Fifth Independent Children’s Monitor report reveals ongoing failure
As the fifth Independent Children’s Monitor report into the National Care Standards is released, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai says it’s deeply concerned that tamariki in the care of the state are still not consistently receiving the level of love, stability and protection required under the law. The latest Experiences of Care findings again show that […]
Kaha on the Coast
Kaha on the Coast was all about giving care experienced rangatahi the chance to try something bold, exciting, and totally new – surfing. Across three action-packed sessions in Waimarama, 16 rangatahi aged 12–19 took part in a mix of education, pool training, and surf lessons, guided by the incredible crews from Sport Hawke’s Bay and […]
Voices at Velocity
In early February, 22 tamariki and rangatahi (aged 2–18), alongside 7 caregivers, came together in Hastings for an afternoon full of energy, connection and fun at Voices at Velocity. VOYCE at Velocity was all about movement, laughter and tūhono (connection). From high-energy bouncing and trying out flips and tricks, to sharing pizza and kōrero, the […]
Style and Shade – Papamoa
On 22 January, our Papamoa office was transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space for Style and Shade – a confidence-building event led by Jessica and Cindy for rangatahi aged 14–17. Designed to bring young people together in a relaxed and uplifting environment, the afternoon gave taiohi the chance to explore clothing and makeup, express their […]
Care Day 2026
World Care Day is an international celebration of children and young people who grew up in care, and is celebrated by a collective of nine global organisations that represent and/or advocate for those with care experience. These are: EPIC in Ireland, VOYPIC in Northern Ireland, Who Cares? Scotland, Become Charity in the UK, Voices from […]
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 […]
From Foster Care to a Rhodes Scholarship
Isaac is a care-experienced young person whose journey shows what’s possible when tamariki in care are supported to thrive. A former VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai Board of Trustees and National Youth Council member, Isaac is also the co-founder and current Chair of the Board for TE4CL – Kia Eke. He is currently completing a Master’s […]
Cookie Decorating – Palmerston North
In December 2025, VOYCE hosted a Cookie Decorating event for rangatahi spending the holidays in care. The event took place over two days so that we could visit two different groups of young people. First up we were at a Palmerston North family group home on December 10th and then at Te Au Rere a […]
Beauty Bash
On 5 December 2025, VOYCE hosted a Beauty Bash passive tūhono event, led by Kaiwhakamana (advocates) Jess and Cindy. This event was a chance to engage with rangatahi one last time before the Christmas break, sending out invitations for upcoming tūhono events in the new year and sharing festive Christmas cards. The focus was on […]