the meaning of section 8(1) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 Amendments to Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
64: Principal Act
Sections 65 to 71 Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 OIC SL 2023/35 2023-05-01 Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 Act bought into force by SL 2023/35
65: Section 2 amended (Interpretation)
In section 2(1) Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System section 8(1) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
66: Section 7 amended (Duties of chief executive)
Replace section 7(2)(bae)
bae: ensure that the policies and services provided by the department are informed by the outcomes of cases considered by the complaints process and any reviews of those outcomes:
67: Section 47 amended (Report to be furnished to Commissioner where child or young person released before required to be brought before court)
1: In the heading to section 47 furnished to Commissioner where sent to Ombudsman if
2: Replace section 47(1)
1: This section applies if—
a: a child or young person is placed in the custody of the chief executive under section 39, 40, or 42
b: the child or young person is released from that custody before the child or young person is required by section 45(a)
1A: If this section applies, the person who released the child or young person from that custody must, as soon as practicable after the release,—
a: write a report containing the details required by subsection (2); and
b: send a copy of the report to the Ombudsman to enable the Ombudsman to consider whether to exercise any functions or powers under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
3: Replace section 47(2)(f)
f: the details of any follow up action, where needed, in relation to the child or young person and the proposed plan for undertaking the action, including who is responsible for undertaking the action and the time frame within which the action must be undertaken.
68: Section 445E amended (Limit on proceedings)
1: In section 445E(1)(a) and a review of the outcome of that complaint under the review mechanism provided for in regulations made under section 447(1)(fb)
2: Repeal section 445E(1)(a)(ii)
69: Section 447 amended (Regulations)
Replace section 447(1)(fa)(v)
v: the manner in which care standards are monitored or reported on, within the department and by the organisations approved under section 396
70: Section 447A repealed (Minister to appoint independent persons to monitor compliance with prescribed standard of care)
Repeal section 447A
71: Schedule 1AA amended
In Schedule 1AA, clause 6 1 January 2008 1 April 2017
2: Amendments to secondary legislation
Amendments to Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations 2018
72: Principal regulations
Sections 73 to 76 Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations 2018 OIC SL 2023/35 2023-05-01 Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations 2018 Act bought into force by SL 2023/35
73: Regulation 5 amended (Interpretation)
In regulation 5(1) Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System section 8(1) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
74: Regulations 77 to 85 and cross-heading revoked
Revoke regulations 77 to 85
75: Regulation 86 amended (Self-monitoring)
In regulation 86(2) The Minister or the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System
76: Regulation 87 amended (Reporting to the Minister and independent monitor on results of self-monitoring)
1: In the heading to regulation 87 the Minister and independent monitor Minister and Independent Monitor of Oranga Tamariki System
2: In regulation 87(2) every 3 years following a report of the independent monitor under regulation 80, concerning the chief executive’s or approved organisation’s compliance with these regulations every year before a report by the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System under sections 23 or 24 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 Amendment to Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996
77: Principal regulations
Section 78 Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996 OIC SL 2023/35 2023-05-01 Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996 Act bought into force by SL 2023/35
78: Regulation 31 amended (Functions and duties of grievance panels)
After regulation 31(5)(d)
e: the Chief Ombudsman; and
f: the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System. Amendment to Family Court Rules 2002
79: Principal rules
Section 80 Family Court Rules 2002 OIC SL 2023/35 2023-05-01 Family Court Rules 2002 Act bought into force by SL 2023/35
80: Rule 427 amended (Access to documents and court files during first access period)
Revoke rule 427(2)(c)(vi) Amendment to Ombudsmen Rules 1989
81: Principal rules
Section 82 Ombudsmen Rules 1989 OIC SL 2023/35 2023-05-01 Ombudsmen Rules 1989 Act bought into force by SL 2023/35
82: Rule 2 amended (Power to publish reports)
After rule 2(1)(a)(iii)
iv: the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022


Children and Young People's Commission Act 2022

1: Title
This Act is the Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2022.
