UNICEF Forum November 16th
'When it comes to our children; 'Who Do We Adults Think We Are?'

This years UNICEF forum examines how the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of adult New Zealanders work to shape children's lives for better and for worse. Four outstanding speakers will give their perspective on the question 'who do we adults think we are?' by examining the intersection of attitudes, behaviour and ideals of national identity within which the lives of New Zealand children take place.

Date: 16th November 2006
Time: 9 am to 1.30 pm
Format: Speakers, questions and a panel discussion
Venue: Loaves and fishes, Hill St entrance of St Paul's Cathedral, Molesworth St, Wellington

The Speakers in order of presentation:

Marama Davidson (Ngā Puhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou) has a background in youth-work and is now an advisor with the Human Rights Commission. Marama passionately advocates for the essential value that children and young people add as contributing members of our community.
Marama will use a human rights approach to discuss how Aotearoa should be listening and affecting the voices of our young people, and will outline some experiences of the Human Rights Commission in pursuing this ideal.

Jo Raymond is a full time mother and a part time television producer with a passion for all issues relating to the prevention of child abuse in New Zealand. Jo has a 25-year career in television and radio and whenever asked, operates as consultant on media issues. There is no question however, says Jo, that the most exciting and rewarding job she has ever had is being mother to her children.
Jo will present on the relationship between the media and children in New Zealand. She will also discuss adults' attitudes toward children and the repeal of section 59.

Ian Hyslop has worked for twenty years in statutory child protection as social worker, supervisor and practice manager. Ian is also a lecturer in social work, or as he has been known to call it 'the beautiful profession'. Informed by a thoughtful retrospective view, Ian will present a very human and informative perspective on the professional art of maintaining balance amongst New Zealand's shifting attitudes to care, protection, children and the role of the state.

Dr Ian Hassall, Institute of Public Policy, AUT, will use the lens of New Zealand literature to take a revealing look at New Zealanders' attitudes to children. Ian will also raise some interesting questions about attitudinal commonalties and differences between New Zealand and other countries.

Ends

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