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Newsletter
The Office of the Children's Commissioner publishes a quarterly newsletter Children. If you wish to be added to the mailing list for the newsletter, please email your postal address details to publications@occ.org.nz.
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Summer 2009
In the Summer 2009 edition, the Commissioner focuses on youth participation. The Commissioner discusses the importance of participation as an important tool for reinforcing children and young people’s sense of being valued and listened to. A variety of views are presented, including those of Young People’s Reference Group (YPRG) members, Link and Rise E Tu. Also included in this issue is an update on projects underway that focus on children in care.
Download the newsletter (704.6 kb)Spring 2009
In the Spring 2009 edition, Dr John Angus focuses on education. He reflects on the place and influence of education in children and young people’s life, commenting on the importance of children and young people being involved in decision making in their educational settings. Young People’s Reference Group (YPRG) members contribute their views around educational issues they consider important. A look at the increasing use of formal and institutional early care and education for under two year olds, a new project being undertaken by the Children’s Commissioner, is outlined. There is also an article around the inclusion of children with disabilities in schools as a matter of social justice. Information is provided on education advocacy training, alongside support, research and resources available in New Zealand. Download the newsletter (626.7 kb)Winter 2009
Winter 2009 is Dr John Angus’s first edition as Children's Commissioner. Inside he reflects on the office’s priorities for the next year and the recently released report: Death and serious injury from assault of children under five years in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Young People’s Reference Group (YPRG) is discussed and the group recently appointed for the next two years has already contributed to the Children’s Commissioner’s work. A sound body of evidence is presented to articulate the importance of early intervention in reducing the drivers of crime. The newsletter also features a thought-provoking article from David Grimmond an economist speaking about the financial and productivity costs of not investing in significantly reducing child maltreatment as a nation. Information and tools are provided around child impact assessments for local government. Download the newsletter (899.4 kb)Autumn 2009
In this edition of 'Children':
This edition is Dr Cindy Kiro’s last as Children's Commissioner.
Inside she reflects on her term and achievements as Children’s Commissioner. Respected members of the child and youth sector pay tribute to the commissioner’s term. Beth Wood provides insight into the importance of an independent voice for children and young people New Zealand. An overview of the commissioner’s School Safety investigation is provided. The new structure and direction of the Young People’s Reference Group (YPRG) is discussed with the commissioner expressing confidence that the new members of the YPRG will continue to provide the new Children’s Commissioner with sound support and valid contributions to support their role.
The newsletter also features an update from the team at NZAAHD regarding this year’s Youth Week (23–31 May 2009). Helpful information and tips are laid out around child fire lighting. Ngati Hine Health Trust’s inspirational treaty for toddlers is showcased. The Children’s Commissioner’s newest staff member Zoey Caldwell is welcomed to the team.
Download the newsletter (788.9 kb)
Summer 2008
In this edition of 'Children':The Children's Commissioner farewell's the Office's third Young People's Reference Group. The group has made a valuable contribution to children's rights in New Zealand and Dr Cindy Kiro wishes them all the best in their next steps. As well, Mikayla Whetton from the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society discusses the well child services offered by Plunket - especially important support for some families over the summer holidays. Adolescent health specialist physician Dr Sue Bagshaw offers important insight into youth development and adolescence to answer the question just what makes our young people tick?
The newsletter also features an update from Dave Marshall of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand (BBBS) talking the BBBS mentoring programme and how mentoring supports young New Zealanders all around the country. Mereana Ruri, Principal Policy Analyst at the Office of the Children's Commissioner, reports on the Children's Commissioner's alternative report on the implementation of the UNCROC. And finally, this summer edition has some helpful suggestions for the summer break - keep safe around water and, with helpful hints from Karen McKechnie of the OCC and Barnardos, have fun!
Download the newsletter (724.1 kb)Spring 2008
In this special edition of 'Children':We comprehensively explore the issue of child poverty in New Zealand and how children and young people face the challenges of poverty every day. This special edition is in light of the report A Fair Go for all Children, Actions to address child poverty in New Zealand published by the Office of the Children's Commissioner with Barnardos New Zealand. The report was written by economists Michael Fletcher and Maire Dwyer, launched by Children's Commissioner Dr Cindy Kiro and Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos on the 7th of August 2008.
