Our vision
The interests and rights of every child and young person are recognised and each enjoys safety and security, good health and education, economic and sociocultural well-being and opportunities to actively participate in matters that affect them.
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ABOUT THIS SITE...
This website provides information about the Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s work and about children’s and young people's rights.
The children's and young people's spaces provide child- and youth-friendly introductions to children's and young people's rights.
The advice section can help solve problems or answer questions about the rights, interests, and welfare of children and young people.
You can access the Children's Commissioner's media releases, speeches, and public submissions here.
You can download and order publications from the Office of the Children's Commissioner online.
We welcome advice or feedback on ways to improve this website.
Final report: Solutions to child poverty
The Children's Commissioner's Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty have released their final report. Read the report here or by clicking on the image below.
Click here for more information about child poverty, the Expert Advisory Group and access to media releases
Also available: a summary of the recommendations and a diagram explaining the issues and solutions
Voices of children and young people
Seeking and hearing the views of children and young people is important to the Children's Commissioner. The Commissioner and his Office regularly consult with children and young people when preparing reports, submissions and when conducting research.
Recently the Office consulted with young people on the Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa/Nursing Council of New Zealand's Code of Conduct and Boundaries Review. The consultation provides valuable insights into young people's views on what matters to them when receiving health care from a nurse and what they consider professional practice.
Earlier this year the Office consulted with young people for the government's Green Paper on Vulnerable Children. Four submissions were prepared: 'Collective Youth Voices', 'Primary School Children's Voices', 'Young People's Reference Group' and 'Treat me with respect like a taonga' (children in care). You can watch a montage of the views of children in care below.
One of the ways the Commissioner makes sure the voices of children are heard is through his Young People's Reference Group (YPRG). This group is made up of young people aged between 12 and 17-years-old from around New Zealand. The YPRG provide advice to the Commissioner, take part in submissions to government and present at conferences. They also speak publicly on issues that matter to children and young people.
One of the current members, 16-year-old Jessica Palairet was recently interviewed on Radio Rhema and talked about the impact of alcohol on young people. Listen to the interview here.
What's New...
Working Paper: A Framework for Food in Schools (627.0 KB)
posted on 7 May 2013
Budget announcements on child poverty a good start (194.9 KB)
posted on 16 May 2013
Compass update April 2013 (355.1 KB)
posted on 6 May 2013
Working Paper: Position on Partnership Schools Kura Hourua (607.1 KB)
posted on 1 May 2013
The Child and Youth Health Compass (3.5 MB)
Publication posted on 1 May 2013
What can you do if you suspect child abuse or neglect?
If you need to contact someone urgently because of your immediate concern about the safety of a child, then please phone:
Police
111
www.police.govt.nz
or
Child Youth and Family Services
0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)
www.cyf.govt.nz
Child Rights Advice Line
If you have concerns about the rights and well-being of a child or young person and would like advice on what to do, you can give our Child Rights Advice Line a call on 0800 224 453 (press 1). Language Line assistance is available. You could also email the Advice Line on advice@occ.org.nz.
Children’s Commissioner
The Governor-General appointed Dr Russell Wills as Children’s Commissioner on 1 July 2011.
Dr Wills has spent many years at the frontline of child health and protection. Prior to taking on the role as Commissioner, Dr Wills was Head of Paediatrics at the Hawke’s Bay DHB, where he was clinical leader for child and adolescent health, family violence and child protection. He will continue to work part-time as a general and community paediatrician at the DHB while carrying out his role as Children’s Commissioner, also on a part-time basis.