2: Commencement
1: This Act comes into force on the earlier of the following:
a: a date appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council:
b: 1 July 2023.
2: An Order in Council made under subsection (1)(a) is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act.
1: Preliminary provisions
3: Overview
1: This Act replaces the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003
2: This Part states the purpose of this Act, defines terms used in this Act, and contains other preliminary provisions.
3: Part 2 Commission
4: Part 3
5: Part 4 Children’s Commissioner Act 2003
6: This section is only a guide to the general scheme and effect of this Act.
4: Purpose of this Act
The purpose of this Act is to establish the Children and Young People’s Commission to promote and advance the rights, interests, and participation of children and young people and to improve their well-being within (without limitation) the context of their families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities.
5: Principles
The Commission must have regard to the following matters when performing or exercising its functions, duties, or powers under this Act:
a: the Children’s Convention:
b: the child or young person within (without limitation) the context of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities:
c: the diversity of children and young people in all its forms:
d: the need for high aspirations for the well-being of all children and young people, including responsive systems and structures that support them:
e: the need to give priority to the children and young people who are disadvantaged, and the issues affecting them:
f: the need to hear from, and be informed by, children and young people:
g: other international instruments relevant to, and that affect, children and young people.
6: Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi
In order to recognise and respect the Crown’s responsibility to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi the Treaty of Waitangi
a: section 13(1)(b) te Tiriti o Waitangi the Treaty of Waitangi
b: section 13(2)
c: section 15
d: section 17(1)(a)
i: having a strong focus on the rights, interests, and well-being of Māori children and young people within the context of their whānau, hapū, and iwi:
ii: setting strategic priorities and work programmes that support improved outcomes for Māori children and young people within the context of their whānau, hapū, and iwi:
iii: promoting Māori participation and leadership and te ao Māori approaches in the performance of its functions, as appropriate; and
e: section 20(f)
f: section 31(3)(a)
g: section 38(2)(b)
7: Interpretation
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— agency section 8(1) board board member chief executive of Oranga Tamariki child Children and Young People’s Commission Commission section 11 Children’s Convention Schedule 2 code of ethics section 26 department section 5 former Act Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 harm in care or custody Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System Monitor section 12(2) inquiry section 20(i) Minister Ministry news activity section 7(1) news entity section 7(1) Ombudsman Ombudsmen Act 1975 Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 Oranga Tamariki system section 9 personal information section 7(1) te ao Māori tikanga Māori young person
a: a person aged 14 years or over but under 18 years; and
b: a person aged 18 years or over but under 25 years if they are, or have been, in care or custody.
8: Children’s Convention
1: The Children’s Convention is set out in Schedule 2
2: To avoid doubt, the inclusion of the text of the Children’s Convention in this Act does not affect the legal status of the Convention. 2003 No 121 s 36
9: Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1
10: Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown.
2: Children and Young People’s Commission
11: Children and Young People’s Commission established
1: This section establishes the Children and Young People’s Commission.
2: The Commission is a Crown entity for the purposes of the Crown Entities Act 2004
3: The Crown Entities Act 2004 2003 No 121 s 6
12: Commission’s board
1: The board consists of the following:
a: the chairperson, to be known as the Chief Children’s Commissioner; and
b: at least 2, but not more than 5, other board members.
2: Board members are the board for the purposes of the Crown Entities Act 2004
13: Experience and knowledge of board members
1: The Commission must have, on a collective basis, among its board members—
a: experience and knowledge of children’s and young people’s rights and issues; and
b: knowledge and understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi the Treaty of Waitangi
c: the required skills and leadership expertise to reflect the needs of children and young people of interest to the Commission.
2: At least half of the board members must—
a: have Māori knowledge; and
b: have experience in, and knowledge of, tikanga Māori.
