Restrictions on payments and advertising for adoptions

Adoption Act 1955, ss 25, 26

It’s unlawful to offer or accept payment for the adoption of a child. However, a person who has applied to adopt can pay the mother’s hospital and medical expenses in some cases. In the case of intercountry adoptions, adopting parents can also pay costs and expenses incurred by New Zealand non-profit organisations that are accredited under the Adoption (Intercountry) Act 1997.

It’s unlawful to place advertisements stating that there is a child up for adoption or that you want to adopt a child.