February 26, 2019
Tamariki polled for views on well being
Making all children feel respected and accepted in society is one of the aims of new research by the Children's Commissioner and Oranga Tamariki.
They surveyed more than 6000 children and young people online and in person to build a picture of what wellbeing means for children growing up in Aotearoa New Zealand.
While most enjoy many elements of wellbeing, up to a third indicated they are facing challenges including racism, discrimination, bullying, poverty, violence and drugs.
Donna Provoost from the Office of the Children's Commissioner says the majority of the 400 children given face to face interviews were tamariki Māori.
Many described feeling a sense of exclusion that had a powerful impact on their development.
"Being called names every day at school. Being suspected of shoplifting every time you go in a shop. That can be dehumanising and foster exclusion and we don't want that in society. We want everyone to have that strong sense of belonging and hope and aspiration in the community that they're part of," Ms Provoost says.
She says the voices of the tamariki can't be ignored, and the report will be a powerful force in framing policy.
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