“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 […]
“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 […]
“I know how devastating this will be”
4 July 2024 “I know how devastating this will be” – opposition over repeal of Treaty obligations from Oranga Tamariki Act grows, as submissions close. As submissions close over the repeal of section 7AA, care experienced rangatahi are again urging the government not to go through with the controversial move. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour introduced […]
VOYCE opposes The Ram Raids Bill
27 June 2024 Care experienced young people call on government to rethink punitive measures, as petition delivered to parliament. VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai was one of more than 30 organisations to deliver a petition to political leaders yesterday opposing moves to introduce measures to criminalise young children. The Ram Raids Bill, currently before Select Committee, […]
“Another stab in the back”
21 May 2024 “Another stab in the back” Care experienced young people urge government against repeal of Treaty obligations from Oranga Tamariki Act. As the repeal of section 7AA undergoes its first reading this afternoon in parliament, care experienced rangatahi are again asking the government not to turn its back on them. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour introduced […]
“You Promised, Now Deliver”
09 May 2024 “You promised, now deliver”; VOYCE Rangatira present at Select Committee calling on government to act. VOYCE Rangatira will bravely stand up today on behalf of all care experienced tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa, calling on the government to honour their promises made to children in care. The six promises, which stemmed from the United […]
“Our voices have been heard!”
02 May 2024 “Our voices have been heard!” – Care experienced young people welcome changes to Oranga Tamariki Oversight System. The news today of a decision to enhance the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System has been applauded by those who work closely with care experienced tamariki. VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has been advocating for care experienced […]
“Short sighted” proposal to cut Oranga Tamariki staff
17 April 2024 “Short sighted” proposal to cut Oranga Tamariki staff puts wellbeing of children in care at risk. The news today of 447 proposed job cuts at Oranga Tamariki has left those who work closely with care experienced tamariki deeply concerned. VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has been advocating for care experienced Kiwi since 2017, […]