This edition also explores child poverty from the perspective of children and young people in summarising the project This is how I see it: Children and young people's views and experiences of poverty.
Check out the child poverty website by visiting the Children's Commissioner's child poverty homepage.
Download the newsletter (2.6 mb)Winter 2008
In this edition of 'Children':We hear from media lawyer Steven Price about children's rights in the media; Lee Chisolm from NetSafe discusses children and social networking sites, we unravel New Zealand's child discipline law and what it really means for parents; Anton Blank discusses Te Kahui Mana Ririki - a new advocacy group established to combat Maori child abuse, chaired by Dr Hone Kaa. The Chief Advisor for Child Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Pat Tuohy, discusses the role of WellChild and Tamariki Ora programmes; and, Ced Simpson answers the hard questions on human rights in education.
We also hear about YPRG member Jayran Mansouri's involvement with the United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand and their Youth Declaration, and advertise the re-launch of our most popular publication - 'Choose to Hug'.
Download the newsletter (900.8 kb)Autumn 2008
In this edition of 'Children':We interview Dr Katherine Covell and Dr Brian Howe about children's rights within the curriculum; New Zealand's Principal Youth Court Judge tells the truth about child and youth offending; and, Dr Elizabeth Craig introduces the Ministry of Health and Paediatric Society's Child and Youth Indicator Project.
We also reflect on New Zealand's Youth Week 2008, prepare for the INVOLVE Conference, and celebrate the artistic creations of some talented young New Zealanders in the ID360 short film competition.
Download the newsletter (648.2 kb)Summer 2007
In this edition of 'Children': Anthea Simcock from CPS introduces a new book "How Can I Tell?" to teach us how we can identify and act on signs of child abuse; Principal Advisor to the Children's Commissioner Nicola Atwool reviews the book "Lives Cut Short: Child death by maltreatment" (Connolly, M., & Doolan, M., 2007, Dunmore Press with the Office of the Children's Commissioner, Wellington, NZ); and, we hear about a new group researching children giving evidence in criminal courts.This special summer edition also offers some helpful holiday hints, and gives an update for the Family Violence: It's not OK! campaign.
Download the newsletter (1.0 mb)Spring 2007
In this edition of 'Children':Liz Butterfield from Hector's World Ltd discusses the digital momentum changing the lives of our society and how this is impacting on children; we celebrate the recipients of the Inaugural He Mana to ia Tamaiti / Every Child Counts awards; and, we hear about the Children's Commissioner's work examining the conditions of detention and treatment of children.
We also celebrate the changes to our Auckland office, including a new space and a new Principal Advisor (Dr Emma Davies), and get a participation report from the Young People's Reference Group.
Download the newsletter (1.1 mb)Winter 2007
In this edition of 'Children':We hear the story behind the child discipline bill as former Children's Commissioner and current Senior Lecturer at AUT Dr Ian Hassall discusses the incredible support for repealing section 59 shown on Wednesday 2nd of May.
We also welcome Dr Emma Davies as Principal Advisor to the Children's Commissioner, and introduce the Queer Youth Project called 'Out There!', from a joint venture between the NZ Aids Foundation and Rainbow Youth.
Download the newsletter (586.7 kb)Autumn 2007
In this edition of 'Children':The Children's Commissioner also welcomes new Advisor to her Welllington team, Nic Johnstone.
Download the newsletter (705.2 kb)Summer 2006
In this edition of 'Children':The Children's Commissioner Dr Cindy Kiro describes her integrated framework for children and their families Te Ara Tukutuku Nga Whanaungatanga o Nga Tamariki: Weaving Pathways to Wellbeing; George Ihimaera discusses student success through leadership; and, we hear back from the young people involved in hosting the the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Regional Committee meeting in Auckland in September.
Also in this edition is an article written solely by the Children's Commissioner's Young People's Reference Group explaining why repeal of section 59 is so important. The YPRG's paper is followed up by Jamie Hosking discussing the issue of smacking from a public health perspective.
Download the newsletter (824.1 kb)Winter 2006
The Winter 2006 edition of 'Children' has many interesting articles. Download the newsletter (1.2 mb)