"Adoption loss is the only trauma in the world where the victims are expected by the whole of society to be grateful." Keith C. Griffith, MBE

This site is for adopted people, parents, partners, friends and families impacted by adoption in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our vision

Adoption NZ’s vision is:

  • to provide resources for people impacted by adoption

  • to educate and raise awareness of the practice, policy, challenges,

    triumphs and impacts of adoption

  • to take an open, honest look at current and historical adoption practices

  • to provide access to relevant research, articles, books and links on issues relating to New Zealand’s adoption legislation

Latest News and updates

The Adoption Act 1955 gained Royal Assent on 27 October 70 years ago

Adoption Action held a hui in Wellington, Aotearoa on November 2025 to mark 70 years since the Adoption Act 1955 was passed. The Act remains in place today despite, among other things, it not meeting Aotearoa's obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi or elements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.  Find out more here.

Adoption Amendment Act 2025 passed under urgency

On 16 September 2025 the Adoption Amendment Act 2025 was passed under urgency and gained Royal Assent the following day.  The Act immediately suspends new international adoption applications via section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955 to be lodged. Find out more here.

Adoption Reform Champion Robert Ludbrook  | 27 December 1934-19 October 2024 

Aotearoa’s champion of adoption law reform, Robert Ludbrook died in Auckland on Saturday 19 October 2024. He was a staunch advocate for human rights throughout his life, including fighting over many decades for the reform of Aotearoa’s inhumane adoption laws. Among his many achievements was establishing Adoption Action Inc, and preparing and delivering Adoption Action’s successful submission to the Human Rights Tribunal, which identified numerous humans rights breaches in the Adoption Act 1955. 

Robert was a vital and productive member of Adoption Action and his legacy continues to inform our mahi.

Royal Commission into Abuse in Care final report RELEASED 24 July 2024 - more here. Formal Apology to be given on 12 November 2024

'I Carried This' is a documentary theatre illuminating the closed adoption experiences of New Zealand women in the 1950s-60s. I Carried This opened on 5 June 2024 in Wellington’s Hannah Playhouse. Find reviews and more here.

Please note: AdoptionNZ.com is independent from any statutory adoption agency or adoption accredited body, and does not have a presence on Facebook, Instagram or X More about us here

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions or feedback.

Please note: AdoptionNZ.com is independent from any statutory adoption agency or organisation