Media release from Every Child Counts

1000 days to get it right for every child: Coalition urges political commitment to children beyond three-year electoral cycle

In a joint oral submission to the Māori Affairs Select Committee inquiry into the wellbeing of Māori children, Every Child Counts and Plunket called for political leadership that ensures coordination of policies for children beyond the three-year electoral cycle, along with universal services for children and creation of a child health database.

“Every Child Counts and Plunket recommended stronger political leadership for children to ensure coordination of government efforts for children, cross-party agreement and investment that is sustained beyond the three-year parliamentary term. We called for a Children’s Action Plan and a Children’s Act to improve life for all children and highlighted the urgent need to address child poverty,” says Deborah Morris-Travers, Manager of Every Child Counts.

“We were pleased that the Select Committee engaged with us on the fact that poor child outcomes cost at least $8bn per annum and acknowledged that we have to spend some to save some,” Deborah says.

Sonya Rimene, Plunket’s General Manager Māori, says they have asked the Select Committee to extend the availability of universal services for children.

”Universal services play a really important role in supporting whānau to access a wide range of supports when needed.

“We have also reinforced the need for a centralised child health database that is interoperable with child protection and early childhood education databases.

“We hope the members of the Māori Affairs Select Committee embrace the opportunity to make bold recommendations to Parliament to improve outcomes for tamariki and progress these issues of national significance in the interests of all New Zealanders,” says Sonya Rimene.

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