Adoption order — final adoption — cultural report — iwi connection — Adoption Act 1955 — Care of Children Act 2004. This was an application for adoption. The child was the second applicant's niece through her sister, who had given a formal consent for an adoption order. The father's identity was not known. The applicants did not have a child together, but the applicant father had a child from a previous relationship. The Court considered the social worker's report where the applicants were assessed as fit and proper. The social worker noted that the child did not need to be adopted, as her care was already secure. The report also brought up other considerations such as the child's age, iwi connection and contact with the birth mother. In the cultural report, it was noted that the applicant father needed to consult with his daughter that she would have a sister. The applicants stated that they would provide the child with a permanent life, which could not be provided for by her biological parents. The Court made a final adoption order in the applicants' favour. Judgment Date: 10 May 2022. * * * Note: names have been changed to comply with legal requirements. * * *