Tana Umaga - Ministry of Social Development

Ministry of Social Development
Issue 2 – March 2008
He aha te mea nui? he tangata, he tangata, he tangata
What is the most important thing? i t i s t h e p e o p l e ,
it is the people,
it is the people
C h i l d r e n a n d Yo u n g P eo p l e
Tana Umaga
why education matters
Action on Youth Gangs – a co-ordinated response
Judge Peter Boshier – putting children first
Regional focus – Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Southern
WELCOME
Northland
Auckland
Peter Hughes
Chief Executive
I hope you all had
a relaxing and
enjoyable holiday
period, and you are
looking forward to
the year ahead as
much as I am.
Welcome to the first edition of Rise for 2008.
2007 was a busy and challenging year for us,
Waikato
Bay of
Plenty
East
Coast
Taranaki/
King Country/
Wanganui
Central
Nelson/
Marlborough/
West Coast
Wellington
Canterbury
Southern
The theme of this second edition is Children
and young people. I would like to thank Judge
some highlights for me were:
Boshier, Joy Cowley, Tana Umaga, and Inspector
»
Jason Hewett for providing us with insightful
the huge response to the ‘It’s not OK’
campaign for action against family violence
»
bringing in the biggest reforms to the
Social Security system, since it was first
introduced in 1938
»
introducing legislation updating the
and interesting contributions.
I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable
holiday period, and you are looking forward to
the year ahead as much as I am.
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families
ISSN 1178-4709 (Print)
ISSN 1178-4717 (Online)
Printed in New Zealand on paper sourced from well-managed
sustainable forests using mineral oil free soy based vegetable inks.
The information provided in this Ministry of Social Development
publication (published quarterly) is intended to profile initiatives,
research and opinions related to the social sector, and all reasonable
measures have been taken to ensure that the information set out in
this publication is accurate.
However, readers are advised that:
» The Ministry does not implicitly or impliedly endorse the views
presented in this publication unless otherwise stated.
» The information provided does not replace or alter the laws of
New Zealand or any other official guidelines or requirements.
» The contents of this publication should not be construed as legal
advice. Before relying on any information in this publication,
users should independently verify its relevance for their purposes.
ii RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
Act 1989 which will redefine how we work
in Child, Youth and Family.
2008 promises to be just as busy, with many
more opportunities for the Ministry and our
stakeholders to make real differences in the lives
Peter Hughes
of New Zealanders.
Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development
contents
If you have any feedback about this magazine or
w o u l d l i k e t o b e a d d e d t o t h e Ri s e m a i l i n g l i s t
p l e a s e e m a i l r i s e @m s d . g ov t . n z
Cover STORIES
2 Vive l’éducation!
Tana Umaga on education and giving kids your time.
4 Combating youth gangs
Agencies are joining forces to tackle youth gangs.
1 4 Putting children first
Principal Family Court Judge, Peter Boshier, on children’s rights,
the family court and social work.
1 8 Spotlight on Bay of Plenty
We meet Geoff Williams and share the region’s youth
success stories.
2 2 Spotlight on Wellington
Mike Bryant on four cities, and we introduce an inspiring
teen mum.
2 7 Spotlight on Southern Region
John Allen talks about southern success, and we feature
exciting youth development projects.
FEATURE STORIES
This magazine can
be Accessed at
www.msd.govt.nz
16
23
6 Surviving gang culture
Wayne Poutoa’s mission to end youth violence.
1 0 Ankle-biting rhubarb and other stories...
We take tea with NZ children’s author, Joy Cowley.
1 2 The ‘rights’ stuff
A snapshot of the new Charter of Rights for children
and young people.
1 3 Kids rule!
What it means to celebrate Children’s Day.
regular columns
22
9
16
30
33
From the frontline
A DAY I N THE L I FE
Regional round-up
Ti p s a n d l i n k s
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 “Every child has talent and the way
to realise potential is to work
hard and be committed.”
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga
offers to promote products and issues. I want to
kids to lose their way, especially in those teenage
talks to us from France (where he is currently
be involved in things that relate to kids and their
years, so parents need to make sure they make
coaching the French second-division club Toulon)
future. It makes me feel good that I’m doing
time for their kids. Sport is also great for teaching
about family and his commitment to supporting
something positive with the profile that I have
kids values like teamwork and respect.
children’s education.
through rugby.
Some would say there are not enough
I decided to set up the Tana Umaga Found-
initiatives around to help youngsters learn new
Tell us a little about your upbringing.
ation because I wanted to give something back
skills to be employable. Are we doing enough?
As a Pacific Islander, there were always
to my community. The Foundation is focused
There are lots of people working to assist
family and friends around to help out, which
on assisting young people who have talent but,
kids. This is an area where we can’t over deliver
provided a stable base. I owe so much to my
due to their circumstances, may not be able to
because kids are special and need all the help
parents and my family who have been such a
further that talent. They also need to work hard.
we can give them. Making sure young people
great support for me.
Talent without hard work does not lead to
are happy and employed and feel wanted is
ongoing success. good for the country.
education is. Who knows what would have
You seem to pl ace a gre at de al of
R e c e n t ly t h e r e h a v e b e e n a n u m b e r o f
happened if I hadn’t played rugby professionally
importance on educat ion.
stories in the media about child abuse.
I was a bit of a cocky young kid. I thought
I didn’t need school. Now I realise how important
– what kind of life we would be living now?