3: This section does not limit sections 29 30
14: Recommendation and endorsement of board members
1: The Minister must have regard to recommendations from a nominations panel when recommending—
a: the appointment of a board member under section 28(1)(b)
b: the reappointment of a board member who has had continuous service of 6 years or more.
2: A candidate applying to be a board member must have the endorsement of a relevant agency specified in regulations made under section 37(1)(a)
15: Nominations panel
1: The chief executive of the Ministry must convene a nominations panel for the purposes of assessing candidates and making recommendations to the Minister relating to appointments under section 14(1)(a)
2: A nominations panel may only recommend a candidate for appointment under section 14(1)(a)
3: A nominations panel must consist of persons who have, on a collective basis, the following expertise and experience:
a: Māori leadership:
b: working with children and young people:
c: governance experience at a board level:
d: appointment and recruitment experience.
16: Appointment of Judge to Commission
1: The appointment of a Judge as a board member does not affect the tenure of their judicial office or the Judge’s rank, title, status, precedence, salary, annual or other allowances, or other rights or privileges as a Judge (including those in relation to superannuation).
2: For all purposes, the Judge’s service as a board member is taken to be service as a Judge. 1985 No 151 s 10 2003 No 121 s 7(5)
17: Duties of board
1: The duties of the board are to—
a: build and maintain relationships with hapū, iwi, Māori organisations, organisations representing children’s and young people’s issues, youth-led organisations, community organisations, departments, and other agencies, including by—
i: having a strong focus on the rights, interests, and well-being of Māori children and young people within the context of their whānau, hapū, and iwi:
ii: promoting Māori participation and leadership, and te ao Māori approaches, in the performance of its functions, as appropriate:
b: set strategic priorities and work programmes that support improved outcomes for Māori children and young people within the context of their whānau, hapū, and iwi:
c: have regard to the Children’s Convention as required by section 5(a)
2: The duties set out in subsection (1)—
a: apply in addition to the collective duties of the board set out in sections 49 to 52
b: are collective duties owed to the Minister for the purposes of section 58
18: Independence of Commission
Except as expressly provided otherwise in this or another Act, the Commission must act independently in performing its functions and duties and exercising powers under—
a: this Act; and
b: any other legislation that provides for the functions of the Commission (other than the Crown Entities Act 2004 2003 No 121 s 12(2)
19: Exemption from income tax
The income of the Commission is exempt from income tax. 2003 No 121 Schedule 1 cl 23 Commission’s functions, duties, and powers
20: Function relating to promoting interests and well-being of children and young people
A function of the Commission is to promote the interests and well-being of children and young people by—
a: developing and publishing reports and submissions on issues through a child- and young person-centred lens and, when appropriate, making those reports publicly available:
b: advocating for children’s and young people’s well-being, and their interests collectively:
c: supporting a child or young person to engage with agencies to facilitate the resolution of issues:
d: providing information to members of the public who have questions about matters relating to children’s and young people’s rights, interests, or well-being:
e: raising public awareness and understanding of matters that relate to children’s and young people’s rights, interests, or well-being, including (without limitation) by contributing to public debate:
f: undertaking and promoting research into any matter that relates to the rights, interests, or well-being of children and young people, while giving special attention to te ao Māori:
g: receiving and inviting representations from members of the public on any matter that relates to the rights, interests, or well-being of children and young people:
h: reporting, with or without request, to the Prime Minister on matters affecting the rights of children and young people:
i: inquiring generally into, and reporting on, any systemic matter, including (without limitation) any legislation or policy, or any practice or procedure, that relates to or affects the rights, interests, or well-being of children and young people:
j: presenting reports to proceedings before any court or tribunal that relate to the Children’s Convention or to the rights, interests, or well-being of children generally and presenting reports on such issues to the court or tribunal, at the request of—
i: the court or tribunal; or
ii: counsel representing any party to the proceedings; or
