DHB candidates urged to focus on children

30 July, 2007

Media statement
He Mana tō ia Tamaiti/ Every Child Counts

Local body and DHB candidates urged to focus on children

With the registration for candidacy in local body and District Health Board (DHB) elections now open, Every Child Counts* is urging people considering becoming candidates to make the needs of children a priority focus.

“Whether it’s urban planning and design, or funding child health services, local government and DHBs have an important role in securing resources, planning services and formulating policies that impact on children,” said Deborah Morris-Travers, Project Manager for Every Child Counts.

“Given the vulnerability of children, their essential place in our society, and the need for all New Zealanders to do all they can to improve the status and well-being of children, anyone striving for public office should take time to familiarise themselves with the issues affecting children and the ways in which they can support improvements in the status and well-being of children.

“Every Child Counts will be encouraging voters to support candidates who state a commitment to prioritising children in all they do. Ahead of the elections in October, our website will carry examples of the questions to ask candidates to identify their level of commitment to children, and the policies they wish to pursue in children’s interests.

“While those questions will explore a range of issues, an obvious question on the minds of most New Zealanders would have to be: ‘Where is the credible, long-term plan with high-level buy-in for stopping violence toward children?’

“Much like general elections, local body and DHB elections present an opportunity for citizens to express their support for children by exercising votes in the interests of our smallest citizens,” concluded Ms Morris-Travers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media