Merepeka Ruakawa-Tait: Whānau Ora says decision to keep a Māori girl in care of Pakeha couple who adopted her is a tricky one

The chair of Whānau Ora says a court decision to keep a young Māori girl in the care of the Pakeha couple who adopted her,  is a tricky one.

Oranga Tamariki placed her with the couple, but later decided it wanted to place her with a Māori woman, to provide for her cultural needs.

Stuff reports an appeal made by the girl's mother, supported by Oranga Tamariki, has been dismissed by the High Court.

Merepeka Ruakawa-Tait told Mike Hosking the fact the girl has found love and kindness is a priority, but she does also have cultural needs.

She says that's been part of the problem over the years of children in state or foster care, that cultural needs aren't taken into consideration.

Raukawa-Tait says she's in two minds.

Oranga Tamariki says it respects the decision of the court and has nothing further to add.

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