20 December 2022 Media Releases
Rangatahi use their voices to call for change
He iti tangata e tupu – he iti toki e iti tonu
- People grow, adzes remain small – people are more valuable than material possessions
A talented and committed group of rangatahi presented me with their Taitamariki Youth Declaration at this year’s launch of the Child Poverty Monitor at a hui at Ngā Whare Waatea Marae, in Māngere.
I made a promise to share the declaration with the Prime Minister, and so I sent it to her office last week and will seek to meet with her in the New Year. I am now sharing that declaration publicly today.
These rangatahi have given us the gift of their insight, trusted us with their experience of living in hardship, struggles with both the justice system and state care, and shared what would have helped them as they grew up.
I have been inspired by the rangatahi’s generosity - with their ideas and wisdom, their maturity and aroha. Their insights are a gift and their courage in trusting us all with their experiences is immense.
Poverty is even more tough during the festive season so please take some time to think of those who are in need or even maybe think of donating to the organisations that help those in need?