iii: counsel representing any child who is the subject of the proceedings; or
iv: counsel assisting the court or tribunal. 2003 No 121 s 12(1)(g), (k), (l)
21: Function relating to promoting and advancing rights of children and young people
A function of the Commission is to promote and advance the rights of children and young people by—
a: raising awareness and understanding of children’s and young people’s rights, including the rights set out in the Children’s Convention, and advocating for the advancement of the application of the Children’s Convention by the public:
b: monitoring the application of the Children’s Convention by departments and other instruments of the Crown and making reports to the United Nations:
c: raising awareness and understanding of children’s rights and the Children’s Convention and advocating for the advancement of the application of the Children’s Convention, including (without limitation) by departments and other instruments of the Crown. 2003 No 121 s 12(1)(d), (f)
22: Function relating to encouraging children’s and young people’s participation and voices
A function of the Commission is to encourage children’s and young people’s participation and voices by—
a: promoting, in relation to decisions that affect the lives of children and young people,—
i: the participation of children and young people in those decisions; and
ii: best practice approaches to listening to the views of children and young people and taking those views into account:
b: developing mechanisms and means to ensure that the Commission engages and supports children and young people to participate and express their views and be informed by those views in the performance of the Commission's functions:
c: modelling and promoting best practice in children’s and young people’s participation through the Commission’s engagements with children and young people:
d: publishing and sharing the views and voices of children and young people with the general public and relevant groups:
e: providing support and advice to any person, body, or organisation carrying out engagement with children and young people to better hear their views and uphold their rights. 2003 No 121 s 12(1)(j)
23: Additional functions, duties, or powers
1: The Commission must perform any other function or duty and may exercise any other power conferred on it by or under other legislation.
2: See section 7
24: Commission must have regard to rights or interests and welfare of children
When performing its functions under sections 20 21 22 section 23 2003 No 121 s 17
25: Commission must not make adverse comment unless opportunity to be heard is given
Despite anything in this Act or the Crown Entities Act 2004 2003 No 121 s 25 Code of ethics
26: Commission’s code of ethics
1: The Commission must have a code of ethics relating to engagement with other persons carried out by board members and staff of the Commission in the performance or exercise of the Commission’s functions, duties, or powers under this Act.
2: The purposes of the code of ethics are to—
a: ensure safe (including culturally safe) and ethical engagement:
b: provide assurance that the voices of individuals, particularly children and young people, are heard:
c: provide certainty in engagement:
d: minimise the burden of engagement.
3: The code of ethics must—
a: include the information prescribed in regulations made under section 37
b: be reviewed by the Commission at intervals not exceeding 5 years or any shorter intervals prescribed by regulations made under section 37
4: When developing the code of ethics, or any amendments to the code of ethics, the Commission must consult the persons prescribed by regulations made under section 37
5: The Commission must publish the code of ethics on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Commission.
3: Inquiries and other matters
Provisions relating to inquiries by Commission
27: Special powers to call for information or documents
1: If the conditions stated in subsection (2) are satisfied, the Commission may, by notice in writing, require any person—
a: to provide the Commission, or a specified employee of the Commission, with any information that the Commission requires; or
b: to produce to the Commission, or to a specified employee of the Commission, any document in the custody or under the control of that person, and to allow copies of, or extracts from, the document to be made or taken; or
c: to provide the Commission, or a specified employee of the Commission, with copies or extracts from documents in the custody or under the control of that person.
2: The conditions are that—
a: the Commission believes, on reasonable grounds, that the exercise of the powers conferred by subsection (1) is necessary to enable it to carry out an inquiry; and
b: the Commission believes, on reasonable grounds, that—
i: it is not reasonably practicable to obtain the information or document from another source; or
ii: for the purposes of the inquiry, it is necessary to obtain the information or document to verify or refute information obtained from another source.
