Safety should trump cultural needs

Stuff reports:

A traumatised and neglected Māori girl was placed in the care of a Pākehā couple. They have provided her with a safe, healthy, loving environment for nearly three years. No one disputes that the girl, now nearly 6, has received excellent care from the couple.

But Oranga Tamariki and the girl’s iwi want her removed because they don’t think the couple can meet her cultural needs.

Over a recent week in the Family Court in Napier, the circumstances that led to this battle were laid out in painstaking detail. Also laid out: a series of gaps, mistakes and falsehoods perpetuated by Oranga Tamariki social workers.

I think love, health and safety trump cultural needs.