We must listen to the voices of tamariki

No one ever asked Malachi how he was feeling in his temporary home, Malachi was never given a voice.

With heavy hearts we read this week’s findings by the Ombudsman on the preventable death of 5 year-old Malachi Subecz.

Why are we so scared to hear what tamariki and rangatahi have to say?

As representatives of the care-experienced community, we want to ask you – the system, society; neighbours, teachers – to insist that tamariki and rangatahi are heard, listened to, and have their voices actioned.

Trigger warnings: Child abuse and neglect – the Ombudsman’s findings are here.