Government's Green Paper on Vulnerable Children Welcome

Media release
27 July 2011
Embargoed to 1pm

Te Kahui Mana Ririki welcomes the government's Green Paper on Vulnerable Children

Chair of Te Kahui Mana Ririki Dr Hone Kaa says he welcomes the opportunities presented by the government’s Green Paper on Vulnerable Children which was released today.

“The paper sets out a broad framework for discussion,” Dr Kaa said.

“The release of the paper will be followed by a round of public consultation, and I encourage as many Maori as possible to be part of this discussion. The paper makes a specific commitment to work with iwi and Maori organisations.

“Within this broad discussion about the vulnerability of New Zealand children, we must prioritise the needs of Maori and Pacific children. There is no level playing field here. On almost all health, educational and social indicators Maori and Pacific children fare less well than all other groups of children. We need to consider the specific needs of Maori and Pacific children and how they can best be addressed.

“This paper and the discussion that will follow present New Zealanders with a most significant opportunity. I applaud the government’s leadership in this area.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media