Why engage with mokopuna?
Article 12 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Right of the Child (the Children’s Convention) provides children and young people with the right to express a view, and to have their view given due weight in decisions that affect them. In Aotearoa a child’s right to participate is also recognised through Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a variety of New Zealand’s domestic legislation.
When mokopuna are supported to provide their unique ideas and perspectives the outcome is more relevant and responsive policies, services and programmes. Having a say in things that impact them and communities makes tamariki feel more capable, confident, included, and responsible, and can increase their sense of belonging in the community, promoting good citizenship, agency and self-advocacy skills.
How to engage with mokopuna
Our website has a broad selection of engagement tools and resources which have been developed by our Mai World team. They reflect a general shift from a predominantly child-centred approach to one that is more community and whānau-focused. This approach values and includes the community of support that exists around mokopuna. Our theory of practice builds on a range of participation theory – both domestically and internationally.
Please feel free to use these resources as a starting point for your engagements with mokopuna, their whānau and community. Our Mai World team is passionate about supporting mokopuna engagement and can provide advice and feedback – just email us at voices@occ.org.nz.