“In the Best Interest of the Child” Samoa, New Zealand work towards better adoption laws

"Samoa continues negotiations to ensure processes align with reforms while safeguarding the welfare and best interests of Samoan children.."

Friday 10 July 2026 Apia Samoa. Samoa and New Zealand are holding high-level talks aimed at improved processes to ensure the safety and well-being of children placed with adoptive families. Samoa’s Ministry of Justice CEO and Chief Court Registrar, Papalii John Taimalelagi gave an update of the discussions to local media at Taumeasina Island Resort on Thursday.

“E lē vaai le tulafono i matua, (biological parents) e lē vaai le tulafono i adoptive parent’s – ae vaai le tulafono i le tamaititi, the best interest of the chil

Talks are looking at lifting the temporary suspension preventing Samoan children adopted by New Zealand families from automatically receiving New Zealand citizenship.

The discussions follow New Zealand’s September 2025 decision to suspend recognition of Samoan intercountry adoptions for citizenship purposes after concerns were raised about the welfare of some adopted children.

Papalii John Taimalelagi said the suspension was prompted by reports of abuse involving a small number of adoptive families in New Zealand, stressing that the concerns did not reflect all adoptive parents.

“E lē lelei le lipoti na aumai. A tou faitau ai, e lua ā laupepa, maligi outou loimata..”

Before the suspension, Samoan children legally adopted through the Courts were eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship after their adoption orders were granted.

Papalii said New Zealand’s primary concern is ensuring the safety and well-being of children placed with adoptive families.

“E lē vaai le tulafono i matua, (biological parents) e lē vaai le tulafono i adoptive parent’s – ae vaai le tulafono i le tamaititi, the best interest of the child.”

The CEO noted that most adoption applications are made with good intentions, including giving children better educational opportunities and brighter futures while allowing them to offer support for their families in Samoa later in life.

New Zealand remains the largest destination for Samoan intercountry adoptions, with an estimated 10 to 20 adoption applications processed each week and as many as 40 to 50 files lodged on Court every month.

Safeguarding our Children

As part of the ongoing negotiations, both governments are working to strengthen safeguards surrounding the adoption process, particularly after Court orders have been granted.

One proposal would see New Zealand authorities undertake independent home assessments of prospective adoptive families.

These checks would verify applicants’ criminal backgrounds, living conditions and their suitability to care for a child, said Papalii.

“There have been cases where photographs submitted with applications did not match the actual property when verified.”

“O le mea lā ua tupu, e verify atu e ese lava le fale lea e pu’e mai i le application, ae matuā ese lava ata o fale la e iai..”

Samoa is also seeking to ensure the strengthened process does not place additional financial pressure on families pursuing adoption.

“At the end of the day, we do not want our people to suffer because of increased costs,” Papalii added.

Adopted Children in the System who Choose to Return to Samoa 

Discussions will also include arrangements for Samoan children currently in the care of New Zealand’s Oranga Tamariki who have expressed a wish to return to Samoa and reunite with their biological families.

Papali said the children remain New Zealand citizens, but Samoa has a responsibility to support them if they choose to return home.

Oranga Tamariki is a NZ government agency dedicated to protecting vulnerable children. Its services include youth justice support, adoption oversight, and care placements.

The Ministry of Families Affairs (AIGA), together with other government agencies, are working with New Zealand authorities to ensure any return is properly managed.

Biological parents are being consulted, while health, education and social services will be involved to help children successfully reintegrate into their families and communities.

Four children returned to Samoa in 2025. They were aged 12, 16, 18 and 20 years.

Papali said adoption orders can be discharged through the Courts, allowing children to legally reunite with their biological parents while retaining their New Zealand citizenship.

“Once e discharge ai le adoption, e toe ave i matua moni ma matua faaletulafono, ae e le aafia ai le sitiseni..”

Lowering Adoption Age

New Zealand is also progressing changes to its adoption laws, including lowering the age threshold from 21 to 18 years.

Samoa is continuing negotiations to ensure any future agreements and processes align with reforms, while safeguarding the welfare and best interests of Samoan children, assures Papalii.