United Future leader Peter Dunne says
the Children's Commissioner's call for the Government to
test all children four times during childhood to keep
tabs on their welfare looks remarkably like trying to
re-invent the wheel.
"I'm all in favour of making
sure all our kids get the best start in life ? in fact,
that's been one of United Future's core messages ? but
instead of setting up a whole new ? and invariably expensive
? system, why not use the community resources we already
have?" he asked.
"For example, Plunket, to name just
one New Zealand organization, has decades of experience
in assessing the health and welfare needs of New Zealand
children.
"There are many other locally-based and
experienced organisations who can do the work the
Commissioner is calling for ? let's make sure they're
well-equipped to do the job.
"More well-meaning
smothering by nanny state is not the answer," said Mr
Dunne.
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