Overseas adoptions bill introduced to Parliament

Overseas adoptions bill introduced to Parliament

The Government is making further changes to New Zealand's laws for recognising international and overseas adoptions to protect adopted children and young people from potential harm.

Associate Justice Minister, Hon Nicole McKee, today (7 May 2026) introduced the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill to Parliament to provide enduring changes to New Zealand's adoption system to support the wellbeing and best interests of adopted children and young people.

The Bill, when passed, will replace the temporary changes enacted by Parliament in September 2025 through the Adoption Amendment Act 2025(external link) that immediately and temporarily suspended New Zealand's recognition of unsafe overseas adoptions for citizenship and immigration purposes.

The Government made these changes to strengthen New Zealand's international adoption laws, which did not provide sufficient safeguards for children and young people. There is evidence that some children brought to New Zealand through an international adoption were subjected to neglect, abuse or exploitation.

People will have the opportunity to provide feedback when the Bill is referred to Parliament's Justice Committee to receive and hear submissions from the public. The Bill is expected to be passed before the temporary suspension expires on 1 July 2027.

For more information visit our international adoption page: Targeted reforms of the international adoption system | New Zealand Ministry of Justice(external link)

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