VOYCE RYC at Waitangi Panel

Time

  • 10:00 am

Date

  • 05/02/2024

Organiser

  • VOYCE

Location

  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds

After an invitation from Waitangi Forum Panel facilitators to participate in the Child’s Rights based panel aptly named Ngā Motika Tamariki, VOYCE Te Tai Tokerau took three members of their Regional Youth Council to speak. This invitation came to VOYCE from Mana Mokopuna, through Rukuwai Tipene-Allen.

The forum tent is always a hive of activity with people speaking on many different issues. One of the highlights of the forum tent this year was the inclusion of mokopuna Māori who have been in the care of Oranga Tamariki. The panel featured VOYCE Regional Youth Council Members Croatia, Isabella and Sydney. All from Te Tai Tokerau, they were joined by Dr Claire Achmad (Chief Children’s Commissioner), Ronelle Baker (Children’s Commissioner) and Katie Murray of Waitomo Papakainga. The panel was facilitated by Rukuwai Tipene-Alllen, mokopuna o te Noota.

Each session in the forum tent attracts up to 300+ people, from former Prime Ministers, kaumatua, kuia, and community leaders. Members of Te Rōpū Tai Tamariki o Te Tai Tokerau flourished in the open space of kōrero and participation. They came equipped having reviewed the question style of the panel, and were prepped in some ways to respond to these questions.

It was awesome to see the rangatahi be valued in this space, and to see the community hear their voices.

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.