Reflection on the importance of connections in care:

When I think back to my childhood (back through the mists of time to the ’70s and early ’80s), the memories that stand out for me are things like making huts in the bush with my best friend and floating down the river together, surrounded by the cacophony of cicadas; playing bullrush with my cousins and brothers in the fading summer evening light, the older ones falling over to let me sidestep past them; and playing patter tennis or roller skating with our neighbours on the road, occasionally stopping to let the odd car through.

Those are the memories that make me feel like I had an amazing childhood. Looking back, those memories eclipse all others and have become signposts of what is really important to a child: fun, security, safety, belonging, acceptance, and connection with others through shared experience.

For our tamariki and rangatahi ātawhai, whose childhoods are often marred by disruption – where changes bring feelings of instability and insecurity – the value of connection and the memories made cannot be underestimated.

Indeed, one young man who had been in care from the age of five until aging out at eighteen once told me that what really changed his life for the better was meeting up with others in care and realising he was part of a bigger, yet unseen, community – a community of tamariki and rangatahi who shared similar experiences to his. With that realisation came a deep understanding: he was no longer alone, no longer different from everyone else. He belonged. He was accepted.

This began a greater journey for him – to understand his place in the world. But it all started with a fun event with others in care.

At VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, we recognise that growing into one’s own identity and rangatiratanga always begins with forming positive connections with others – be that friendships with other tamariki and rangatahi in care or who share similar experiences, with caregivers, with whānau, hapū, iwi, and other trusted adults.

That’s why we aim to provide a wide range of tūhono events and activities – big and small – to help enable such connections. From school holiday activities like waka ama, disc golf, wall climbing, and trampolining, to arts and crafts, pool parties, surf lessons, nature walks, and coffee mornings with mums and pēpi – we have something for every age and stage, and we warmly welcome caregiver and/or whānau participation.

We also encourage reconnection events and fun activities so that friendships and trust can flourish, and amazing childhood memories can be made.

Keep an eye on our social media for events and activities near you—or feel free to call us on 0800 4 VOYCE / 0800 486 923 and ask to be connected to your regional VOYCE team, who can let you know what’s happening in a town or city near you.

– Written by Nancy, Kaiarataki – Whaitake ā motu – Head of National Operations

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.