Merita Johnston

The Green Paper for Vulnerable Children: Norm Hewitt asks us to “Say something and change children’s lives.”

Like me, as parents I’m sure you feel angry and sad another every time another child is deliberately hurt – or worse – by their caregiver. Each year, around 10 of our children – our own tamariki – are killed by the very people they are supposed to rely on for protection, while at least 160,000 children are living in conditions that mean they are unlikely to reach their potential. We know the factors that make these children vulnerable – the big question is how can we fix them? What needs to change to make New Zealand a great, safe place to bring up kids?

These are the types of questions the Government’s Green Paper for Vulnerable Children asks. Released in July last year, this discussion document is asking what we think should be changed to ensure all children reach their full potential. We need as many New Zealanders as possible to answer – it doesn't matter what you say; you just need to say something. We aren’t powerless to stop child abuse – this is something we can all do to help.

Please take the time to go to www.saysomething.org.nz and have your say. You can also mail in a submission, or post comments on Facebook or Twitter. After the submissions are read, a Children’s Action Plan will be developed and released during 2012. As parents, you know what it’s like to raise a child in New Zealand; you are the experts. So, please, do your part to become part of this critical conversation. Submissions close on February 28.

Nāku noa, nā

Norm Hewitt
Champion. Green Paper for Vulnerable Children