Petition request

That the House of Representatives review and amend the Children’s Act 2014 to broaden and strengthen its capacity to protect New Zealand's children from abuse, both within organisations and in the places children go.

Petition reason

New Zealand ranks 35th out of 41 developed countries for child wellbeing outcomes and a child dies every five weeks in New Zealand from family violence. In our view the child protection clauses in the Children’s Act 2014 are too narrow and weak to be effective and urgently need a review to better protect our children.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 3655
Date presented: 10 Apr 2024
Considered by: Social Services and Community
SC Report(s): 11 Sep 2025 (Final)
Presenting member: Rachel Boyack
Closing date: 30 Oct 2023