Adoption
Whāngai adoption
Whāngai adoption (informal adoption under tikanga Māori) is not generally recognised under New Zealand law. An exception to this is in the Maori Land Court, where whāngai relationships can be recognised for the purposes of inheritance to Maori land (see “Succession” in the chapter “Māori land”).
Whāngai adoption often recognises a continuing relationship with the birth family and, if full adoption isn’t appropriate, it may be worth considering whether guardianship is an option.
