Community Calls On Min. Sepuloni To Pause Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill And Join Vigil For Survivors Of State Care
Despite widespread opposition, from the social sector, the lived experienced community, and all other parties in parliament, the Government has chosen to push forward with the Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill.
Labour have repeatedly said that they are enacting these reforms in the name of those who have been let down by the current system, and yet those with lived experience, and those who advocate, serve, and care for children and young people in state care, continue to express concerns that these reforms will put more tamariki at risk.
"These reforms do not have the trust or confidence of the community," says Youth Worker, Aaron Hendry, "pushing forward with them in the face of such strong opposition is not only undemocratic, it is dangerous. This isn't about playing politics, this is about getting it right for our most structurally marginalized tamariki."
It is vital that the Government pause this bill and listen to the voices of our care experienced rangatahi. We invite Min. Carmel Sepuloni to join us on Thursday night to receive our petition and stand in solidarity with survivors of State Care. Details below.
Vigil for Survivors of State Care (and Delivery of petition)
Join us in standing with survivors in calling for the government to listen and halt the Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill. Survivors have shared their fears and concerns about this bill, the community sector have called for it to be paused, and every political party bar Labour are opposed. We invite Min. Carmel Sepuloni to pause progress on the bill and meet with us on Thursday night as we have a moment of silence, karakia, and waiata to honour the survivors and victims of state abuse.
Please bring an electric candle for remembrance, and if you wish to bring images of your loved ones who survived state care and have since passed, please do so.
When: Thursday 4th, August, begin gathering at 5.30pm, petition will be delivered at 6pm.
Where: Min Carmel Sepuloni's Electorate Office in Tāmaki, 200 West Coast Rd, Glen Eden, Auckland
Details: This is a peaceful event, to honour the courage and mana of our whānau who have survived state care and to call on the Government to listen to the voices of our care experienced community, and halt progress on the Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill.