Page URL: https://practice.orangatamariki.govt.nz/our-work/adoption/intercountry-adoption
Printed: 30/06/2026
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Intercountry adoption

We help adoptive applicants explore what’s involved in adopting and parenting a tamaiti from another country.

In this section
Facilitating the adoption of a tamaiti from overseas

We help adoptive applicants explore what’s involved in parenting a tamaiti from overseas. We provide information and can facilitate adoption of an unknown non-relative tamaiti from another country if NZ has an intercountry adoption programme with them.
Overseas dossier for intercountry adoptions

We collate the documents required for an intercountry adoption. We send this overseas dossier to the New Zealand Central Authority (NZCA) for validation and sending to the country.
Intercountry adoption Home Study report

We put together the Home Study assessment report to evidence that the applicants are eligible and suited to adopt a tamaiti from overseas. It also helps the overseas officials to match a whānau or family for a particular tamaiti.
Intercountry request for a Child Study report

If te tamaiti or the birth whānau or family is living overseas a Child Study report from their country may be required. We may need to prepare the request for a Child Study report.
The New Zealand Central Authority and accredited adoption agencies under the Hague Convention

An adoption of te tamaiti from overseas countries by New Zealand citizens and permanent residents must comply with New Zealand’s international obligations and the laws of the countries involved within the framework and principles of the Hague Convention.
Approving intercountry adoptive applicants

The New Zealand Central Authority (NZCA) approves intercountry adoptive applicants as eligible and suited to adopt tamariki from overseas. We provide the NZCA with our Home Study assessment report and recommendation to approve the applicants.

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