Children and Young People’s Commission Bill
(Divided from the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Bill)
Government Bill
94—3B
As reported from the committee of the whole House
This Bill was formerly part of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Bill as reported from the Social Services and Community Committee. The committee of the whole House has further amended the Bill and divided it into the following Bills:
Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Bill comprising clauses 1 and 2, Parts 1 to 4, and Schedule 1
this Bill comprising Part 5 and Schedules 2 to 4.
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Hon Carmel Sepuloni
Children and Young People’s Commission Bill
Government Bill
94—3B
Contents
The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:
1 Title
This Act is the Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021.
2 Commencement
(1)
This Act comes into force on the earlier of the following:
(a)
a date appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council:
(b)
1 July 2023.
(2)
An Order in Council made under subsection (1)(a) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
· · · · ·
Part 1 Preliminary provisions
82 Overview
(1)
This Act replaces the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003.
(2)
This Part states the purpose of this Act, defines terms used in this Act, and contains other preliminary provisions.
(3)
Part 2 establishes the Children and Young People’s Commission (the Commission) and contains provisions relating to its governance and its functions, duties, and powers.
(4)
Part 3 deals with the collection, use, and disclosure of information by the Commission, referrals by the Commission, and various other matters, including providing for a review of this Act, the repeal of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003, and consequential amendments to other legislation no later than 3 years after its commencement.
(4A)
Part 4 repeals the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 and consequentially amends other legislation.
(5)
This section is only a guide to the general scheme and effect of this Act.
83 Purpose of this Act
The purpose of this Act is to establish the Children and Young People’s Commission to promote and advance the rights, interests, and participation of children and young people and to improve their well-being within (without limitation) the context of their families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities.
84 Principles
The Commission must have regard to the following matters when performing or exercising its functions, duties, or powers under this Act:
(a)
the Children’s Convention:
(b)
the child or young person within (without limitation) the context of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities:
(c)
the diversity of children and young people in all its forms:
(d)
the need for high aspirations for the well-being of all children and young people, including responsive systems and structures that support them:
(e)
the need to give priority to the children and young people who are disadvantaged, and the issues affecting them:
(f)
the need to hear from, and be informed by, children and young people:
(g)
other international instruments relevant to, and that affect, children and young people.
85 Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi
In order to recognise and respect the Crown’s responsibility to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi, and to improve the well-being of children and young people within (without limitation) the context of their whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities,—
(aaa)
section 92(1)(aa) requires the Commission to have, on a collective basis, among its board members knowledge and understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi; and
(a)
section 92(2) requires that at least half of the board members have Māori knowledge and experience in, and knowledge of, tikanga Māori; and
(b)
section 94 provides that a nominations panel convened for a vacancy on the board must include people with expertise and experience in Māori leadership; and
(c)
section 96(1)(a) provides that the duties of the board include building and maintaining relationships with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations, including by—
(i)
having a strong focus on the rights, interests, and well-being of Māori children and young people within the context of their whānau, hapū, and iwi:
(ii)
setting strategic priorities and work programmes that support improved outcomes for Māori children and young people within the context of their whānau, hapū, and iwi:
(iii)
promoting Māori participation and leadership and te ao Māori approaches in the performance of its functions, as appropriate; and
(d)
section 99(g) provides that it is a function of the Commission to undertake and promote research into any matter that relates to the rights, interests, or well-being of children and young people, while giving special attention to te ao Māori; and
(e)
section 111(3)(a) requires the chief executive of the Commission to make reasonable efforts to consult hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations when making information rules relating to the collection, use, and disclosure of information by the Commission; and
(f)
section 118(2)(b) requires a review of this Act to consider whether the Commission is working effectively with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations.
86 Interpretation
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
agency has the same meaning as in section 8(1) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021
board means the board of the Commission
board member means a member of the board
chief executive of Oranga Tamariki means the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children
child means a person under the age of 14 years
Children and Young People’s Commission or Commission means the Children and Young People’s Commission established by section 90
Children’s Convention means the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a copy of the English text of which is set out in Schedule 3
code of ethics means the code of ethics required by section 106
department means a department within the meaning of section 5 of the Public Service Act 2020
former Act means the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003
harm includes physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual harm
in care or custody, in relation to a child or young person, means being subject to an order for custody or sole guardianship or to a care agreement, in favour of (or naming as the carer) the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service
Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System or Monitor means the person referred to in section 12(2) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021
inquiry means an inquiry conducted under section 99(i)
Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of a warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act
Ministry means the department of State that, with the authority of the Prime Minister, is for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act
news activity has the same meaning as in section 7(1) of the Privacy Act 2020
news entity has the same meaning as in section 7(1) of the Privacy Act 2020
Ombudsman means an Ombudsman appointed under the Ombudsmen Act 1975
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children means the department of State that is, with the authority of the Prime Minister, for the time being responsible for the administration of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
Oranga Tamariki system has the meaning given in section 9 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021
personal information has the same meaning as in section 7(1) of the Privacy Act 2020
responsible department means the department, departmental agency, or interdepartmental venture (as named in Part 1, 2, or 4 of Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020) that, with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of this Act
te ao Māori means Māori world view
tikanga Māori means Māori customary law and practices
young person means—
(a)
a person aged 14 years or over but under 18 years; and
(b)
a person aged 18 years or over but under 25 years if they are, or have been, in care or custody.
87 Children’s Convention
(1)
The Children’s Convention is set out in Schedule 3 for information and reference purposes only.
(2)
To avoid doubt, the inclusion of the text of the Children’s Convention in this Act does not affect the legal status of the Convention.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 36
88 Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 2 have effect according to their terms.
89 Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown.
Part 2 Children and Young People’s Commission
90 Children and Young People’s Commission established
(1)
This section establishes the Children and Young People’s Commission.
(2)
The Commission is a Crown entity for the purposes of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
(3)
The Crown Entities Act 2004 applies to the Commission except to the extent that this Act expressly provides otherwise.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 6
91 Commission’s board
(1)
The board consists of the following:
(a)
the chairperson, to be known as the Chief Children’s Commissioner; and
(b)
at least 2, but not more than 5, other board members.
(2)
Board members are the board for the purposes of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
92 Experience and knowledge of board members
(1)
The Commission must have, on a collective basis, among its board members—
(a)
experience and knowledge of children’s and young people’s rights and issues; and
(aa)
knowledge and understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi; and
(b)
the required skills and leadership expertise to reflect the needs of children and young people of interest to the Commission.
(2)
At least half of the board members must—
(a)
have Māori knowledge; and
(b)
have experience in, and knowledge of, tikanga Māori.
(3)
This section does not limit sections 29 and 30 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
93 Recommendation and endorsement of board members
(1)
The Minister must have regard to recommendations from a nominations panel when recommending—
(a)
the appointment of a board member under section 28(1)(b) of the Crown Entities Act 2004:
(b)
the reappointment of a board member who has had continuous service of 6 years or more.
(2)
Candidates A candidate applying to be a board member must have the endorsement of a relevant agency specified in regulations made under section 117(1)(a).
94 Nominations panel
(1)
The chief executive of the responsible department Ministry must convene a nominations panel for the purposes of assessing candidates and making recommendations to the Minister relating to appointments under section 93(1)(a) and reappointments under section 93(1)(b).
(2)
A nominations panel may only recommend a candidate for appointment under section 93(1)(a) who has been endorsed by a relevant agency under section 93(2).
(3)
A nominations panel must consist of persons who have, on a collective basis, the following expertise and experience:
(a)
Māori leadership:
(b)
working with children and young people:
(c)
governance experience at a board level:
(d)
appointment and recruitment experience.
