Proposed law will make temporary fix to international adoptions permanent
Nicole McKee, associate justice minister, has shared that her recent introduction of the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill seeks to permanently close the gaps that previously permitted the international adoptions of children into unsafe homes that subjected them to abuse.
In a news release, McKee explained that the government urgently advanced the Adoption Amendment Act 2025, enacted by Parliament last September, to address the exploitation of New Zealand’s laws in this area.
She clarified that the government always intended the urgent legislative change as a temporary solution to address the immediate risks of harm to the children and young people involved. Meanwhile, the recently introduced bill aims to make the change enduring.
“Like most New Zealanders, I was disgusted to learn the system allowed people with known criminal or care and protection histories to adopt children overseas and bring them here,” McKee said in the government’s news release.
She accepted that many overseas adoptions involved loving families. However, she pointed out that New Zealand’s laws had insufficient basic protections.
“That meant some children were adopted into homes where they were neglected, abused, or exploited,” McKee said. “That is simply unacceptable.”
McKee explained that the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill clarifies when New Zealand recognises adoptions made in overseas courts, when adopted children become New Zealand citizens, and when such children can access immigration pathways to enter the country.
“The reforms to the system will mean there are two pathways for children adopted overseas by New Zealand citizens to automatically become New Zealand citizens, either under the process in the Hague Convention, or in the New Zealand Family Court,” she said in the news release.
According to the government, with the proper checks, children adopted abroad can avail of additional pathways for entering New Zealand via the immigration system if they:
Per the government’s news release, after the bill’s first reading, the proposed legislation will go through the Justice Select Committee for public submissions.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in adoption law to have their say,” McKee said. “But one principle will not change – the safety of children comes first.”
She said she expects to see the bill’s passage before the expiry of the temporary measures in July 2027.
“Anyone considering an international adoption should seek expert legal advice about their specific circumstances,” McKee said.
