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Children’s Commissioner Act 2022

Preliminary provisions

5: Principles

You could also call this:

"Important rules the Commissioner must follow to help keep kids safe and supported"

Illustration for Children’s Commissioner Act 2022

When the Commissioner is doing their job, they must think about some important things. They must consider the Children's Convention and how it affects children and young people. They must also think about the child or young person as part of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities.

The Commissioner must remember that children and young people are all different and have different needs. They must want the best for all children and young people and make sure systems support them. They must help children and young people who are struggling and make sure their voices are heard.

The Commissioner must also think about other international rules that affect children and young people, and give priority to those who are disadvantaged. You can find more information about changes to this law in the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Act 2025. The Commissioner's job is to make sure children and young people are safe and supported.

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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=LMS733135.

Topics:
Children and parenting > Children and parentingRights and equality > Anti-discrimination
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4: Purpose of this Act, or

"This law sets up a special job to help kids be treated fairly and have a say."

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6: Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi, or

"Respecting the Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi promise to work with Māori and protect their children's rights."

Part 1Preliminary provisions

5Principles

  1. The Commissioner must have regard to the following matters when performing or exercising their functions, duties, or powers under this Act:

  2. the Children’s Convention:
    1. the child or young person within (without limitation) the context of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities:
      1. the diversity of children and young people in all its forms:
        1. the need for high aspirations for the well-being of all children and young people, including responsive systems and structures that support them:
          1. the need to give priority to the children and young people who are disadvantaged, and the issues affecting them:
            1. the need to hear from, and be informed by, children and young people:
              1. other international instruments relevant to, and that affect, children and young people.

                Notes
                • Section 5: amended, on , by section 24 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 34).