95 Appointment of Judge to Commission
(1)
The appointment of a Judge as a board member does not affect the tenure of their judicial office or the Judge’s rank, title, status, precedence, salary, annual or other allowances, or other rights or privileges as a Judge (including those in relation to superannuation).
(2)
For all purposes, the Judge’s service as a board member is taken to be service as a Judge.
Compare: 1985 No 151 s 10; 2003 No 121 s 7(5)
96 Duties of board
(1)
The duties of the board are to—
(a)
build and maintain relationships with hapū, iwi, Māori organisations, organisations representing children’s and young people’s issues, youth-led organisations, community organisations, departments, and other agencies, including by—
(i)
having a strong focus on the rights, interests, and well-being of Māori children and young people within the context of their whānau, hapū, and iwi:
(ii)
promoting Māori participation and leadership, and te ao Māori approaches, in the performance of its functions, as appropriate:
(b)
set strategic priorities and work programmes that support improved outcomes for Māori children and young people within the context of their whānau, hapū, and iwi:
(c)
have regard to the Children’s Convention as required by section 84(a).
(2)
The duties set out in subsection (1)—
(a)
apply in addition to the collective duties of the board set out in sections 49 to 52 of the Crown Entities Act 2004; and
(b)
are collective duties owed to the Minister for the purposes of section 58 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
97 Independence of Commission
Except as expressly provided otherwise in this or another Act, the Commission must act independently in performing its functions and duties and exercising powers under—
(a)
this Act; and
(b)
any other legislation that provides for the functions of the Commission (other than the Crown Entities Act 2004).
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 12(2)
98 Exemption from income tax
The income of the Commission is exempt from income tax.
Compare: 2003 No 121 Schedule 1 cl 23
Commission’s functions, duties, and powers
99 Function relating to promoting interests and well-being of children and young people
A function of the Commission is to promote the interests and well-being of children and young people by—
(a)
developing and publishing reports and submissions on issues through a child and young person-centred lens and, when appropriate, making those reports publicly available:
(b)
advocating for children’s and young people’s well-being, and their interests collectively:
(c)
supporting a child or young person to engage with agencies to facilitate the resolution of issues:
(d)
providing information to members of the public who have questions about matters relating to children’s and young people’s rights, interests, or well-being:
(e)
raising public awareness and understanding of matters that relate to children’s and young people’s rights, interests, or well-being, including (without limitation) by contributing to public debate:
(g)
undertaking and promoting research into any matter that relates to the rights, interests, or well-being of children and young people, while giving special attention to te ao Māori:
(h)
receiving and inviting representations from members of the public on any matter that relates to the rights, interests, or well-being of children and young people:
(ha)
reporting, with or without request, to the Prime Minister on matters affecting the rights of children and young people:
(i)
inquiring generally into, and reporting on, any systemic matter, including (without limitation) any legislation or policy, or any practice or procedure, that relates to or affects the rights, interests, or well-being of children and young people:
(j)
presenting reports to proceedings before any court or tribunal that relate to the Children’s Convention or to the rights, interests, or well-being of children generally and presenting reports on such issues to the court or tribunal, at the request of—
(i)
the court or tribunal; or
(ii)
counsel representing any party to the proceedings; or
(iii)
counsel representing any child who is the subject of the proceedings; or
(iv)
counsel assisting the court or tribunal.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 12(1)(g), (k), (l)
100 Function relating to promoting and advancing rights of children and young people
A function of the Commission is to promote and advance the rights of children and young people by—
(a)
raising awareness and understanding of children’s and young people’s rights, including the rights set out in the Children’s Convention, and advocating for the advancement of the application of the Children’s Convention by the public:
(b)
monitoring the application of the Children’s Convention by departments and other instruments of the Crown and making reports to the United Nations:
(c)
raising awareness and understanding of children’s rights and the Children’s Convention and advocating for the advancement of the application of the Children’s Convention, including (without limitation) by departments and other instruments of the Crown.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 12(1)(d), (f)
101 Function relating to encouraging children’s and young people’s participation and voices
A function of the Commission is to encourage children’s and young people’s participation and voice by—
(a)
promoting, in relation to decisions that affect the lives of children and young people,—
(i)
the participation of children and young people in those decisions; and
(ii)
best practice approaches to listening to the views of children and young people and taking those views into account:
(b)
developing mechanisms and means to ensure that the Commission engages and supports children and young people to participate and express their views and be informed by those views in the performance of the Commission’s functions:
(c)
modelling and promoting best practice in children’s and young people’s participation through the Commission’s engagements with children and young people:
(d)
publishing and sharing the views and voices of children and young people with the general public and relevant groups:
(e)
providing support and advice to any person, body, or organisation carrying out engagement with children and young people to better hear their views and uphold their rights.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 12(1)(j)
102 Common duties
(1)
This section applies when the Commission is carrying out work relating to children and young people who are receiving, or have previously received, services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system.
(2)
The Commission, the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System, and Ombudsmen must participate in a comprehensive, cohesive, and efficient system with each other when their work relates to children and young people who are receiving, or have previously received, services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system.
(3)
The common duties of the Commission, the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System, and Ombudsmen include—
(a)
to minimise the burden and potential risk of harm to individuals when they are performing or exercising a function, duty, or power under this Part:
(b)
to minimise the burden on agencies, where possible, when gathering information from agencies:
(c)
to co-ordinate communications to individuals, agencies, Ministers of the Crown, and the public, as appropriate:
(d)
to work together and consult and co-ordinate with each other, and share information, as appropriate.
103 Additional functions, duties, or powers
(1)
The Commission must perform any other function or duty and may exercise any other power conferred on it by or under other legislation.
(2)
See section 7 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021, which sets out common duties of the Commission when it is carrying out work relating to children and young people who are receiving, or have previously received, services or support through the Oranga Tamariki system.
104 Commission must have regard to rights or interests and welfare of children
When performing its functions under sections 99, 100, and 101, or any additional functions referred to in section 103, the Commission must have regard to the question of whether the rights, interests, and well-being of 1 or more children or young people have been prejudiced.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 17
105 Commission must not make adverse comment unless opportunity to be heard is given
Despite anything in this Act or the Crown Entities Act 2004, the Commission must not, in any report or statement made under this Act, make any comment that is adverse to an individual or agency if the Commission has not given the individual or agency a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 25
Code of ethics
106 Commission’s code of ethics
(1)
The Commission must have a code of ethics relating to engagement with other persons carried out by board members and staff of the Commission in the performance or exercise of the Commission’s functions, duties, or powers under this Act.
(2)
The purposes of the code of ethics are to—
(a)
ensure safe (including culturally safe) and ethical engagement:
(b)
provide assurance that the voices of individuals, particularly children and young people, are heard:
(c)
provide certainty in engagement:
(d)
minimise the burden of engagement.
(3)
The code of ethics must—
(a)
include the information prescribed in regulations made under section 117; and
(b)
be reviewed by the Commission at intervals not exceeding 5 years or any shorter intervals prescribed by regulations made under section 117.
(4)
When developing the code of ethics, or any amendments to the code of ethics, the Commission must consult the persons prescribed by regulations made under section 117.
(5)
The Commission must publish the code of ethics on an Internet site maintained by or behalf of the Commission.
