2026 needs to be the year of change
The year is in full swing, and past weeks have once again illustrated that we are in unprecedented times. Safe to say, the world feels anything but settled, but we carry on.
We are pushing for the changes children and families deserve. The good news? The sector is listening. This could be the year. Here are some updates on how we are building impact.
In 2025, thanks to our wonderful supporters, our research and advocacy clearly positioned us in the sector. We know that children in Aotearoa deserve more safety, support and above all, a cross cutting, overarching strategy and action plan that supports all families at community level and seeks to prevent child abuse before it happens.
There is hope. Really important actions are happening in support of our call for change, and we are planning big things! Read on to find our latest update, and to get a glimpse into what we’re planning.
Our next submission
The Ministry of Social Development have released a Draft Carers’ Strategy Action Plan. They are requesting submissions to inform a national strategy that will better support those who are caring for someone that needs extra help.
While this aligns with some of our calls for change and some of our recommendations, we know the plan may be missing key details. Does it include support for kinship carers, for example? We’re digging in to find out.
With our partners, we are crafting an important submission. A strategy like this is critical, but does it include kinship carers? Collective action can lead to systems change. Advocacy can lead to long term change. We’ll keep our community posted!
Dr. Braden Clark is making waves in the sector!
Dr. Braden Clark, the co-researcher of our 2025 research, just got appointed as the new interim General Manager for the incredible organisation Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and presented our research to the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers on 4 February.
“Dear Children”, an important campaign by Mana Mokopuna
Recognise this face? It’s Dr. Claire Achmad, the Children’s Commissioner. She wrote the foreword of our research report. Her role is to stand up for children when systems don’t, making sure government decisions put children first. With her team Mana Mokopuna, she has launched an important campaign called Dear Children, a promise to all tamariki. Look and sign!
A Tick For Kids
Political elections are happening soon! Thanks to you, we’ve got an important role: with our partners, we’re holding political parties accountable through Tick 4 Kids. This campaign is designed to reveal which political parties are actually committed to the wellbeing of children… and who aren’t.
You’ll hear more soon, we’re very very proud to take part.
Kōkiri
The Future Speaks
We’re proud of our member VOYCE Whakarongo Mai. They are an organisation committed to working with care experienced youth to amplify their voice on their needs and solutions to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Staff and care-experienced rangatahi are busy organising the first ever national care conference – bringing together care-experienced rangatahi, caregivers, practitioners, and decision-makers to transform the future of care.
