Te Reo a Kori
We recently visited tamariki and rangatahi (ages 5-17) from across Hawkes Bay in various group whare (homes) to run an exciting and interactive session called “Te Reo a Kori – Language and Movement,” just in time for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week)! The session was packed with fun activities that blended […]
Aroturuki – Games Night
On the 29th of August 2024, we hosted our second Aroturuki Games Night at the VOYCE Office in Papamoa. Nine incredible rangatahi, aged between 7 and 16, came together for an evening of fun and connection. The night was led by kaimahi JG, with support from our wonderful partners at Aroturuki Tamariki. This event was […]
Kākahu Koha
Kākahu Koha was more than just a pop-up shop—it was a lively, heartwarming event that brought smiles to the faces of care-experienced tamariki and rangatahi. This unique experience allowed them to ‘shop’ for free, choosing from a wide selection of brand-new clothing and accessories that suited their individual styles. Thanks to the incredible support from […]
Adrenalin Forest – Porirua
On Saturday 17th August, 5 brave rangatahi spent the day at Adrenalin Forest in Porirua with Kaiwhakamana Jordyn and Beth from Whanganui-A-Tara! The rangatahi, who all live with their grandparents, met one another for the first time on Saturday morning – not that you could tell by the end of the day! The purpose of the […]
Jumpin’ Tūhono Nelson
Recently, the VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai Whakatū (Nelson) crew threw an epic trampoline tūhono at Jumpin’ Nelson! This event was all about bringing together tamariki and rangatahi in care or with care experience, along with their caregivers and kaimahi, for an afternoon packed with fun, laughter, and good vibes. The goal? To build stronger connections […]
“We were failed and stripped of our rights”
Seven representatives from VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai including care experienced rangatahi and their advocates have addressed the Social Services and Community Committee with powerful oral submissions today. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour introduced her bill to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act in May, which requires the ministry to consider whakapapa and the Treaty […]
“Our voices must be heard”
Seven representatives from VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai including care experienced rangatahi and their advocates are preparing to address the Social Services and Community Committee tomorrow, urging the government not to turn their back on them. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour introduced her bill to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act in May, which requires […]
“Heartbreaking and Shameful”
There’s deep frustration and concern from those working closely with care experienced tamariki who say the release of a report from Aroturuki Tamariki, the Independent Children’s Monitor further proves there’s a serious lack of protection for our most vulnerable children. The report, which looked at the implementation of the recommendations from Dame Karen Poutasi following […]
Waka Experience
Our Midlands team celebrated Matariki in Rotorua, featuring a unique Waka Experience in collaboration with Caring Families – bringing together members of the care experienced community. The event was held at the scenic Lake Tunohopu Marae, creating a perfect backdrop for a day filled with cultural enrichment and community bonding. We designed the day to […]
“We will not be silenced.”
The voices and key asks of 11 rangatahi who experienced abuse while in state care after 1999 have been detailed in an independant submission to the Royal Commission, and released to the public today. The experiences gathered by VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai were presented to the Royal Commission last year, some of which will be […]