Part 3 Inquiries and other matters
Provisions relating to inquiries by Commission
107 Special powers to call for information or documents
(1)
If the conditions stated in subsection (2) are satisfied, the Commission may, by notice in writing, require any person—
(a)
to provide the Commission, or a specified employee of the Commission, with any information that the Commission requires; or
(b)
to produce to the Commission, or to a specified employee of the Commission, any document in the custody or under the control of that person, and to allow copies of, or extracts from, the document to be made or taken; or
(c)
to provide the Commission, or a specified employee of the Commission, with copies or extracts from documents in the custody or under the control of that person.
(2)
The conditions are that—
(a)
the Commission believes, on reasonable grounds, that the exercise of the powers conferred by subsection (1) is necessary to enable it to carry out an inquiry; and
(b)
the Commission believes, on reasonable grounds, that—
(i)
it is not reasonably practicable to obtain the information or document from another source; or
(ii)
for the purposes of the inquiry, it is necessary to obtain the information or document to verify or refute information obtained from another source.
(3)
However, the Commission must not require any personal information to be provided under this section unless that information can be provided in a form in which—
(a)
personal identifiers (for example, name or address) have been removed; and
(b)
the individual concerned cannot otherwise reasonably be identified.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 20
108 Compliance with section 107
(1)
A person to whom a notice under section 107 is given must, without charge, comply with the requirement stated in the notice in the manner and within a period (being not less than 20 working days after the notice is given to the person) specified in the notice.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not require a person to provide any information or produce any document that would be privileged in a court of law.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 21(1), (2)
109 Commission and staff must maintain secrecy
(1)
The Commission and every employee of the Commission must maintain secrecy in respect of all matters that come to the knowledge of the Commission or the employee in the course of any inquiry.
(2)
Despite anything in subsection (1), the Commission or any employee of the Commission acting with the authority of the Commission may disclose any matter that, in the Commission’s opinion, ought to be disclosed for the purposes of giving effect to—
(a)
this Act; or
(b)
the Commission’s obligations under any other legislation; or
(c)
information privacy principle 6 set out in section 22 of the Privacy Act 2020 (which relates to access to personal information).
(3)
The power conferred by subsection (2)(a) does not extend to—
(a)
any matter that might prejudice—
(i)
the security, defence, or international relations of New Zealand (including New Zealand’s relations with the Government of any other country or with any international organisation); or
(ii)
any interest protected by section 7 of the Official Information Act 1982; or
(iii)
the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation, or detection of offences; or
(b)
any matter that might involve the disclosure of the deliberations of Cabinet; or
(c)
any information, answer, document, paper, or thing obtained by the Commission by reason only of compliance with a requirement specified in section 107(1).
(4)
The power conferred by subsection (2)(c) is subject to sections 49 to 53 of the Privacy Act 2020.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 22
110 Procedure for inquiries
The Commission may regulate the procedure for any inquiry under this Act in any manner, not inconsistent with this Act, that the Commission thinks fit.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 26
Information rules
111 Information rules
(1)
The Commission must make rules (information rules) relating to the collection, use, and disclosure of information by the Commission to ensure protection of the privacy of persons to whom personal information relates, and the confidentiality of other information.
(2)
The information rules must support the performance of the Commission’s inquiry function under section 99(i) and protect the privacy of children, young people, their families, and whānau.
(3)
When making information rules, the Commission must—
(a)
make reasonable efforts to consult interested or affected agencies, including hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations; and
(b)
consult the Privacy Commissioner.
(4)
Information rules made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
112 Content of information rules
Information rules made under section 111 must contain rules relating to—
(a)
the collection of information under section 107:
(b)
the methods of collecting information:
(c)
the use of information (for example, that information may only be used by approved staff):
(d)
the storage and disposal of information (for example, how information is to be kept separate from other information held by the Commission):
(e)
the accuracy and completeness of information (for example, procedures for confirming or validating information):
(f)
the disclosure of information by the Commission:
(g)
the operational procedures to support the exchange of information between hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations and the Commission.
Sharing of information
113 Sharing of information with Monitor and Ombudsman
(1)
The Commission, the Monitor, and an Ombudsman may share information with each other if the provider of the information believes either or both of the following apply:
(a)
the sharing of the information would minimise the burden on individuals and agencies:
(b)
the sharing of the information would assist the Commission, the Monitor, or an Ombudsman in the performance of each of their functions, duties, and powers.
(2)
Any information received by the Commission, the Monitor, or an Ombudsman under this Act may only be used in connection with,—
(aaa)
in the case of the Commission, the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, or powers under this Part:
(a)
in the case of the Monitor, the performance or exercise of the Monitor’s functions, duties, andor powers under the Parts 1 to 4 of the Oversight of the Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021:
(b)
in the case of an Ombudsman, the performance or exercise of an Ombudsman’s functions, duties, or powers under this Part or the Ombudsmen Act 1975 .
(b)
in the case of an Ombudsman, the exercise of their jurisdiction under subpart 2 of Part 2 of the Oversight of the Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021 or the Ombudsmen Act 1975.
(3)
Information may be provided under this section whether or not a request has been made.
(4)
The Commission, the Monitor, or an Ombudsman may decline a request for the sharing of information under this section.
(5)
This section overrides section 21 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975.
Reports of interference or non-compliance
114 Commission may report interference or non-compliance
(1)
The Commission may report to the chief executive of a department or an agency, or to any Minister responsible for the department or agency, if—
(a)
the Commission considers there has been interference with the performance of the Commission’s functions under this Act; or
(b)
an individual or an the department or agency has not complied with a requirement from the Commission to provide information under section 107, and there are no grounds on which the information could be withheld.
(2)
The Commission may publicly notify the matter on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Commission.
(3)
However, the Commission must not, in any report under this section or any published report, make any comment that is adverse to any individual department or agency unless the individual department or agency has first been given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
(4)
If a report prepared under this section contains information that may identify an individual, the information must be redacted or withheld from publication unless—
(a)
the information is about—
(i)
an individual caregiver; or
(ii)
any other individual delivering services or support to children and young people through the Oranga Tamariki system; and
(b)
either—
(i)
the individual concerned consents to their personal information being included in the report; or
(ii)
the Commission or the chief executive of the agency (as applicable) considers that the public interest in including the personal information in the report outweighs the individual’s privacy interests.
(a)
the individual concerned consents to their personal information being included in the report; or
(b)
the Commission or the chief executive of the department or agency (as applicable) considers that the public interest in including the personal information in the report outweighs the individual’s privacy interests.
(5)
However, the exception in subsection (4) may not be relied on if the information may identify any child or young person.
Referrals
115 Referral of matters
(1)
If, when performing functions under this Act, the Commission considers that the subject matter relates (whether in whole or in part) to a matter that is more properly within the scope of the functions of a person or body specified in subsection (4), the Commission must, without delay, consult that person or body to determine the appropriate means of dealing with the subject matter.
(2)
As soon as practicable after consulting the person or body, the Commission must determine whether the subject matter should be dealt with, in whole or in part, under this Act.
(3)
If the Commission determines that the subject matter should be dealt with, in whole or in part, by one of the persons or bodies specified in subsection (4), the Commission must, without delay,—
(a)
refer the subject matter, or the appropriate part of the subject matter, to that person or body without delay; and
(b)
give written notice of the referral to the individual who brought the matter to the Commission’s attention.
(4)
The persons and bodies are—
(a)
the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki:
(b)
the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System:
(c)
the Ombudsmen exercising jurisdiction under the Ombudsmen Act 1975 or this Part:
(c)
an Ombudsman exercising jurisdiction under subpart 2 of Part 2 of the Oversight of the Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021 or the Ombudsmen Act 1975:
(d)
the Chief Commissioner under the Human Rights Act 1993:
(e)
the Director-General of Health:
(f)
the chief executives of district health boards:
(f)
the chief executive of Health New Zealand:
(fa)
the chief executive of the Māori Health Authority:
(g)
the Health and Disability Commissioner:
(h)
the Secretary for Education:
(i)
a board constituted under subpart 5 of Part 3 of the Education and Training Act 2020:
(j)
the Commissioner of Police:
(k)
the Independent Police Conduct Authority:
(l)
the Privacy Commissioner:
(m)
any other person or body that the Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System or Ombudsman Commission considers appropriate.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 19
Miscellaneous
116 Proceedings privileged
(1)
No civil or criminal proceedings may be brought against an employee or officeholder for anything done or omitted in the performance or intended performance or exercise of any functions, duties, or powers under this Act, unless it is shown that the person acted in bad faith.
(2)
No employee or officeholder may be called to give evidence in court, or in any proceedings of a judicial nature, in respect of anything that comes to their knowledge in the performance or exercise of their functions or powers under this Act.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) applies in respect of proceedings for—
(a)
an offence against section 78, 78AA(1), 78A(1), 105, 105A, or 105B of the Crimes Act 1961; or
(b)
the offence of conspiring to commit or attempting to commit an offence against any of the provisions specified in paragraph (a).
(4)
Nothing in subsection (3) applies to a report made by the Commission under section 99(j).
(5)
Sections 122 to 126 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 apply as if the conduct for which a person may be indemnified or insured under those sections were conduct that is covered by the protection from liability in this section.
(6)
This section contains an exception to section 121 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
(7)
Anything said or any information supplied by an individual or agency in the course of an inquiry by the Commission under this Act is privileged in the same manner as if the inquiry were a proceeding in a court.
(8)
For the purposes of clause 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Defamation Act 1992, any report made by the Commission under this Act is to be taken to be an official report.
(9)
In this section,—
employee means an employee or a former employee of the Commission
officeholder means a person currently holding office as a board member under this Act.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 27
117 Regulations
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes:
Relevant agencies
(a)
specifying, for the purposes of section 93(2), the relevant agencies that may endorse a candidate applying to be a board member:
Code of ethics
(b)
prescribing the information that must be contained in the Commission’s code of ethics:
(c)
prescribing, for the purposes of section 106(3)(b), the intervals at which the Commission must review its code of ethics:
(d)
prescribing any 1 or more persons that must be consulted when the Commission is developing its code of ethics or any amendments to the code of ethics:
General
(e)
providing for anything this Act says may or must be provided for by regulations:
(f)
providing for anything incidental that is necessary for carrying out, or giving full effect to, this Act.
(2)
Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
118 Review of Act
(1)
The Minister must arrange for an independent review of the operation and effectiveness of this Act and the operation of the Commission under this Act.
(2)
The review must consider—
(a)
whether the functions, duties, and powers set out in this Act are supporting the Commission to give effect to the purpose of this Act; and
(b)
whether the Commission is working effectively with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations; and
(c)
whether any amendments to this Act are necessary or desirable; and
(d)
any other matters that the Minister considers appropriate, after consulting the Commission and other Ministers of the Crown with relevant portfolios, as necessary.
(3)
The review must commence no later than 5 years 3 years after the commencement of this Act.
(4)
The findings of the review must be reported to the Minister.
(5)
The Minister must present a copy of the report on the review to the House of Representatives no later than the 12th sitting day as soon as practicable after receiving the report.
Part 4 Amendments to other legislation and repeal
Amendment to Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996
119 Principal regulations
Section 120 amends the Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996.
120 Schedule amended
In the Schedule, clause 10(4), delete “the Children’s Commissioner or”
.
Consequential amendments and repeal
121 Consequential amendments
Amend the legislation specified in Schedule 4 as set out in that schedule.
122 Repeal of Children’s Commissioner Act 2003
The Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121) is repealed.
· · · · ·
Schedule 2 Transitional, savings, and related provisions
s 88
Part 1 Provisions relating to this Act as enacted
1 Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—
assets includes real or personal property, money, rights, or interests
board means the board of the Commission
commencement means the commencement of Part 5 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021
Commission means the Children and Young People’s Commission established by section 90
investigation means an investigation that has been requested in accordance with clause 10(4) of the Schedule of the Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996
liabilities includes debts, charges, duties, and other obligations, whether present, future, actual, contingent, payable, or to be observed or performed in New Zealand or elsewhere.
2 Appointment of first board members
(1)
This clause applies to the appointment of the first board members of the Commission.
(2)
The Minister may recommend to the Governor-General that a person be appointed as a board member if the Minister has, either before or after commencement, had regard to the matters in section 92.
(3)
This clause—
(a)
is subject to clause 3:
(b)
overrides sections 93 and 94 (which require a candidate for appointment as a board member to have been endorsed by a relevant agency and a nomination panel to be convened).
Provisions relating to Children’s Commissioner under former Act
3 Continuation of Children’s Commissioner appointed under former Act
The person holding office as Children’s Commissioner under the former Act immediately before commencement continues in office as a first board member of the Commission.
4 Superannuation or retiring allowance of Children’s Commissioner
Sums by way of subsidy or contribution may be paid into any retirement scheme (within the meaning of section 6(1) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013) for the purpose of providing a superannuation fund or retiring allowance for the person—
(a)
who held office as the Children’s Commissioner under the former Act immediately before commencement; and
(b)
who is taken to be a board member under this Act on and after commencement.
Compare: 2003 No 121 Schedule 1 cl 6
Transfer of employees
5 Transfer of employees
(1)
On commencement, every employee of the Children’s Commissioner becomes an employee (a transferred employee) of the Commission on the same terms and conditions that applied to the person immediately before they became an employee of the Commission.
(2)
For the purposes of all legislation and every law, determination, contract, and agreement relating to the employment of a transferred employee,—
(a)
the employment agreement of that employee is to be treated as unbroken; and
(b)
the employee’s period of service with the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, and every other period of service of that employee that is recognised by that office as continuous service, is to be treated as a period of service with the Commission.
(3)
To avoid doubt, the employment of a transferred employee by the Commission does not constitute new employment for the purposes of any service-related benefits, whether legislative or otherwise.
(4)
A transferred employee is not entitled to receive any payment or benefit from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner on the grounds that the person’s position in that office has ceased to exist or the person has ceased to be an employee of that office as a result of the transfer to the Commission.
(5)
This clause overrides—
(a)
Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act 2000; and
(b)
any employment protection provision in any relevant employment agreement.
6 Government Superannuation Fund
(1)
This clause applies to a person who, immediately before becoming a board member or an employee of the Commission, was a contributor to the Government Superannuation Fund under Part 2 or 2A of the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956.
(2)
Despite anything in this Act, the person is to be treated, for the purposes of the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956, as being employed in the Government service as long as the person continues to be a board member or employee of the Commission.
(3)
The Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956 applies to the person in all respects as if the person’s service as a board member or employee of the Commission were Government service.
(4)
Subclause (1) does not entitle a person to become a contributor to the Government Superannuation Fund if the person has ceased to be a contributor.
(5)
For the purpose of applying the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956, the chief executive of the Commission is the controlling authority.
Compare: 2003 No 121 Schedule 1 cl 6
Assets and liabilities
7 Transfer of Children’s Commissioner’s assets and liabilities to Commission
(1)
All residual assets, liabilities, agreements, leases, and licence arrangements of the Children’s Commissioner in existence immediately before commencement vests in the Crown as assets or liabilities of the Commission on and after commencement.
(2)
All information held by the Children’s Commissioner immediately before commencement is transferred to the Commission on commencement.
(3)
All money payable to or by the Children’s Commissioner immediately before commencement becomes payable to or by the Commission on and after commencement.
