Adoption and fostering

Adopt a child or place a child for adoption. Learn about fostering a child and the Māori tradition of Whāngai. Get information about your own adoption or birth child.

  • Adopting a child

    You can apply to adopt a child in New Zealand as a couple or as an individual.

  • Placing a child for adoption

    Your child can be adopted by another family if you’re not able to look after them.

  • Whāngai

    Whāngai is the Māori tradition of children being raised by someone other than their birth parents — usually a relative.

  • Finding information about your adoption

    If you were born in New Zealand and you're adopted, once you turn 20 you can request your pre-adoptive birth certificate and information about your adoption records held by Oranga Tamariki.

  • Finding your birth child

    If you've placed a child for adoption and they are now over 20 years old, you can ask Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children for help finding them.

  • Fostering a child (caregiving)

    Foster parents (caregivers) look after children in many ways, from short-term or emergency care, to long-term or permanent arrangements.

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