Latest news with #ManaMokopuna
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Law Change Better Protecting Children's Rights In Sexual Violence Cases Welcomed
Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad says legislation passed last night to strengthen protections for young victims of sexual violence is a step in the right direction. The Victims of Sexual Violence Bill amends the law so that children under the age of 12 cannot be questioned about whether they consented to sex. 'It was wrong that this provision was still in our law, so I'm pleased the Government led work to change this. It's positive too, that there was support from many parties across Parliament for this change. When it comes to children and their rights, the best thing the Government and Parliament can do is to work together, putting children first. This is a good example of this,' says Dr Achmad. The Chief Children's Commissioner says that better protections for victims of sexual violence have been a long time coming. 'I've had the privilege of meeting with children and young people throughout New Zealand who are victim-survivors of sexual violence, and they talk to me about the systemic change that's needed to protect their rights and help them heal. 'While there's still much more to do, so that no child experiences sexual violence of any form, I strongly welcome the changes passed last night. They are important steps towards strengthening the rights of children and young people in court processes. 'I acknowledge the immense courage of victims, especially mokopuna survivors of sexual assault, who shared their lived experience to help shape the legislation,' she says. 'The changes to the law that recognise that mokopuna cannot consent to abuse, and that they should not be questioned or challenged about whether they consented to sex, are crucial to keeping them safe from re-traumatisation.' In its submission to Parliament on the Bill, Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People's Commission supported the Bill's overarching goal to amend the Crimes Act 1961 to give victim survivors of sexual assault more agency in court processes. 'I also advocated for stronger protections for mokopuna aged 12-16 years in these court processes, and training and education for the legal sector and judiciary to ensure they apply the legislation as intended,' says Dr Achmad. 'I hope that the changes passed last night signal continued commitment and action to recognise the rights and wellbeing of children and young people in all court processes affecting them. 'Supporting mokopuna to have agency in these processes and to be recognised as the children that they are is so important – both upholding their rights and in ensuring they can begin their healing journey,' she says.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Systemic Change Crucial So That All Mokopuna Māori Thrive
Press Release – Mana Mokopuna The new report published today by my colleagues Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Childrens Monitor shows the urgent need for systemic change at a collective level, so that all mokopuna Mori can thrive. In light of a new report published today about outcomes for mokopuna Māori and whānau in the oranga tamariki system, the Chief Children's Commissioner is emphasising that all mokopuna Māori have the right to grow up safe and well with their whānau. 'The new report published today by my colleagues Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children's Monitor shows the urgent need for systemic change at a collective level, so that all mokopuna Māori can thrive. 'I want to see all agencies across the oranga tamariki system working better together to address the inequities highlighted in this report so that all mokopuna Māori are flourishing in their lives, in the care of their whānau. The State has duties to uphold the rights of mokopuna Māori as tangata whenua under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This new report shows that the system as a whole is still falling short of this, and that there are intergenerational impacts playing out right now. 'I meet frequently with whānau Māori and their mokopuna, iwi and hapū across the motu. They tell me it is whānau-led, iwi, hapū and kaupapa Māori approaches that are helping to strengthen whānau, keep mokopuna safe, and growing continued pathways to mana motuhake – self determination. The findings of this report back this up,' says Dr Achmad. The Chief Children's Commissioner notes that the report shows that good progress can be made where there is genuine partnership between Māori and State agencies that keeps mokopuna and whānau central, along with the sharing of data and resources. 'I want to see these approaches strengthened and expanded so they deliver enduring wraparound services and supports for all mokopuna and whānau who need them. A stronger focus on by Māori for Māori prevention and early intervention is essential. These approaches will improve outcomes so that all mokopuna Māori grow up safe and well in the care of their whānau, connected to their whakapapa.' She says safety concerns about mokopuna must be responded to appropriately and quickly, but that with almost half of Reports of Concern leading to no further action, the report shows this isn't happening. 