Whānau Manaaki has made submissions on two government bills that are currently before select committees at parliament.

The Residential Tenancies bill 

This bill will make it easier for landlords to evict tenants from rental properties. Whānau Manaaki opposes this aspect of the bill, because it can add to housing instability that many of our teachers know from their work with tamariki, adversely affects family health, wellbeing and educational achievement.

The Repeal of 77A of the Oranga Tamariki Act

The proposed changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act mean Oranga Tamariki would not have to consider the Treaty of Waitangi with the placement of Māori children. The Waitangi Tribunal has found this could harm Māori children who are over-represented in state care. You can read our submission on the repeal of the 77A of the Oranga Tamariki Act here. 

We have asked to meet the relevant select committees to elaborate on our concerns. Select committee submissions are analysed and put before the committee considering the bill, and laws can change as a result.

In person submissions can be powerful as committee members hear from those affected by proposed laws. Many MPs say select committees are where the real work of parliament occurs. All parties are represented on select committees.