Government introduces urgent bill to halt certain international adoptions

Tuesday 16 September 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 16 Sep 2025, 3:56pm

In this story Nicole McKee

The Government is introducing the Adoption Amendment Bill to temporarily stop the recognition of some overseas adoptions. This follows reports that individuals with convictions for violence or sexual abuse have been able to adopt children internationally. MPs will debate the changes under urgency to address safety loopholes.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldTue 16 Sep 2025, 1:00pm

   Govt scrambles to change law allowing convicted abusers to adopt internationally (opens in new tab)

2. The Press via The PostTue 16 Sep 2025, 1:00pm

   Govt plans immediate suspension of overseas adoptions (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZTue 16 Sep 2025, 2:30pm

   Urgent halt to some international adoptions to fight slavery, trafficking (opens in new tab)

4. RNZTue 16 Sep 2025, 3:56pm

   Some international adoptions halted under urgency to fight trafficking, slavery (opens in new tab)