Advocacy In Action
VOYCE has created a special comic book both in Te Reo Māori and English. This tells a beautiful and touching advocacy story about a child in the care system. Please have a read and allow yourself to be empowered by the positive possibilities that can come from making your voice heard.
Children’s voices need to be kept at the centre of all the decisions made about them.
CARE STORIES Every care experienced person’s story is a unique and special gift. These deeply personal words have been graciously shared with us by wonderful people with extraordinary strength of character. VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai is very grateful to them for enriching us all with their powerful stories – each of which has been assigned a random number as a special tribute to the close to 6000 care stories presently being lived in New Zealand.
OUR STORY We are VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, which stands for the Voice Of the Young and Care Experienced – Listen to me. We believe the voices of children and young people in care need to be kept at the centre of all the decisions made about them. We are a totally independent non-governmental organisation that exists to amplify the voices of children in care and ensure that they are heard. VOYCE was codesigned by children with care experience for children with care experience.
HOW VOYCE – WHAKARONGO MAI ADVOCATES FOR YOU
VOYCE will listen to you about your care experience
We will help you to get the information you need
We support you to think about who is best placed to help you share your views
We will help you to express your views on any matter
VOYCE will help you to understand any decisions which may impact on you and will explain why those decisions were taken.
Amplifying your voices and standing up for you.
OUR NEWS
Here are some of the exciting things that VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai have been doing lately. Ultimately it’s about creating meaningful change in the care system as envisioned by children in care.
“You promised, now deliver” VOYCE Rangatira present at Select Committee
VOYCE Rangatira will bravely stand up today on behalf of all care experienced tamariki and rangtahi in Aotearoa.
“Our voices have been heard!”
Care experienced young people welcome changes to Oranga Tamariki Oversight System - finally feel like their voices are heard.
“Short sighted” proposal to cut Oranga Tamariki staff
“Short sighted” proposal to cut Oranga Tamariki staff puts wellbeing of children in care at risk of harm - VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai
Being in care can be challenging from time to time. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
OUR EVENTS
Come along to a VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai event, meet other children and young people in care, have fun and be heard!
Camp Raukawa
VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai collaborated with the YMCA to attend Camp Raukawa Camp near Whanganui, Lower North Island.
Whānau Fun Day
Whānau Fun Day was hosted in Manurewa with CLM Community Sports and Caring Families Aotearoa to give whānau a great day out.
Blues vs Fiji Drua
VOYCE was able to give 50 tickets away to tamariki atawhai and their care whānau to attend the Blues vs Fiji Drua Super Rugby Game!
Awesome individuals share their experiences in care so you can learn how they take on life
