VOYCE - Whakarongo Mai the independent advocacy organisation for young people in care and with care experience, established in 2017, must be funded.

The work that VOYCE does is crucial for Aotearoa and our care system. They provide connection, support, and love to some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable young people, our young people in care and with care-experience.

Ihorangi Reweti Peters, a survivor of abuse in care and advocate, said, “VOYCE - Whakarongo Mai provides crucial advocacy services for tamariki and rangatahi in care and with care-experience”.

“VOYCE was not offered an opportunity to submit a further budget bid to support the ongoing work of VOYCE.” Said Mr Reweti Peters.

“As care-experienced young people we need a commitment from our political parties that there will be sustained funding for VOYCE. We need a commitment that there will be a bipartisan approach to care. Young people in care are not political footballs. The Election in November, makes this even more important.” Said Mr Reweti Peters.

“We need to work together across the political spectrum to make sure the voices of young people in care and with care experience are prioritised, heard, acknowledged and centred.” Said Mr Reweti Peters.

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