(4)
Unless the context otherwise requires, anything done, omitted to be done, or to be done by, or in relation to, the Children’s Commissioner is to be treated as having been done, having been omitted to be done, or having to be done by, or in relation to, the Commission.
Inquiries, reviews, and investigations under former Act
8 Continuation or completion of inquiries, reviews, and investigations under former Act
(1)
This clause applies to any inquiry, review, or investigation commenced by the Children’s Commissioner under the former Act before commencement but not completed by the close of day immediately before commencement.
(2)
The complaint, inquiry, review, or investigation may be continued or completed on and after commencement by the Commission under the corresponding provisions of this Act.
9 Investigations by Children’s Commissioner under Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996
(1)
This clause applies to an investigation commenced by the Children’s Commissioner under the Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996 before commencement date but not completed by the close of day immediately before commencement.
(2)
The Children and Young People’s Commission may continue and complete the investigation as if this Act had not been enacted.
References to Children’s Commissioner
10 References to Children’s Commissioner in enactments other legislation or documents
A reference to the Children’s Commissioner in any legislation enacted or made or document created or issued before commencement must, on and after commencement, be read as a reference to the Commission.
Compare: 2003 No 121 s 31(1)
Schedule 3 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
ss 86, 87
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Preamble
The States Parties to the present Convention,
Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Bearing in mind that the peoples of the United Nations have, in the Charter, reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person, and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Recognizing that the United Nations has, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenants on Human Rights, proclaimed and agreed that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status,
Recalling that, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations has proclaimed that childhood is entitled to special care and assistance,
Convinced that the family, as the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community,
Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding,
Considering that the child should be fully prepared to live an individual life in society and brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity,
Bearing in mind that the need to extend particular care to the child has been stated in the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child of 1924 and in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child adopted by the General Assembly on 20 November 1959 and recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (in particular in Articles 23 and 24), in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (in particular in Article 10) and in the statutes and relevant instruments of specialized agencies and international organisations concerned with the welfare of children,
Bearing in mind that, as indicated in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, “the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth”,
Recalling the provisions of the Declaration on Social and Legal Principles relating to the Protection and Welfare of Children, with Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoption Nationally and Internationally; the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules); and the Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict,
Recognizing that, in all countries in the world, there are children living in exceptionally difficult conditions and that such children need special consideration,
Taking due account of the importance of the traditions and cultural values of each people for the protection and harmonious development of the child,
Recognizing the importance of international co-operation for improving the living conditions of children in every country, in particular in the developing countries,
Have agreed as follows:
Part I Article 1
For the purposes of the present Convention, a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless, under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.
Article 2
1.
States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her parent’s or legal guardian’s race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.
2.
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs of the child’s parents, legal guardians, or family members.
Article 3
1.
In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.
2.
States Parties undertake to ensure the child such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being, taking into account the rights and duties of his or her parents, legal guardians, or other individuals legally responsible for him or her, and, to this end, shall take all appropriate legislative and administrative measures.
3.
States Parties shall ensure that the institutions, services and facilities responsible for the care or protection of children shall conform with the standards established by competent authorities, particularly in the areas of safety, health, in the number and suitability of their staff, as well as competent supervision.
Article 4
States Parties shall undertake all appropriate legislative, administrative, and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the present Convention. With regard to economic, social and cultural rights, States Parties shall undertake such measures to the maximum extent of their available resources and, where needed, within the framework of international co-operation.
Article 5
States Parties shall respect the responsibilities, rights and duties of parents or, where applicable, the members of the extended family or community as provided for by local custom, legal guardians or other persons legally responsible for the child, to provide, in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child, appropriate direction and guidance in the exercise by the child of the rights recognized in the present Convention.
Article 6
1.
States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life.
2.
States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child.
Article 7
1.
The child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents.
2.
States Parties shall ensure the implementation of these rights in accordance with their national law and their obligations under the relevant international instruments in this field, in particular where the child would otherwise be stateless.
Article 8
1.
States Parties undertake to respect the right of the child to preserve his or her identity, including nationality, name and family relations as recognized by law without unlawful interference.
2.
Where a child is illegally deprived of some or all of the elements of his or her identity, States Parties shall provide appropriate assistance and protection, with a view to re-establishing speedily his or her identity.
Article 9
1.
States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, except when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child. Such determination may be necessary in a particular case such as one involving abuse or neglect of the child by the parents, or one where the parents are living separately and a decision must be made as to the child’s place of residence.
2.
In any proceedings pursuant to paragraph 1 of the present Article, all interested parties shall be given an opportunity to participate in the proceedings and make their views known.
3.
States Parties shall respect the right of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child’s best interests.
4.
Where such separation results from any action initiated by a State Party, such as the detention, imprisonment, exile, deportation or death (including death arising from any cause while the person is in the custody of the State) of one or both parents or of the child, that State Party shall, upon request, provide the parents, the child or, if appropriate, another member of the family with the essential information concerning the whereabouts of the absent member(s) of the family unless the provision of the information would be detrimental to the well-being of the child. States Parties shall further ensure that the submission of such a request shall of itself entail no adverse consequences for the person(s) concerned.
Article 10
1.
In accordance with the obligation of States Parties under Article 9, paragraph 1, applications by a child or his or her parents to enter or leave a State Party for the purpose of family reunification shall be dealt with by States Parties in a positive, humane and expeditious manner. States Parties shall further ensure that the submission of such a request shall entail no adverse consequences for the applicants and for the members of their family.
2.
A child whose parents reside in different States shall have the right to maintain on a regular basis, save in exceptional circumstances personal relations and direct contacts with both parents. Towards that end and in accordance with the obligation of States Parties under Article 9, paragraph 1, States Parties shall respect the right of the child and his or her parents to leave any country, including their own, subject only to such restrictions as are prescribed by law and which are necessary to protect the national security, public order (ordre public), public health or morals or the rights and freedoms of others and are consistent with the other rights recognized in the present Convention.
Article 11
1.
States Parties shall take measures to combat the illicit transfer and non-return of children abroad.
2.
To this end, States Parties shall promote the conclusion of bilateral or multilateral agreements or accession to existing agreements.
Article 12
1.
States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.
2.
For this purpose, the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child, either directly, or through a representative or an appropriate body, in a manner consistent with the procedural rules of national law.
Article 13
1.
The child shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of the child’s choice.
2.
The exercise of this right may be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
(a)
For respect of the rights or reputations of others; or
(b)
For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.
Article 14
1.
States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
2.
States Parties shall respect the rights and duties of the parents and, when applicable, legal guardians, to provide direction to the child in the exercise of his or her right in a manner consistent with the evolving capacities of the child.
3.
Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
Article 15
1.
States Parties recognize the rights of the child to freedom of association and to freedom of peaceful assembly.
2.
No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of these rights other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order (ordre public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
Article 16
1.
No child shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his or her privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his or her honour and reputation.
2.
The child has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 17
States Parties recognize the important function performed by the mass media and shall ensure that the child has access to information and material from a diversity of national and international sources, especially those aimed at the promotion of his or her social, spiritual and moral well-being and physical and mental health. To this end, States Parties shall:
(a)
Encourage the mass media to disseminate information and material of social and cultural benefit to the child and in accordance with the spirit of Article 29;
(b)
Encourage international co-operation in the production, exchange and dissemination of such information and material from a diversity of cultural, national and international sources;
(c)
Encourage the production and dissemination of children’s books;
(d)
Encourage the mass media to have particular regard to the linguistic needs of the child who belongs to a minority group or who is indigenous;
(e)
Encourage the development of appropriate guidelines for the protection of the child from information and material injurious to his or her well-being, bearing in mind the provisions of Articles 13 and 18.
