Our Ethical Responsibility: Psychologists Provide Expert Evidence on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill

Following the proposed repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, members of He Paiaka Tōtara (Māori psychologist association) delivered a written and oral submission to the New Zealand Parliament’s Social Services and Community Committee. This paper shares the submission, relevant research and practice contexts, and describes the submission process to assist others with future submissions. As highly qualified health professionals with research backgrounds, we believe that political engagement and providing expert evidence on psychology-related matters that impact individual and community well-being is not merely an extension of our work; it is a core professional responsibility, outlined in the New Zealand Psychologists’ Code of Ethics. We implore others within our profession to fulfil this moral and ethical duty.