What is guardianship?

Guardianship is about tamariki │children, not adults.  Adults have a different set of rights.  In Aotearoa New Zealand, guardianship is the legal responsibility of caring for a child's upbringing, growth, and care.  A child's birth parents are usually the automatic guardians.  However, a Court can appoint other people as guardians for a child, and more than one guardian can be appointed if is deemed to be in the best interests of the child.  The most commonly appointed co-guardian is Oranga Tamariki.  Guardians have the same legal rights, powers, duties, and responsibilities as the child's parents. 

What is the difference between guardianship and custody?

Guardianship is different from custody. Guardianship gives the guardian the right to make important decisions for the child, such as educational and medical decisions. Custody is more about the day-to-day care of the child and is usually the role of the parent or caregiver of the child.  Custody can refer to legal decision-making authority, physical custody, or both, while guardianship only applies to legal decision-making.