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Karen Chhour
ACT New Zealand

Karen Chhour

Minister for Children (Oranga Tamariki)

List MP

Before Politics

  • β—†Former state care recipient β€” personal experience with Oranga Tamariki system
  • β—†Community advocate

Parliamentary Career

  • β—†List MP since 2020
  • β—†Ranked 6th on ACT list in 2023
  • β—†Minister for Children since 2023

Key Positions

  • β†’Oranga Tamariki reform
  • β†’Child protection system overhaul
  • β†’Reducing ideology-driven policy in child welfare

Accomplishments

  • βœ“Brought lived experience of state care to the children's portfolio
  • βœ“Oversaw significant reforms to Oranga Tamariki

Controversies

  • !Proposed removing Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act β€” a provision requiring the agency to give effect to Treaty of Waitangi principles β€” drew strong opposition from Māori groups and child advocates
  • !Critics argued her reforms risk harming Māori children disproportionately in the care system

Bio Summary

Minister for Children and foster care survivor; focused on fundamentally reforming Oranga Tamariki child protection.

Neutral disclaimer: Fair Say NZ provides neutral profile data for civic education purposes. Information is based on publicly available sources. Verify via official Parliament and party websites before acting on any detail.