As Family For Every Child wrapped up another year in Aotearoa, we wanted to thank our supporters for standing with us

Together, we are turning concern into action, ideas into practice, and research into real system change for children, their whānau and families here, as well as around the world. Ongoing advocacy is a critical part of changemaking!

We’re facing big, complicated challenges, but we also know that when we share what works (knowledge and good practice), when we speak up together and take collective action, we can make real change happen. Through our work, we can help ensure children are truly valued and protected in our laws, in government decisions and policies. This can also improve how community and support services work with children and their families to keep them safe and support their wellbeing.

2025 was a year of impact and momentum — and with your support, we’re only just beginning. Let’s stick together. Our collective work is having a positive impact and is influencing change. Are you in?

We need to face this shocking reality

New Zealand struggles with devastating child abuse and death rates across all care settings — state care, faith-based care, foster care, and more. We also have one of the highest rates of children under five years killed by homicide compared with countries. The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, released in 2024, revealed these shocking figures, showing that the current system is failing children, leaving many at risk of devastating harm and abuse. It is unacceptable. 

In New Zealand, a child is killed by homicide every 4-5 weeks, often at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them. That means in December, we’re likely to lose another beautiful soul. There is no strategy in place to try to prevent this.

Turning belief into action

We believe every child deserves to grow up safe, loved, and supported — and we turn that belief into action through collective advocacy. Through our global network in 43 countries, we have long focused on investigating and improving care systems, particularly through work to understand and support the role of kinship care. 

 In Aotearoa, our work means that we collaborate with local leaders and apply international knowledge to create strategies, campaigns, and advocacy efforts that seek to improve outcomes for children, and bring about long-term change. The goal: a system that protects all children, strengthens families at the community level, and prevents abuse before it happens. 

The way forward? 

A project led and informed by an incredible selection of Aotearoa organisations who have been the leading voices for care system reform and for better protection of all children, to support their wellbeing, giving them the chance to thrive. Thanks to our generous supporters, we were led by Dr. Michelle Egan-Bitran and Dr. Braden Clarke, guided by an advisory group of research leaders, iwi and professors. With input from our partner organisations, we set out to understand the benefits, challenges and what is needed to strengthen and support kinship care in New Zealand society.

Sharing the research and engaging leaders

The report opened doors to important conversations with over 40 influential leaders, including the Minister of Justice, MPs across parties, Oranga Tamariki, researchers, professors and independent oversight bodies such as the Independent Children’s Monitor, Mana Mokopuna, and the Office of the Ombudsman. It is sparking conversations and laying the groundwork for change.

We also presented our findings to more than 780 people at key events shared it at the Social Service Providers Aotearoa conference, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren conference, the Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand webinar, and an upcoming Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers webinar.

It was further amplified through national networks representing over 250 organisations, including Social Service Providers Aotearoa, the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services, Volunteering in New Zealand, Tick4Kids, and the Child and Family Services Association of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The reach of the report, so far

• It reached over 40 influential sector and government leaders

• It was shared with over 780 stakeholders

• It was amplified through networks representing over 250 organisations

• It has sparked conversations and strengthened partnerships

• It inspired new collaborations

• It got important media exposure, on RNZ and newsroom

Who has been involved in this mahi?

Catalysing collaboration

This work has strengthened partnerships, sparked new collaborations, and inspired further research and projects. It is mobilising the sector around kinship care reform, children’s rights, and cross-sector strategies across Aotearoa. It’s making waves and we will not stop until the tide changes for meaningful change for all children.

What we’re doing in 2026

This year, we will build on this foundation. The collective voice for children in Aotearoa is growing stronger, and the message is clear: we must work together to prevent violence against children. Supporting kinship carers at the community level is central to this mission.

Come with us.

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