Day: February 3, 2026

What is te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi?

Te Tiriti o Waitangi is about fairness, respect, and having your voice heard. At VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, we care about Te Tiriti because it sets the expectations for how people in Aotearoa should be treated – especially tamariki and rangatahi. With the majority of young people in care having Māori whakapapa, the systems that […]

Waitangi Day Overview and Events

Te Rā o Waitangi – Waitangi Day Each year on the 6th February Aotearoa (New Zealand) marks the signing of Te tiriti o Waitangi back in 1840, which is considered to be New Zealand’s founding document. An acknowledgement must also be made of He whakaputanga 1835 (The declaration of independence 1835 ) that predates Te […]

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.