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Oranga Tamariki Act 1989

Purposes, principles, and duties - Purposes

4A: Well-being and best interests of child or young person

You could also call this:

"People making decisions about you must think about what's best for your happiness and safety."

Illustration for Oranga Tamariki Act 1989

When people are making decisions about you under the Oranga Tamariki Act, they must think about what is best for you. They have to consider what will make you happy and safe, and this is the most important thing. They should look at the principles in sections 5 and 13 to help them make this decision.

In some cases, like when looking at Parts 4 and 5 and sections 351 to 360, there are four main things to think about. These are your well-being and best interests, what is good for the public, what is good for any victims, and making sure you are responsible for your actions. The principles in sections 5 and 208 can help guide these decisions.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS216298.

Topics:
Family and relationships > Children and parentingGovernment and voting > Government departmentsCrime and justice > Victim support
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4: Purposes, or

"What the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 is trying to achieve for kids like you in New Zealand."

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5: Principles to be applied in exercise of powers under this Act, or

"Important rules to follow when making decisions about children and young people"

Part 1Purposes, principles, and duties
Purposes

4AWell-being and best interests of child or young person

  1. In all matters relating to the administration or application of this Act (other than Parts 4 and 5 and sections 351 to 360), the well-being and best interests of the child or young person are the first and paramount consideration, having regard to the principles set out in sections 5 and 13.

  2. In all matters relating to the administration or application of Parts 4 and 5 and sections 351 to 360, the 4 primary considerations, having regard to the principles set out in sections 5 and 208, are—

  3. the well-being and best interests of the child or young person; and
    1. the public interest (which includes public safety); and
      1. the interests of any victim; and
        1. the accountability of the child or young person for their behaviour.

          Compare
          • 1989 No 24 s 6
          Notes
          • Section 4A: inserted, on , by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).