3: However, the Commission must not require any personal information to be provided under this section unless that information can be provided in a form in which—
a: personal identifiers (for example, name or address) have been removed; and
b: the individual concerned cannot otherwise reasonably be identified. 2003 No 121 s 20
28: Compliance with section 27
1: A person to whom a notice under section 27
2: Subsection (1) does not require a person to provide any information or produce any document that would be privileged in a court of law. 2003 No 121 s 21(1), (2)
29: Commission and staff must maintain secrecy
1: The Commission and every employee of the Commission must maintain secrecy in respect of all matters that come to the knowledge of the Commission or the employee in the course of any inquiry.
2: Despite anything in subsection (1), the Commission or any employee of the Commission acting with the authority of the Commission may disclose any matter that, in the Commission’s opinion, ought to be disclosed for the purposes of giving effect to—
a: this Act; or
b: the Commission’s obligations under any other legislation; or
c: information privacy principle 6 set out in section 22
3: The power conferred by subsection (2)(a) does not extend to—
a: any matter that might prejudice—
i: the security, defence, or international relations of New Zealand (including New Zealand’s relations with the Government of any other country or with any international organisation); or
ii: any interest protected by section 7
iii: the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation, or detection of offences; or
b: any matter that might involve the disclosure of the deliberations of Cabinet; or
c: any information, answer, document, paper, or thing obtained by the Commission by reason only of compliance with a requirement specified in section 27(1)
4: The power conferred by subsection (2)(c) is subject to sections 49 to 53 2003 No 121 s 22
30: Procedure for inquiries
The Commission may regulate the procedure for any inquiry under this Act in any manner, not inconsistent with this Act, that the Commission thinks fit. 2003 No 121 s 26 Information rules
31: Information rules
1: The Commission must make rules ( information rules
2: The information rules must support the performance of the Commission’s inquiry function under section 20(i)
3: When making information rules, the Commission must—
a: make reasonable efforts to consult interested or affected agencies, including hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations; and
b: consult the Privacy Commissioner.
4: Information rules made under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 LA19 s 74(1)(aa) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act.
32: Content of information rules
Information rules made under section 31
a: the collection of information under section 27
b: the methods of collecting information:
c: the use of information (for example, that information may only be used by approved staff):
d: the storage and disposal of information (for example, how information is to be kept separate from other information held by the Commission):
e: the accuracy and completeness of information (for example, procedures for confirming or validating information):
f: the disclosure of information by the Commission:
g: the operational procedures to support the exchange of information between hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations and the Commission. Sharing of information
33: Sharing of information with Monitor and Ombudsman
1: The Commission, the Monitor, and an Ombudsman may share information with each other if the provider of the information believes either or both of the following apply:
a: the sharing of the information would minimise the burden on individuals and agencies:
b: the sharing of the information would assist the Commission, the Monitor, or an Ombudsman in the performance of their functions, duties, and powers.
2: Any information received by the Commission, the Monitor, or an Ombudsman under this Act may only be used in connection with,—
a: in the case of the Commission, the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, or powers:
b: in the case of the Monitor, the performance or exercise of the Monitor’s functions, duties, or powers under the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
c: in the case of an Ombudsman, the exercise of their jurisdiction under subpart 2 of Part 2 Ombudsmen Act 1975
3: Information may be provided under this section whether or not a request has been made.
4: The Commission, the Monitor, or an Ombudsman may decline a request for the sharing of information under this section.
5: This section overrides section 21 Reports of interference or non-compliance
34: Commission may report interference or non-compliance
1: The Commission may report to the chief executive of a department or an agency, or to any Minister responsible for the department or agency, if—
a: the Commission considers there has been interference with the performance of the Commission’s functions under this Act; or
b: the department or agency has not complied with a requirement from the Commission to provide information under section 27
2: The Commission may publicly notify the matter on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Commission.
