Make kids’ needs a priority, Green Party urges Government

The Green Party said today that it is challenging the Government to follow Wellington City Council’s lead and make children’s needs a priority in decision-making.

Today (26 February) attendees at the Child Friendly Cities Forum co-hosted by UNICEF and Wellington City Council (WCC) will hear about how the capital city can benefit from including children’s rights and interests in decision-making processes, something the Green Party commends.

“We know that better thinking around our kids is needed – in Wellington only a third of school children walk to school, while less than five per cent cycle. There are hungry kids in our schools who have no lunch or breakfast, or sometimes both. Nearly 13,000 families live in poverty in the Wellington region,” said Green Party social development spokesperson Jan Logie.

“We share many of the same attitudes and goals for including the needs of children into our planning as WCC and UNICEF are doing. The Government should be partnering with them to incorporate children’s needs into their planning.

“Better housing for children, safer biking and walking routes to school, and protection of the environment are all important ways we can improve the wellbeing of children. Metiria Turei’s Feed the Kids Bill, which will kick-off a national conversation about ending child hunger in New Zealand, is just one way we want can improve the lives of kids in this country.

“We challenge the Government and other councils around the country to take the same approach as WCC and UNICEF and include our future generations in their thinking.”
ends

© Scoop Media