Article 18
1.
States Parties shall use their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principle that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child. Parents or, as the case may be, legal guardians, have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of the child. The best interests of the child will be their basic concern.
2.
For the purpose of guaranteeing and promoting the rights set forth in the present Convention, States Parties shall render appropriate assistance to parents and legal guardians in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities and shall ensure the development of institutions, facilities and services for the care of children.
3.
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that children of working parents have the right to benefit from child-care services and facilities for which they are eligible.
Article 19
1.
States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
2.
Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.
Article 20
1.
A child temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment, or in whose own best interests cannot be allowed to remain in that environment, shall be entitled to special protection and assistance provided by the State.
2.
States Parties shall in accordance with their national laws ensure alternative care for such a child.
3.
Such care could include, inter alia, foster placement, kafalah of Islamic law, adoption or if necessary placement in suitable institutions for the care of children. When considering solutions, due regard shall be paid to the desirability of continuity in a child’s upbringing and to the child’s ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic background.
Article 21
States Parties that recognize and/or permit the system of adoption shall ensure that the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration and they shall:
(a)
Ensure that the adoption of a child is authorized only by competent authorities who determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures and on the basis of all pertinent and reliable information, that the adoption is permissible in view of the child’s status concerning parents, relatives and legal guardians and that, if required, the persons concerned have given their informed consent to the adoption on the basis of such counselling as may be necessary;
(b)
Recognize that inter-country adoption may be considered as an alternative means of child’s care, if the child cannot be placed in a foster or an adoptive family or cannot in any suitable manner be cared for in the child’s country of origin;
(c)
Ensure that the child concerned by inter-country adoption enjoys safeguards and standards equivalent to those existing in the case of national adoption;
(d)
Take all appropriate measures to ensure that, in inter-country adoption the placement does not result in improper financial gain for those involved in it;
(e)
Promote, where appropriate, the objectives of the present Article by concluding bilateral or multilateral arrangements or agreements, and endeavour, within this framework, to ensure that the placement of the child in another country is carried out by competent authorities or organs.
Article 22
1.
States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure that a child who is seeking refugee status or who is considered a refugee in accordance with applicable international or domestic law and procedures shall, whether unaccompanied or accompanied by his or her parents or by any other person, receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance in the enjoyment of applicable rights set forth in the present Convention and in other international human rights or humanitarian instruments to which the said States are Parties.
2.
For this purpose, States Parties shall provide, as they consider appropriate, co-operation in any efforts by the United Nations and other competent intergovernmental organizations or non-governmental organizations co-operating with the United Nations to protect and assist such a child and to trace the parents or other members of the family of any refugee child in order to obtain information necessary for reunification with his or her family. In cases where no parents or other members of the family can be found, the child shall be accorded the same protection as any other child permanently or temporarily deprived of his or her family environment for any reason, as set forth in the present Convention.
Article 23
1.
States Parties recognize that a mentally or physically disabled child should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in the community.
2.
States Parties recognize the right of the disabled child to special care and shall encourage and ensure the extension, subject to available resources, to the eligible child and those responsible for his or her care, of assistance for which application is made and which is appropriate to the child’s condition and to the circumstances of the parents or others caring for the child.
3.
Recognizing the special needs of a disabled child, assistance extended in accordance with paragraph 2 of the present Article shall be provided free of charge, whenever possible, taking into account the financial resources of the parents or others caring for the child, and shall be designed to ensure that the disabled child has effective access to and receives education, training, health care services, rehabilitation services, preparation for employment and recreation opportunities in a manner conducive to the child’s achieving the fullest possible social integration and individual development, including his or her cultural and spiritual development.
4.
States Parties shall promote, in the spirit of international cooperation, the exchange of appropriate information in the field of preventive health care and of medical, psychological and functional treatment of disabled children, including dissemination of and access to information concerning methods of rehabilitation, education and vocational services, with the aim of enabling States Parties to improve their capabilities and skills and to widen their experience in these areas. In this regard, particular account shall be taken of the needs of developing countries.
Article 24
1.
States Parties recognize the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health. States Parties shall strive to ensure that no child is deprived of his or her right of access to such health care services.
2.
States Parties shall pursue full implementation of this right and, in particular, shall take appropriate measures:
(a)
To diminish infant and child mortality;
(b)
To ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and health care to all children with emphasis on the development of primary health care;
(c)
To combat disease and malnutrition, including within the framework of primary health care, through, inter alia, the application of readily available technology and through the provision of adequate nutritious foods and clean drinking-water, taking into consideration the dangers and risks of environmental pollution;
(d)
To ensure appropriate pre-natal and post-natal health care for mothers;
(e)
To ensure that all segments of society, in particular parents and children, are informed, have access to education and are supported in the use of basic knowledge of child health and nutrition, the advantages of breast-feeding, hygiene and environmental sanitation and the prevention of accidents;
(f)
To develop preventive health care, guidance for parents and family planning education and services.
3.
States Parties shall take all effective and appropriate measures with a view to abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children.
4.
States Parties undertake to promote and encourage international co-operation with a view to achieving progressively the full realisation of the right recognized in the present Article. In this regard, particular account shall be taken of the needs of developing countries.
Article 25
States Parties recognize the right of a child who has been placed by the competent authorities for the purposes of care, protection or treatment of his or her physical or mental health, to a periodic review of the treatment provided to the child and all other circumstances relevant to his or her placement.
Article 26
1.
States Parties shall recognize for every child the right to benefit from social security, including social insurance, and shall take the necessary measures to achieve the full realisation of this right in accordance with their national law.
2.
The benefits should, where appropriate, be granted, taking into account the resources and the circumstances of the child and persons having responsibility for the maintenance of the child, as well as any other consideration relevant to an application for benefits made by or on behalf of the child.
Article 27
1.
States Parties recognize the right of every child to a standard of living adequate for the child’s physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.
2.
The parent(s) or others responsible for the child have the primary responsibility to secure, within their abilities and financial capacities, the conditions of living necessary for the child’s development.
3.
States Parties, in accordance with national conditions and within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist parents and others responsible for the child to implement this right and shall in case of need provide material assistance and support programmes, particularly with regard to nutrition, clothing and housing.
4.
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to secure the recovery of maintenance for the child from the parents or other persons having financial responsibility for the child, both within the State Party and from abroad. In particular, where the person having financial responsibility for the child lives in a State different from that of the child, States Parties shall promote the accession to international agreements or the conclusion of such agreements, as well as the making of other appropriate arrangements.
Article 28
1.
States Parties recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity, they shall, in particular:
(a)
Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;
(b)
Encourage the development of different forms of secondary education, including general and vocational education, make them available and accessible to every child, and take appropriate measures such as the introduction of free education and offering financial assistance in case of need;
(c)
Make higher education accessible to all on the basis of capacity by every appropriate means;
(d)
Make educational and vocational information and guidance available and accessible to all children;
(e)
Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates.
2.
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that school discipline is administered in a manner consistent with the child’s human dignity and in conformity with the present Convention.
3.
States Parties shall promote and encourage international cooperation in matters relating to education, in particular with a view to contributing to the elimination of ignorance and illiteracy throughout the world and facilitating access to scientific and technical knowledge and modern teaching methods. In this regard, particular account shall be taken of the needs of developing countries.
Article 29
1.
States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:
(a)
The development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential;
(b)
The development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations;
(c)
The development of respect for the child’s parents, his or her own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for civilizations different from his or her own;
(d)
The preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin;
(e)
The development of respect for the natural environment.
