Jacinda Ardern
List MP based in Auckland Central
Spokesperson for Children
MEDIA STATEMENT
28 July 2016
Children’s ministry, but only for some
The Government is stigmatising a whole cohort of young New Zealanders while leaving others behind with its creation of a
Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Labour’s Children’s spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says.
“Confirmation of the move by Hekia Parata, an acting Minister, was clearly unplanned. This is, after all, part of the
Government’s flagship reforms of CYF.
“Labour has been pushing for a Children’s Ministry for some time, but one that improves the wellbeing of every child.
“That means focusing not just on child protection, but issues such as poverty and family hardship.
“This latest move continues to narrow the parameters further for those who need support, and risks letting children fall
through the gap.
‘It also risks creating stigma for those it works with, by labelling them all vulnerable.
“Surely the reason for replacing CYF was that things needed to be done differently. This already suggests the overhaul
is not be as bold as it could be,” Jacinda Ardern says.
ends