3: However, the Commission must not, in any report under this section or any published report, make any comment that is adverse to any department or agency unless the department or agency has first been given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
4: If a report prepared under this section contains information that may identify an individual, the information must be redacted or withheld from publication unless—
a: the individual concerned consents to their personal information being included in the report; or
b: the Commission or the chief executive of the department or agency (as applicable) considers that the public interest in including the personal information in the report outweighs the individual’s privacy interests.
5: However, the exception in subsection (4) may not be relied on if the information may identify any child or young person. Referrals
35: Referral of matters
1: If, when performing functions under this Act, the Commission considers that the subject matter relates (whether in whole or in part) to a matter that is more properly within the scope of the functions of a person or body specified in subsection (4), the Commission must, without delay, consult that person or body to determine the appropriate means of dealing with the subject matter.
2: As soon as practicable after consulting the person or body, the Commission must determine whether the subject matter should be dealt with, in whole or in part, under this Act.
3: If the Commission determines that the subject matter should be dealt with, in whole or in part, by one of the persons or bodies specified in subsection (4), the Commission must, without delay,—
a: refer the subject matter, or the appropriate part of the subject matter, to that person or body; and
b: give written notice of the referral to the individual who brought the matter to the Commission’s attention.
4: The persons and bodies are—
a: the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki:
b: the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System:
c: an Ombudsman exercising jurisdiction under subpart 2 of Part 2 Ombudsmen Act 1975
d: the Chief Commissioner under the Human Rights Act 1993
e: the Director-General of Health:
f: the chief executive of Health New Zealand:
g:
h: the Health and Disability Commissioner:
i: the Secretary for Education:
j: a board constituted under subpart 5 of Part 3
k: the Commissioner of Police:
l: the Independent Police Conduct Authority:
m: the Privacy Commissioner:
n: any other person or body that the Commission considers appropriate. 2003 No 121 s 19 Section 35(4)(g) repealed 30 June 2024 section 43 Pae Ora (Disestablishment of Māori Health Authority) Amendment Act 2024 Miscellaneous
36: Proceedings privileged
1: No civil or criminal proceedings may be brought against an employee or officeholder for anything done or omitted in the performance or intended performance or exercise of any functions, duties, or powers under this Act, unless it is shown that the person acted in bad faith.
2: No employee or officeholder may be called to give evidence in court, or in any proceedings of a judicial nature, in respect of anything that comes to their knowledge in the performance or exercise of their functions or powers under this Act.
3: Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) applies in respect of proceedings for—
a: an offence against section 78 78AA(1) 78A(1) 105 105A 105B
b: the offence of conspiring to commit or attempting to commit an offence against any of the provisions specified in paragraph (a).
4: Nothing in subsection (2) applies to a report made by the Commission under section 20(j)
5: Sections 122 to 126
6: This section contains an exception to section 121
7: Anything said or any information supplied by an individual or agency in the course of an inquiry by the Commission under this Act is privileged in the same manner as if the inquiry were a proceeding in a court.
8: For the purposes of clause 3
9: In this section,— employee officeholder 2003 No 121 s 27
37: Regulations
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes: Relevant agencies
a: specifying, for the purposes of section 14(2) Code of ethics
b: prescribing the information that must be contained in the Commission’s code of ethics:
c: prescribing, for the purposes of section 26(3)(b)
d: prescribing any 1 or more persons that must be consulted when the Commission is developing its code of ethics or any amendments to the code of ethics: General
e: providing for anything this Act says may or must be provided for by regulations:
f: providing for anything incidental that is necessary for carrying out, or giving full effect to, this Act.
2: Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act.
38: Review of Act
1: The Minister must arrange for an independent review of the operation and effectiveness of this Act and the operation of the Commission under this Act.
2: The review must consider—
a: whether the functions, duties, and powers set out in this Act are supporting the Commission to give effect to the purpose of this Act; and
b: whether the Commission is working effectively with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations; and
c: whether any amendments to this Act are necessary or desirable; and
d: any other matters that the Minister considers appropriate, after consulting the Commission and other Ministers of the Crown with relevant portfolios, as necessary.