'I want to see mokopuna Māori needs being met early, through Māori-led approaches working closely with whānau. These ways of working need to be better supported by the oranga tamariki system – the report highlights that this leads to the best outcomes for whānau and mokopuna. 'I am deeply concerned the report shows mokopuna Māori aged 10-17 are more likely to be prosecuted than non-Māori, and less likely to be referred by Police to alternative action or given warnings. The system must urgently stop criminalising the unmet care and protection needs of mokopuna Māori. 'Nearly 40 years have passed since the publication of Pūao-te-āta-tū. This new report shows that the system is still not working as it should be for whānau Māori and their mokopuna. The crucial change that is required must collectively meet the aspirations of whānau and mokopuna Māori,' says Dr Achmad.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Children And Families In Poverty Let Down By Today's Budget
Press Release – Mana Mokopuna Looking at Budget 2025, I dont see the investment thats needed to significantly reduce, and ultimately pave the way to ending child poverty,' says Chief Childrens Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad. Budget 2025 doesn't address the urgent needs of many of our country's children and young people facing the greatest disadvantage, says Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad. 'Budget decisions have a direct and significant impact on our country's 1.2 million mokopuna – nearly quarter of our population – and on their families and whānau. The decisions made in the Budget are an opportunity to ensure children and young people facing disadvantage are invested in, so they can flourish. 'Looking at Budget 2025, I don't see the investment that's needed to significantly reduce, and ultimately pave the way to ending child poverty. For example, how will this Budget significantly help the 156,000 children in our communities who are living in material hardship? 'Today, I repeat my call that is becoming increasingly urgent: the Government must make ending child poverty a project of national significance, working across the Parliament, so real, meaningful change in children's lives is supported and sustained, now and into the future. Today's Budget is a missed opportunity for the Government to show that bold leadership, so that children today don't grow up in poverty, meaning better lives both today and tomorrow. 'The reality is that right now, we are continuing to let children down on the most basic things: having enough healthy food, safe and healthy housing, and their physical and mental health. For mokopuna Māori, as well as mokopuna whaikaha and Pacific mokopuna, the impacts of things like food insecurity are even more extreme. From a children's rights perspective, Budget 2025 does not play the part it needed to, so that all children in our country are growing up thriving with an adequate standard of living. This is basic stuff that we can't afford to keep letting children and families down on.' The Chief Children's Commissioner notes that the Government's social investment fund does provide opportunities to invest in children, young people and families especially those in the most complex circumstances. 'I welcome the focus on mokopuna and families in the social investment three pilots that have been announced. I'm keen to understand how these pilots will be evaluated, so their impact will be well understood. Alongside this, I emphasise the urgency of the need for real, practical action and investment now across the three priority areas outlined in the Government's own Child and Youth Strategy: support for children and families in the first 2000 days of children's lives, reducing material hardship affecting children, and preventing harm. 'I acknowledge the crucial role that education plays in children and young people's lives, so I am pleased to see that the Budget places a significant focus on education. My team and I will be taking some time to dig into the detail of the Budget's education initiatives, especially relating to learning support. I also want to understand more detail about the changes to the Jobseeker Benefit, in particular about how this might impact on children and young people who have been in or who are in State care and/or custody. 'As their independent advocate, I hear directly from children and young people about what matters most in their world,' says Dr Achmad. 'They want to have their basic needs met – to have a warm, safe, dry home to grow up in, and enough food for their family. Young people want to be involved in decision-making about their own future. As one mokopuna told me recently: 'We, too, are concerned about what goes on in our world, especially our country. What happens now WILL affect our future.'
