Adoption Act 1955

Maori adoptions

18: Application of Act to Maoris

You could also call this:

"The Adoption Act applies to all New Zealanders, no matter their culture."

The Adoption Act 1955 applies to everyone in New Zealand. You can apply to adopt a child under this Act, no matter if you are Maori or not. The child you want to adopt can also be Maori or not, it does not matter.

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This page was last updated on 1 October 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM293305.

Topics:

Family and relationships > Adoption and guardianshipMāori affairs > Māori land

17: Effect of overseas adoptions, or

"What happens if you're adopted in another country and want to live in New Zealand"

19: Adoptions according to Maori custom not operative, or

"Maori custom adoptions are not legally recognised after 1909"

18Application of Act to Maoris

An adoption order may be made under this Act on the application of any person, whether a Maori or not, in respect of any child, whether a Maori or not.