Maori Children - CathNews New Zealand

One third of Maori children in poverty

admin — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:30:53 +0000

Maori children are being denied their basic human rights, Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said.

The Maori Affairs Select Committee is holding an inquiry into the wellbeing of Maori children.

Mr de Bres this morning told the committee Maori children had basic rights to be free from discrimination, for their language and culture to be respected and nourished, to have an adequate standard of living and to health, education, safety and housing.

"This is not the case for many Maori children at present."

Of the quarter of a million Maori children in New Zealand, a third were living in poverty and hardship, he said.

One third of Maori children in poverty

Children living in poverty in the Bay of Plenty

admin — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:30:35 +0000

There are many children living in poverty in the Bay of Plenty. They are being fed by Tauranga's foodbank, presenting at hospital with serious skin infections and living in sub-standard conditions, according to school principals in the area.

In Merivale, one of Tauranga's poorest suburbs, families are living in over-crowded houses and illness is rife as parents struggle to afford to take their children to the doctor.

The Principal of Merivale School, Jan Tinetti, said children living in poverty was not new in the community but was currently the worst she had seen it in her six years at the school. "It's really tough and there have been times when your heart gets broken," she told the Bay of Plenty Times.

More than half of the 230,000 New Zealand children living in poverty are Maori and Pasifika, and as a result they score poorly on all measures compared to other groups of children.

Last year Every Child Counts published a report on Maori and Pasifika children living in poverty, He Ara Hou - The Pathway Forward.

Maori child advocacy organisation Ririki is proposing a $3m public education campaign to address parenting issues in Maori whanau.

The Green Party says unless there is cross-party consensus children will remain trapped in poverty.

Labour says a cross-party agreement would be a long-term sustainable approach to reducing child poverty but it thinks the likelihood of getting the Government to agree to it is slim.

Source

Children living in poverty in the Bay of Plenty

Many mourn the passing of Dr Hone Kaa

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:29:03 +0000

The death in Auckland on Thursday of a senior Anglican Priest and Child Advocate, the Venerable Dr Hone Kaa B.A., M.A.(hons), D.Min. (EDS), after a short battle with cancer, has been greeted with sadness from all sides.

Over 50 years Dr Kaa had an extensive career that included parish ministry, broadcasting, local and international activism, teaching and child advocacy. His contribution to the Church, Maori development, tino rangatiratanga, international social justice issues and the discourse of the rights of Maori children has been profound.

Dr Kaa also pursued a lifelong commitment to indigenous theological, intellectual and academic excellence.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said: "Aotearoa has lost a fierce advocate; a champion for our children; and a veteran activist for the wellbeing of our whanau." Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples said Dr Kaa "championed protest, and his church gave shelter to those seeking justice".

Poroporoaki
Ka tanuku! Ka tanuku!
Ka tanuku koa te tihi ki Hikurangi, ka tanuku!
Ka waipuke! Ka waipuke!
Ko Waiapu te waipuke roimata, puta noa atu ki te wahapu ki Rangitukia, ki Ohinewaiapu!
Ngati Porou! Ngati Rakaipaka! Kua pani koutou!
Kei te tangi hotuhotu te motu ki a koutou ko to koutou rangatira!
Aue! te mamae!

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says Dr Hone Kaa was a passionate New Zealander and an influential leader.
Every Child Counts chairwoman Liz Gibbs says the death of Dr Hone Kaa is a loss to the nation, particularly the movement to reduce Maori child abuse.
Green Party MP Kevin Hague said Dr Hone Kaa had played a significant role in advancing Maori and children's rights.
Labour Party spokesperson Jacinda Ardern said Dr Hone Kaa made a tremendous contribution to New Zealand. He was a passionate advocate for children and a fearless voice for his people.

Source

Many mourn the passing of Dr Hone Kaa