2.
No part of the present Article or Article 28 shall be construed so as to interfere with the liberty of individuals and bodies to establish and direct educational institutions, subject always to the observance of the principle set forth in paragraph 1 of the present Article and to the requirements that the education given in such institutions shall conform to such minimum standards as may be laid down by the State.
Article 30
In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities or persons of indigenous origin exist, a child belonging to such a minority or who is indigenous shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of his or her group, to enjoy his or her own culture, or profess and practise his or her own religion, or to use his or her own language.
Article 31
1.
States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
2.
States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.
Article 32
1.
States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education, or to be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.
2.
States Parties shall take legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to ensure the implementation of the present Article. To this end, and having regard to the relevant provisions of other international instruments, States Parties shall in particular:
(a)
Provide for a minimum age or minimum ages for admission to employment;
(b)
Provide for appropriate regulation of the hours and conditions of employment;
(c)
Provide for appropriate penalties or other sanctions to ensure the effective enforcement of the present Article.
Article 33
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures, to protect children from the illicit use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as defined in the relevant international treaties, and to prevent the use of children in the illicit production and trafficking of such substances.
Article 34
States Parties undertake to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. For these purposes, States Parties shall in particular take all appropriate national, bilateral and multilateral measures to prevent:
(a)
The inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity;
(b)
The exploitative use of children in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices;
(c)
The exploitative use of children in pornographic performances and materials.
Article 35
States Parties shall take all appropriate national, bilateral and multilateral measures to prevent the abduction of, the sale of or traffic in children for any purpose or in any form.
Article 36
States Parties shall protect the child against all other forms of exploitation prejudicial to any aspects of the child’s welfare.
Article 37
States Parties shall ensure that:
(a)
No child shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither capital punishment nor life imprisonment without possibility of release shall be imposed for offences committed by persons below eighteen years of age;
(b)
No child shall be deprived of his or her liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily. The arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child shall be in conformity with the law and shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time;
(c)
Every child deprived of liberty shall be treated with humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, and in a manner which takes into account the needs of persons of his or her age. In particular, every child deprived of liberty shall be separated from adults unless it is considered in the child’s best interest not to do so and shall have the right to maintain contact with his or her family through correspondence and visits, save in exceptional circumstances;
(d)
Every child deprived of his or her liberty shall have the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance, as well as the right to challenge the legality of the deprivation of his or her liberty before a court or other competent, independent and impartial authority, and to a prompt decision on any such action.
Article 38
1.
States Parties undertake to respect and to ensure respect for rules of international humanitarian law applicable to them in armed conflicts which are relevant to the child.
2.
States Parties shall take all feasible measures to ensure that persons who have not attained the age of fifteen years do not take a direct part in hostilities.
3.
States Parties shall refrain from recruiting any person who has not attained the age of fifteen years into their armed forces. In recruiting among those persons who have attained the age of fifteen years but who have not attained the age of eighteen years, States Parties shall endeavour to give priority to those who are oldest.
4.
In accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect the civilian population in armed conflicts, States Parties shall take all feasible measures to ensure protection and care of children who are affected by an armed conflict.
Article 39
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of a child victim of: any form of neglect, exploitation, or abuse; torture or any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; or armed conflicts. Such recovery and reintegration shall take place in an environment which fosters the health, self-respect and dignity of the child.
Article 40
1.
States Parties recognize the right of every child alleged as, accused of, or recognized as having infringed the penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child’s sense of dignity and worth, which reinforces the child’s respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others and which takes into account the child’s age and the desirability of promoting the child’s reintegration and the child’s assuming a constructive role in society.
2.
To this end, and having regard to the relevant provisions of international instruments, States Parties shall, in particular, ensure that:
(a)
No child shall be alleged as, be accused of, or recognized as having infringed the penal law by reason of acts or omissions that were not prohibited by national or international law at the time they were committed;
(b)
Every child alleged as or accused of having infringed the penal law has at least the following guarantees:
(i)
To be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law;
(ii)
To be informed promptly and directly of the charges against him or her, and, if appropriate through his or her parents or legal guardians, and to have legal or other appropriate assistance in the preparation and presentation of his or her defence;
(iii)
To have the matter determined without delay by a competent, independent and impartial authority or judicial body in a fair hearing according to law, in the presence of legal or other appropriate assistance and, unless it is considered not to be in the best interest of the child, in particular taking into account his or her age or situation, his or her parents or legal guardians;
(iv)
Not to be compelled to give testimony or to confess guilt; to examine or have examined adverse witnesses and to obtain the participation and examination of witnesses on his or her behalf under conditions of equality;
(v)
If considered to have infringed the penal law, to have this decision and any measures imposed in consequence thereof reviewed by a higher competent, independent and impartial authority or judicial body according to law;
(vi)
To have the free assistance of an interpreter if the child cannot understand or speak the language used;
(vii)
To have his or her privacy fully respected at all stages of the proceedings.
3.
States Parties shall seek to promote the establishment of laws, procedures, authorities and institutions specifically applicable to children alleged as, accused of, or recognized as having infringed the penal law, and, in particular:
(a)
The establishment of a minimum age below which children shall be presumed not to have the capacity to infringe the penal law;
(b)
Whenever appropriate and desirable, measures for dealing with such children without resorting to judicial proceedings providing that human rights and legal safeguards are fully respected.
4.
A variety of dispositions, such as care, guidance and supervision orders; counselling; probation; foster care; education and vocational training programmes and other alternatives to institutional care shall be available to ensure that children are dealt with in a manner appropriate to their well-being and proportionate both to their circumstances and the offence.
Article 41
Nothing in the present Convention shall affect any provisions which are more conducive to the realization of the rights of the child and which may be contained in:
(a)
The law of a State party; or
(b)
International law in force for that State.
Part II Article 42
States Parties undertake to make the principles and provisions of the Convention widely known, by appropriate and active means, to adults and children alike.
Article 43
1.
For the purpose of examining the progress made by States Parties in achieving the realization of the obligations undertaken in the present Convention, there shall be established a Committee on the Rights of the Child, which shall carry out the functions hereinafter provided.
2.
The Committee shall consist of ten experts of high moral standing and recognized competence in the field covered by this Convention. The members of the Committee shall be elected by States Parties from among their nationals and shall serve in their personal capacity, consideration being given to equitable geographical distribution, as well as to the principal legal systems.
3.
The members of the Committee shall be elected by secret ballot from a list of persons nominated by States Parties. Each State Party may nominate one person from among its own nationals.
4.
The initial election to the Committee shall be held no later than six months after the date of the entry into force of the present Convention and thereafter every second year. At least four months before the date of each election, the Secretary-General of the United Nations shall address a letter to States Parties inviting them to submit their nominations within two months. The Secretary-General shall subsequently prepare a list in alphabetical order of all persons thus nominated, indicating States Parties which have nominated them, and shall submit it to the States Parties to the present Convention.
5.
The elections shall be held at meetings of States Parties convened by the Secretary-General at United Nations Headquarters. At those meetings, for which two thirds of States Parties shall constitute a quorum, the persons elected to the Committee shall be those who obtain the largest number of votes and an absolute majority of the votes of the representatives of States Parties present and voting.
6.
The members of the Committee shall be elected for a term of four years. They shall be eligible for re-election if renominated. The term of five of the members elected at the first election shall expire at the end of two years; immediately after the first election, the names of these five members shall be chosen by lot by the Chairman of the meeting.
7.