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Children And Families In Poverty Let Down By Today's Budget
Press Release – Mana Mokopuna Looking at Budget 2025, I dont see the investment thats needed to significantly reduce, and ultimately pave the way to ending child poverty,' says Chief Childrens Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad. Budget 2025 doesn't address the urgent needs of many of our country's children and young people facing the greatest disadvantage, says Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad. 'Budget decisions have a direct and significant impact on our country's 1.2 million mokopuna – nearly quarter of our population – and on their families and whānau. The decisions made in the Budget are an opportunity to ensure children and young people facing disadvantage are invested in, so they can flourish. 'Looking at Budget 2025, I don't see the investment that's needed to significantly reduce, and ultimately pave the way to ending child poverty. For example, how will this Budget significantly help the 156,000 children in our communities who are living in material hardship? 'Today, I repeat my call that is becoming increasingly urgent: the Government must make ending child poverty a project of national significance, working across the Parliament, so real, meaningful change in children's lives is supported and sustained, now and into the future. Today's Budget is a missed opportunity for the Government to show that bold leadership, so that children today don't grow up in poverty, meaning better lives both today and tomorrow. 'The reality is that right now, we are continuing to let children down on the most basic things: having enough healthy food, safe and healthy housing, and their physical and mental health. For mokopuna Māori, as well as mokopuna whaikaha and Pacific mokopuna, the impacts of things like food insecurity are even more extreme. From a children's rights perspective, Budget 2025 does not play the part it needed to, so that all children in our country are growing up thriving with an adequate standard of living. This is basic stuff that we can't afford to keep letting children and families down on.' The Chief Children's Commissioner notes that the Government's social investment fund does provide opportunities to invest in children, young people and families especially those in the most complex circumstances. 'I welcome the focus on mokopuna and families in the social investment three pilots that have been announced. I'm keen to understand how these pilots will be evaluated, so their impact will be well understood. Alongside this, I emphasise the urgency of the need for real, practical action and investment now across the three priority areas outlined in the Government's own Child and Youth Strategy: support for children and families in the first 2000 days of children's lives, reducing material hardship affecting children, and preventing harm. 'I acknowledge the crucial role that education plays in children and young people's lives, so I am pleased to see that the Budget places a significant focus on education. My team and I will be taking some time to dig into the detail of the Budget's education initiatives, especially relating to learning support. I also want to understand more detail about the changes to the Jobseeker Benefit, in particular about how this might impact on children and young people who have been in or who are in State care and/or custody. 'As their independent advocate, I hear directly from children and young people about what matters most in their world,' says Dr Achmad. 'They want to have their basic needs met – to have a warm, safe, dry home to grow up in, and enough food for their family. Young people want to be involved in decision-making about their own future. As one mokopuna told me recently: 'We, too, are concerned about what goes on in our world, especially our country. What happens now WILL affect our future.'
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Chief Children's Commissioner Says Oranga Tamariki Must Action Auditor-General's Recommendations On Contract Management
Press Release – Mana Mokopuna It is vital that Oranga Tamariki actions the Auditor-Generals recommendations, to ensure that the rights and wellbeing of children, young people and their families are front and centre of funding decisions that affect them. Today's report from the Auditor-General on Oranga Tamariki procurement and contract management is being welcomed by Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad. 'Last year, I was very clear about my concerns as to how Oranga Tamariki was making and communicating its decisions about contracted services for children, young people and their whānau. 'As the independent advocate for all children in Aotearoa New Zealand, I was very concerned that I did not see adequate evidence that children and young people, and their needs and rights, had been at the centre of the decisions being made about contract changes. 'I heard directly from iwi and communities that these funding changes were causing significant uncertainty, stress and harming their relationship with Oranga Tamariki. The Auditor-General's report today shows that my concerns, and those of others, were well-founded,' says Dr Achmad. 'Some of the contracts that were reduced or closed by Oranga Tamariki were in the important area of early intervention and prevention of harm, such as support for new families, Youth One Stop Shops (YOSSs), mentoring for young people and counselling for children and families. 'In particular, I wanted to understand what evidence had informed these decisions, and what transition plans were in place for children, young people and whānau affected by changes and reductions to services. I note in particular the Auditor-General's finding that his Office's inquiry did not find evidence that Oranga Tamariki understood how its decisions would affect children and their families, before those decisions were made. 'Oranga Tamariki is our Ministry for Children – its core role is to support the wellbeing of children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Therefore, its decision-making must be informed by detailed analysis of the likely effect on children and young people. I am pleased to see that is one of the key recommendations made by the Auditor-General. 'Together with my oversight of oranga tamariki system colleagues, I'll be watching closely to ensure that Oranga Tamariki implements all of the recommendations in the Auditor-General's report, including establishing clear and standard processes for contracting services, and properly considering how funding changes will impact children and young people's lives. I'm pleased to know that the Chief Executive has said that Oranga Tamariki has accepted all the Auditor-General's recommendations, and I have discussed this with him today. 'It is vital that Oranga Tamariki actions the Auditor-General's recommendations, to ensure that the rights and wellbeing of children, young people and their families are front and centre of funding decisions that affect them. The relationships Oranga Tamariki holds with its partners are crucial to this, and must be continue to be strengthened.'
