Meet our people: Michael Yurak

Family For Every Child’s work would not be possible without our member organisations, our Boards, advisors, and a small but mighty team who work to keep our alliance connected and guide our collective work. One of these people is Michael Yurak, Family’s fundraising manager in New Zealand. We sat down with Michael to find out what he most values about his role, and why he is inspired to show up every day.

I think 2025 was a year of real progress and hope

It might not seem that way at first glance, but hear me out! The last twelve months have been incredibly inspiring. We’ve been building a really strong network of generous givers, which has been backing important mahi to steer us towards meaningful system change for children. Our Strengthening Kinship Care in Aotearoa report came together with the support of some of New Zealand’s most connected and knowledgeable child protection experts, and through our advocacy, it has opened doors. 

Our hardworking researchers have been in conversation with government ministers, policy advisors, and leaders across the social services to share and genuinely engage with the realities that kinship care families face. For the first time in a long time, I feel a real sense of hope that we can shift the system. We have a chance for driving meaningful change, not just in small, symbolic ways. If we keep pushing now, we could genuinely improve the lives of so many children who can’t, for various reasons, live with their biological parents, and the whānau who step up to care for them.

My personal connection

As a father of children who have now grown into adults, I have some insight into the everyday challenges that come with raising tamariki. It’s a constant balancing act. I’m very aware that I had the privilege to do this in a stable environment, with support, resources, and a system that generally works in my favour.

So, when I think about the carers who are filling every role of a parent, who often go above and beyond, sometimes without warning, without the right support, inside a system that tends to make things harder rather than easier, it deeply concerns me. Kinship carers open their homes and hearts, often at a moment’s notice, to keep children connected to their community and protect their sense of belonging. They need support. We need to work to bridge this gap in the system and make sure all whānau can access the help they need.

The privilege of pushing for change

One of the things I love most about my role is that I get to be part of a movement that challenges norms. The local collective of organisations, advisors and researchers that we work with ask the hard questions and they push for better outcomes. I’m proud to be part of this group of people who believe change is both necessary and possible.

Fundraising isn’t just about money, I genuinely believe it’s about building connection and bringing people together

It’s about bringing together people who care and who want to be part of something bigger. Our supporters are people who refuse to accept that a broken system is “just the way things are.” They join us to give and to stand alongside whānau, carers, and young people who have not been heard for too long. None of this would be possible without our giving community.

Looking ahead

Right now, we’re at a critical moment. The doors are open. The conversations are happening. The appetite for reform is present. Together, we are more motivated than ever to keep pushing, advocating, fundraising, and to keep growing a community of people who also believe in a better future for all families and children. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved so far. But I’m even more excited about what’s possible when we continue this journey together.

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