If a member of the Committee dies or resigns or declares that for any other cause he or she can no longer perform the duties of the Committee, the State Party which nominated the member shall appoint another expert from among its nationals to serve for the remainder of the term, subject to the approval of the Committee.
8.
The Committee shall establish its own rules of procedure.
9.
The Committee shall elect its officers for a period of two years.
10.
The meetings of the Committee shall normally be held at United Nations Headquarters or at any other convenient place as determined by the Committee. The Committee shall normally meet annually. The duration of the meetings of the Committee shall be determined, and reviewed, if necessary, by a meeting of the States Parties to the present Convention, subject to the approval of the General Assembly.
11.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall provide the necessary staff and facilities for the effective performance of the functions of the Committee under the present Convention.
12.
With the approval of the General Assembly, the members of the Committee established under the present Convention shall receive emoluments from United Nations resources on such terms and conditions as the Assembly may decide.
Article 44
1.
States Parties undertake to submit to the Committee, through the Secretary-General of the United Nations, reports on the measures they have adopted which give effect to the rights recognized herein and on the progress made on the enjoyment of those rights
(a)
Within two years of the entry into force of the Convention for the State Party concerned;
(b)
Thereafter every five years.
2.
Reports made under the present Article shall indicate factors and difficulties, if any, affecting the degree of fulfilment of the obligations under the present Convention. Reports shall also contain sufficient information to provide the Committee with a comprehensive understanding of the implementation of the Convention in the country concerned.
3.
A State Party which has submitted a comprehensive initial report to the Committee need not, in its subsequent reports submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 (b) of the present Article, repeat basic information previously provided.
4.
The Committee may request from States Parties further information relevant to the implementation of the Convention.
5.
The Committee shall submit to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, every two years, reports on its activities.
6.
States Parties shall make their reports widely available to the public in their own countries.
Article 45
In order to foster the effective implementation of the Convention and to encourage international co-operation in the field covered by the Convention:
(a)
The specialized agencies, the United Nations Children’s Fund and other United Nations organs shall be entitled to be represented at the consideration of the implementation of such provisions of the present Convention as fall within the scope of their mandate. The Committee may invite the specialized agencies, the United Nations Children’s Fund and other competent bodies as it may consider appropriate to provide expert advice on the implementation of the Convention in areas falling within the scope of their respective mandates. The Committee may invite the specialized agencies, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and other United Nations organs to submit reports on the implementation of the Convention in areas falling within the scope of their activities;
(b)
The Committee shall transmit, as it may consider appropriate, to the specialized agencies, the United Nations Children’s Fund and other competent bodies, any reports from States Parties that contain a request, or indicate a need, for technical advice or assistance, along with the Committee’s observations and suggestions, if any, on these requests or indications;
(c)
The Committee may recommend to the General Assembly to request the Secretary-General to undertake on its behalf studies on specific issues relating to the rights of the child;
(d)
The Committee may make suggestions and general recommendations based on information received pursuant to Articles 44 and 45 of the present Convention. Such suggestions and general recommendations shall be transmitted to any State Party concerned and reported to the General Assembly, together with comments, if any, from States Parties.
Part III Article 46
The present Convention shall be open for signature by all States.
Article 47
The present Convention is subject to ratification. Instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Article 48
The present Convention shall remain open for accession by any State. The instruments of accession shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Article 49
1.
The present Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day following the date of deposit with the Secretary-General of the United Nations of the twentieth instrument of ratification or accession.
2.
For each State ratifying or acceding to the Convention after the deposit of the twentieth instrument of ratification or accession, the Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the deposit by such State of its instrument of ratification or accession.
Article 50
1.
Any State Party may propose an amendment and file it with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Secretary-General shall thereupon communicate the proposed amendment to States Parties, with a request that they indicate whether they favour a conference of States Parties for the purpose of considering and voting upon the proposals. In the event that, within four months from the date of such communication, at least one third of the States Parties favour such a conference, the Secretary-General shall convene the conference under the auspices of the United Nations. Any amendment adopted by a majority of States Parties present and voting at the conference shall be submitted to the General Assembly for approval.
2.
An amendment adopted in accordance with paragraph 1 of the present Article shall enter into force when it has been approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations and accepted by a two-thirds majority of States Parties.
3.
When an amendment enters into force, it shall be binding on those States Parties which have accepted it, other States Parties still being bound by the provisions of the present Convention and any earlier amendments which they have accepted.
Article 51
1.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall receive and circulate to all States the text of reservations made by States at the time of ratification or accession.
2.
A reservation incompatible with the object and purpose of the present Convention shall not be permitted.
3.
Reservations may be withdrawn at any time by notification to that effect addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who shall then inform all States. Such notification shall take effect on the date on which it is received by the Secretary-General.
Article 52
A State Party may denounce the present Convention by written notification to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Denunciation becomes effective one year after the date of receipt of the notification by the Secretary-General.
Article 53
The Secretary-General of the United Nations is designated as the depositary of the present Convention.
Article 54
The original of the present Convention, of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
IN WITNESS THEREOF the undersigned plenipotentiaries, being duly authorized thereto by their respective governments, have signed the present Convention.
Schedule 4 Consequential amendments
s 121
Part 1Amendments to Acts
Children’s Act 2014 (2014 No 40)
In section 5(1), repeal the definition of Children’s Commissioner.
In section 5(1), insert in its appropriate alphabetical order:
Children and Young People’s Commission means the Children and Young People’s Commission established by section 90 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021
In section 5(1), definition of UNCROC, replace “Schedule 2 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003”
with “Schedule 3 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021”
.
In section 6D(1)(b), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Coroners Act 2006 (2006 No 38)
In section 9, definition of other investigating authority, repeal paragraph (a).
Corrections Act 2004 (2004 No 50)
In section 114(2)(c)(vii), replace “the Children’s Commissioner”
with “a board member of the Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (1989 No 106)
In section 16, definition of National Preventive Mechanism, paragraph (c), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115)
In Schedule 1, Part 3, replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 (1994 No 88)
In section 14(2)(b), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
In section 23(b), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2004 (2004 No 92)
In section 34(5), replace “hold the office of Children’s Commissioner or be a representative or employee of the person who holds that office”
with “be a board member, representative, or employee of the Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Ombudsmen Act 1975 (1975 No 9)
In Schedule 1, Part 2, replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 (1989 No 24)
In section 2(1), replace the definition of Commissioner with:
Children and Young People’s Commission means the Children and Young People’s Commission established by section 90 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2021
In section 66M(1)(b), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
In section 447(1)(ga), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) Act 2014 (2014 No 68)
In section 53(2)(c)(vii), replace “the Children’s Commissioner”
with “a board member of the Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Remuneration Authority Act 1977 (1977 No 110)
In Schedule 4, repeal the item relating to the Children’s Commissioner.
In Schedule 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order:
The board members of the Children and Young People’s Commission
Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 2017 (2017 No 4)
In section 63(2)(g), replace “the Children’s Commissioner”
with “a board member of the Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Part 2Amendments to secondary legislation
Education (Hostels) Regulations 2005 (SR 2005/332)
In regulation 70(2), replace “the Children’s Commissioner”
with “the Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Oranga Tamariki (Residential Care) Regulations 1996 (SR 1996/354)
In regulation 10(1)(l), replace “the Children’s Commissioner”
with “a board member of the Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
In regulation 29(2)(c), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
In regulation 31(5)(d), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
In regulation 37(6), replace “Children’s Commissioner”
with “Children and Young People’s Commission”
.
Legislative history
11 August 2022 | Divided from Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Bill (Bill 94–2) as Bill 94–3B |