4. Question No. 4—ChildrenRAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader—Te Pāti Māori) to the Minister for ChildrenQuestion No. 4—ChildrenRAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader—Te Pāti Māori ): Tēnā koe e te Pīka otirā tēnā tātou e te Whare. Kāore au i te pātai i tēnei pātai i roto i te reo Māori. [Thank you Mr Speaker greetings to all of us in the House. I will not ask this question in the Māori language.]4. RAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader—Te Pāti Māori) to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement on the Government's policy to remove section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act Nothing about this change will affect the support services and programmes that Oranga Tamariki provides for Māori"; if not why not?Rt Hon Winston Peters: Point of order. Mr Speaker could we possibly just have the question? But if it is to be in Māori can we have it in Māori—but not both?SPEAKER: Very good. We'll have the answer from the Hon Karen Chhour.Hon KAREN CHHOUR (Minister for Children): Yes.Rawiri Waititi: How can she stand by that statement when Oranga Tamariki's own public website states that section 7AA enables them to "develop strategic partnerships with iwi and Māori organisations including iwi authorities"?Hon KAREN CHHOUR: By removing section 7AA that will not remove the ability for the 10 strategic partnerships that are currently in place and work to be made on other strategic partnerships. I have instructed officials to continue working with iwi hapū and whānau when this is to the benefit of our children.Rawiri Waititi: How can she stand by that statement when Oranga Tamariki also spell out that the section ensures "that policies practices and services have regard to mana tamaiti whakapapa and whanaungatanga"?Hon KAREN CHHOUR: Nothing in removing section 7AA will remove that. There are already existing provisions within the Act that protect the rights of whānau hapū and iwi. I refer the member to sections 4 5 and 13 of the Oranga Tamariki Act.Rawiri Waititi: What is her response to iwi leaders appalled by this policy including Waikato-Tainui chairperson Tukoroirangi Morgan who has said that taking the section would sever iwi partnerships successfully reconnecting tamariki Māori with their whakapapa?Hon KAREN CHHOUR: I respect what that member has to say but nothing—by removing that Act—will make that happen. The only people implying that these partnerships will be affected are those from across the House and I have instructed officials that they should continue working with iwi and Māori organisations where this is achieving positive outcomes for young people.Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Does she agree with Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad who said that section 7AA "makes clear the right of mokopuna Māori be connected with and know their whakapapa. That means wherever they can be safe being in the care of their whānau hapū and iwi." and if not why not?Hon KAREN CHHOUR: The Oranga Tamariki Act already has provisions which protect the rights of whānau hapū and iwi. I again refer the member to sections 4 5 and 13 of the Oranga Tamariki Act.Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: How can she justify this policy to whānau hapū and iwi Māori when she knows full well that this will lead to many more tamariki Māori being severed from whakapapa?Hon KAREN CHHOUR: I actually really disagree with that sentiment. Nothing with removing section 7AA from the Act removes the ability for young people to connect with their whakapapa.Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Is she comfortable with her legacy as Minister for Children being the person who presided over another stolen generation of indigenous children?SPEAKER: The Minister may answer but that question is pretty wide of the mark and not—Hon KAREN CHHOUR: I am proud to stand here as the Minister for Children that represents a Government that is committed to making sure that every child in New Zealand wakes up knowing today is going to be a better day."