Questions on children belonging to minority or indigenous groups - Children’s Convention from the United Nations
Question 27
Please inform the Committee about the measures adopted to take into account the importance of the Maori culture for Maori children’s identity when developing legislation and policy. Please provide information about the development and implementation of a comprehensive, cross-sectorial strategy for the full enjoyment by Maori and Pasifika children of their rights, in close cooperation with them and their communities. Please also provide information about the measures taken to provide Maori children adopted by non-Maori parents with access to information about their cultural identity.
Reply to 27
The legislation established Te Mātāwai, a new organisation to lead revitalisation of te reo Māori on behalf of iwi and Māori. This is the vision of a new Māori language strategy called the Maihi Māori Strategy that was developed by and for iwi, Māori and Māori language communities.
Oranga Tamariki has specific legislative obligations to have regard to many Māori cultural principles under the OTA. See reply to paragraph 9(a).
A set of five objectives have been developed to guide Oranga Tamariki workers on how these principles can be practically applied (the Mana Tamaiti objectives [pages 40-53]). These are focused on tamariki Māori, but aspects can be applied to all children.
The CYWS, once fully implemented, should influence the business planning, including legislative, policy and service development for all relevant government agencies, and guide decision-making. Several of the Strategy’s principles reflect the importance of identity for Māori children. One of the outcome areas of the Strategy is that all children and young people are “accepted, respected and connected” which includes having connection to their culture, language, beliefs and identity, including whakapapa and turangawaewae (a place to stand).
The Oranga Tamariki Voices of Children and Young People team undertakes research and engagement projects with tamariki and rangatahi in care to better understand their needs and experiences and advocate for their voices to be heard and responded to. Some of the insights gained from specific cohorts in care include the voices of tamariki and rangatahi Māori, Pacific children and young people and the voices of disabled children and young people.
For Pacific children, the Action Plan for Pacific Education is in place. It has the vision that “Diverse Pacific learners and their families are safe, valued, and equipped to achieve their education aspirations”. This was designed together with Pasifika learners, families and educators through two years of fono (meetings) across the country and research regarding best practice.
