Adoption law reform "long overdue"

The country's outdated adoption legislation is set for an overhaul by the Ministry of Justice, which admits the law hasn't kept up with modern life and families. Improving access to birth families, cultural heritage and putting the child's interests at its heart are among the proposed reforms. The Ministry of Justice will provide advice to the Government on final adoption law reform proposals by the end of the year. Mark Henaghan is a professor of law at the University of Auckland, specialising in Family Law. he tells Susie that the 67-year-old legislation has failed to meet the needs of a changing society, and does not acknowledge the importance of whakapapa, culture, and identity to a child's wellbeing.