Surrogacy in New Zealand. New Developments

Send us a text In this episode, leading family and fertility lawyer Stephen Page from Page Proven Family and Fertility Lawyers takes listeners beyond Australia"s borders to explore the complexities of surrogacy law in New Zealand. With a legal framework rooted in decades-old adoption legislation, the surrogacy process in New Zealand presents unique challenges that differ significantly from Australia"s approach. Stephen breaks down the two forms of surrogacy available—gestational and traditional—highlighting the hurdles of committee approvals, parentage transfers, and the surprising requirement for adoption proceedings, even for international arrangements. As he unpacks a landmark case involving a cross-border surrogacy agreement between Australia and New Zealand, Stephen provides a compelling analysis of the legal grey areas that intended parents must navigate. He also sheds light on the New Zealand Law Commission’s recommendations for reform, the potential for a more streamlined process, and what this could mean for intended parents in the future. Whether you"re considering surrogacy, working in the legal sector, or simply interested in how different jurisdictions regulate family formation, this episode offers a clear, expert perspective on an evolving legal landscape. Stay tuned as Stephen Page demystifies surrogacy law in New Zealand and its broader implications for legal reform.