Dear Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children,

Subject: Official Information Act Request

I am writing to request information under the New Zealand Official Information Act 1982 regarding specific impacts of legislative actions taken or proposed by Hon Karen Chhour, especially in relation to section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The statement that has prompted my inquiry is:

"The removal of s7AA because Māori children are being retraumatised by reverse uplifts which take them from loving homes because their carers are the wrong race."

To understand the impact of these legislative changes and the situations described as "reverse uplifts", I am requesting the following specific information:

Statistical Data: Please provide any available statistics or data on the number of Māori children affected by what has been referred to as "reverse uplifts". This includes the number of cases identified annually where children were removed from homes deemed "loving" due to racial or ethnic considerations of the carers.

Documentation and/or Communications:
Copies of any internal communications, studies, or reports that discuss the rationale behind the removal of s7AA in relation to preventing the retraumatisation of Māori children through these reverse uplifts.

Any documented definitions or operational guidelines that describe what constitutes a "reverse uplift" within Oranga Tamariki.

Policy Analysis:
Please provide details of any assessments, including risk assessments or impact studies, conducted before proposing the removal of s7AA. This should include how these policies were expected to change the outcomes for Māori children in state care.
Information on consultations held with Māori communities or child welfare experts regarding the impact of removing s7AA on Māori children.

This request is made in an effort to gather factual and detailed information to contribute to an informed public discussion regarding these policy changes and their effects on the well-being of Māori children under the care of Oranga Tamariki.

Please acknowledge receipt of this request. I am aware of the obligations under the Act to provide a response within twenty working days.

Thank you for considering this request.

Yours faithfully,
DC Harding