3: The review must commence no later than 3 years after the commencement of this Act.
4: The findings of the review must be reported to the Minister.
5: The Minister must present a copy of the report on the review to the House of Representatives as soon as practicable after receiving the report.
4: Amendments to other legislation and repeal
Amendment to Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996
39: Principal regulations
Section 40 Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996 2023-07-01 Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996 could come into force earlier by OIC. See s 2(a)
40: Schedule amended
In the Schedule the Children’s Commissioner or Consequential amendments and repeal
41: Consequential amendments
Amend the legislation specified in Schedule 3 2023-07-01 Children’s Act 2014 Coroners Act 2006 Corrections Act 2004 Crimes of Torture Act 1989 Crown Entities Act 2004 Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004 Ombudsmen Act 1975 Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) Act 2014 Remuneration Authority Act 1977 Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 2017 Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005 Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996 could come into force earlier by OIC. See s 2(a).
42: Repeal of Children’s Commissioner Act 2003
The Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 2023-07-01 Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 could come into force earlier by OIC. See s 2(a)


1: Title
This Act is the New Zealand Bill of Rights (Declarations of Inconsistency) Amendment Act 2022.
2: Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day after the date of Royal assent.
1: Amendment to New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
3: Amendment to New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
This Part amends the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 2022-08-30 New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
4: New sections 7A and 7B and cross-heading inserted
After section 7 Required actions after declarations of inconsistency
7A: Attorney-General to notify Parliament of declaration of inconsistency
1: This section applies if a declaration made by a senior court that an enactment is inconsistent with this Bill of Rights (and not made under section 92J of the Human Rights Act 1993) becomes final because—
a: no appeals, or applications for leave to appeal, against the making of the declaration are lodged in the period for lodging them; or
b: all lodged appeals, or applications for leave to appeal, against the making of the declaration are withdrawn or dismissed.
2: The Attorney-General must present to the House of Representatives, not later than the sixth sitting day of the House of Representatives after the declaration becomes final, a notice bringing the declaration to the attention of the House of Representatives.
7B: Responsible Minister to report to Parliament Government’s response to declaration
1: If a notice is presented under section 7A
2: The deadline is the end of 6 months starting on the date on which the notice is presented, or any earlier or later time—
a: specified by a resolution of the House of Representatives; or
b: otherwise determined by or on behalf of the House of Representatives, in accordance with its rules and practice.
2: Amendments to Human Rights Act 1993
5: Amendments to Human Rights Act 1993
This Part amends the Human Rights Act 1993 2022-08-30 Human Rights Act 1993
6: Section 92K amended (Effect of declaration)
1: Before section 92K(1) Effect on enactment, or act, omission, policy, or activity, concerned
2: Replace section 92K(2) and (3) Required actions after declarations of inconsistency
2: Sections 92WA and 92WB
7: New sections 92WA and 92WB and cross-heading inserted
After section 92W Required actions after declarations of inconsistency
92WA: Attorney-General to notify Parliament of declaration of inconsistency
1: This section applies if a declaration made under section 92J (by the Tribunal, or by a senior court on an appeal against a decision of the Tribunal) becomes final because—
a: no appeals, or applications for leave to appeal, against the making of the declaration are lodged in the period for lodging them; or
b: all lodged appeals, or applications for leave to appeal, against the making of the declaration are withdrawn or dismissed.
2: The Attorney-General must present to the House of Representatives, not later than the sixth sitting day of the House of Representatives after the declaration becomes final, a notice bringing the declaration to the attention of the House of Representatives.
92WB: Responsible Minister to report to Parliament Government’s response to declaration
1: If a notice is presented under section 92WA
2: The deadline is the end of 6 months starting on the date on which the notice is presented, or any earlier or later time—
a: specified by a resolution of the House of Representatives; or
b: otherwise determined by or on behalf of the House of Representatives, in accordance with its rules and practice.