The Chairperson of the Justice Committee has called for public submissions on the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill. The bill seeks to establish an enduring system for international and overseas adoptions that:

• supports the wellbeing and best interests of adopted people
• aligns with New Zealand’s international obligations
• upholds the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration and citizenship systems.

On 18 September 2025, temporary changes were made to the Adoption Act 1955 by the Adoption Amendment Act 2025. The bill would replace the temporary changes and repeal the latter Act. Other changes proposed by the bill include:

• setting out the circumstances in which an application for an adoption order could be made to the Family Court
• setting limitations regarding citizenship and the grant of visas and entry permissions on overseas adoptions that are not adoptions under the Hague Convention
• empowering the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, to designate a country by Order in Council provided that the Minister is satisfied that the country’s regulatory regime has sufficient safeguards to prevent harm to an adopted person.

Tell the Justice Committee what you think

Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Monday 15 June 2026.

For more details about the bill:

• Read the full content of the bill
• Get more details about the bill

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