3 July 2024

Committee Secretariat

Social Service & Community Select Committee Parliament Buildings

Wellington

Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Sec4on 7AA) Amendment Bill

Kōrero whakataki

• Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust (‘Te Korowai’) is the Post Settlement Governance Entity (‘PSGE’) for Ngāruahine Iwi. Te Korowai has responsibility of managing and growing the Ngāruahine treaty settlement assets – for the benefit of Ngāruahine uri, whānau, hapū and Iwi. Te Korowai also has the responsibility to ensure an enduring settlement and that Te Tiriti rights of Ngāruahine are upheld by government.
• Te Korowai does not have any political affiliations and we will work alongside any government to progress the interests of Ngāruahine. Equally, we have the responsibility of challenging any statutory reforms and policies that conflict with the interests of Ngāruahine.
• This submission outlines the general view of Te Korowai as informed by our purpose, strategies, plans and policies – which can be found at can be found on our website www.ngaruahine.iwi.nz.
• Te Korowai strongly oppose the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of section 7AA) Amendment Bill.

E hoki ki te Ūkaipō

• Our priority is the well-being of our Ngāruahine tamariki, whānau, hapū and Iwi. We encourage the reconnection of our uri and whānau to their Hapū and Iwi.
• We are concerned by the lack of consultation undertaken with Iwi Māori, and the lack of evidence base for this amendment. We are concerned about the removal of key accountability provisions for tamariki Māori. The current disparities for Māori will widen with the repeal of s7AA.
• We support the Waitangi Tribunal's findings in their urgent inquiry report (Wai 3350):

1. The repeal of s7AA is a clear breach of Te Tiriti article 2 guarantee to Māori of Tino rangatiratanga over kāinga
2. The repeal breaches the principle of partnership and active protection
3. The repeal of s7AA is rushed and we are prejudiced by this
4. There has been a failure to fully analyse the downstream effects of the repeal
5. There is a significant risk of actual harm to vulnerable tamariki

There is no conflict between Te Tiriti and the well-being and best interests of our Tamariki.

Hei whakakapi

• We are deeply concerned by the disproportionate targeting of Māori in statutory reform programme under the 100-day plan, and the toxic vitriol and anti-Māori sentiment that it encourages.
• We recommend that the repeal of s 7AA should not proceed.

Pai Mārire

Emma Gardiner Pouwhakarae

Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust