VOYCE COVID-19 Statement

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has always been about providing a safe and trusted shoulder for children in care to be able to share their voice. Now more than ever this commitment takes on special significance as New Zealand fights the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi atawhai, their caregivers and our people will continue to remain our highest priority as we work to be both agile and responsive.

The good news is that during this lockdown it still very much is business as usual for VOYCE. Our phone line is open and our Kaiwhakamana are following up advocacy requests via phone and online.

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai continues our outreach to caregivers and children in care via phone. We are also preparing a steady stream of virtual tuhono connection events to keep tamariki and rangatahi atawhai engaged and occupied at home.

Should you have any questions whatsoever in this regard, please reach out to your VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai contact person and they will be only too happy to help.

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.