The messages you give your children about
A number of children in this country grow
It would be pretty tough. That’s why my children
school are really important. I tell my children,
u p i n v e r y d i f f i c u lt s i t u a t i o n s . W h a t i s
“I love you, if you want to play sport, that’s great
t he best way to tack le t hese issues?
have no choice but to go to school.
and I’ll support you, but there’s one thing that you
W h at do you want for your children?
will always have to do and that’s go to school.”
Our children are precious. They need to be
nurtured, loved, encouraged and supported to
I have four children, a teenage boy and three
Every child has talent and the way to realise
be the best people they can be and sometimes
girls all under the age of seven. I love them and
potential is to work hard and be committed.
the message needs to be reinforced to parents
I want them to be happy and to enjoy life. I love
Parents need to help kids develop commitment.
to please look after them.
spending time with them and try to encourage
Kids can go a long way with a bit of help from
and support them to be the best they can be.
mum and dad every day.
Can you tell us about Team Up and
W h at would you say a re some of t he m ain
abou t t he Tan a Umaga Foundat ion?
ch a llenges facing young people today?
I agreed to become a Team Up Education
Where do you think we can do more?
Ambassador because I believe in what the
Children have so many pressures put on them
programme stands for. Sports people often get
these days and so many distractions. It’s so easy for
RISE: issue 2 – MaRCH 2008
How are you finding life in France?
H o w i s y o u r f a m i ly e n j o y i n g i t ?
I love France and living in Toulon is great.
The people are really friendly and have really
made us feel at home. Coaching is a demanding
role. It has been extremely busy but I always make
sure to keep Sundays free as my family day.
The kids are settling in well too. They had a few
in my own children’s upbringing, I don’t want
sniffles to start with due to the change in climate
to over commit myself, so at this stage I’ll limit
but have bounced back and love the change of
my involvement to the Team Up campaign and
life. It’s really good for their education experiencing
my Foundation.
a different culture. They will no doubt be fluent in
French well before I even get beyond the basics.
Is there anything you’d like to add in
terms of w h at i t me ans to be a parent?
Now t h at you are based in F r ance, how
m u c h i n v o lv e m e n t w i l l y o u c o n t i n u e t o
h ave in t he progr ammes in w hich you’re
i n v o lv e d h e r e i n N e w Z e a l a n d ?
New Zealand is my home, it will always be
dear to my heart. We will be coming home
eventually and I will always have an interest in
helping young people achieve their dreams and
goals. Because I want to be so closely involved
If children grow up with values, they will
become better people. Encouraging them
to be positive is another thing. And learning
– you can’t send them to school and think
when they get home that learning has
finished. Also, my parents always taught me
to have good manners. If you say please and
thank you to someone and they don’t say it
back, you kind of get a feeling about the type
of person they are.
Parents have to give their children time – just
time to be with them. And the more children you
have, the more effort you’ve got to make with
each one – not just time together, but individual
time. One of the reasons I gave up international
rugby was to spend more time with my family
and get more involved in my children’s learning.
Parenthood really is the most rewarding role I
have ever taken on in my life.
Note: The Team-Up programme – fronted by Tana
Umaga – provides information, ideas and materials
to help parents support their children and get more
involved in their education.
The Tana Umaga Foundation: was set up to
help children from disadvantaged backgrounds by
providing scholarships in sport, the arts and academia.
www.teamup.co.nz
RISE: issue 2 – MARCH 2008 Combating
youth gangs
“it’s no good cleaning people up and then throwing
them back into dirty water”. If there are problems
with the family environment – drugs, alcoholism,
gambling or unemployment – these have to be tackled.
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure and
the results have been outstanding.” This is
relentless coverage and sensationalism of youth
Community engagement, including the
appointment of 22 youth workers, has been
gangs by the media.
crucial in providing activities for young people,
how Inspector Jason Hewett, from Counties
A feature of the American street gangs that
Manukau Police District describes his experience
resounds with some young people is that they
of working with other agencies to combat
are predominantly ethnic minorities – African-
youth gangs.
American or Hispanic. This has made them
important to the Plan’s success. As Carl Crafar,
In late 2005, it was all go as Ministries of Social
popular with New Zealand minority groups
the Ministry of Social Development’s National
Development, Justice, Education, Health and the
who mimic their dress, swagger, speech
New Zealand Police got together to sort out a
and behaviour.
plan for youth gangs. This followed numerous
The way those agencies that came together
incidents of gang-related crime and grievous
in 2005 tackled the problem of youth gang
bodily harm, and 10 youth gang homicides.
activity is detailed in a 26-point Plan of Action.
This is not to say that youth gangs are recent
The interagency Auckland Youth Support
phenomena. Dr Erin Jon Eggleston, who spent
Network was formed to lead the implementation
time with youth gangs in the mid-1990s doing
of the Plan at a local level. Housing New Zealand
social research, says that many of youth gangs in
Corporation,
New Zealand at that time traced their origin to
Health Board, and a range of non-government
the 1988 movie ‘Colours’, starring Sean Penn.
organisations and local government bodies also
The increased violence of the gangs,
Counties
Manukau
District
support the Plan.
and to the overall success of the Plan.
Integrated
Case
Management
is
also
Manager Youth Gangs explains, “it’s no good
cleaning people up and then throwing them
back into dirty water”. If there are problems
with the family environment – drugs, alcoholism,
gambling or unemployment – these have to
be tackled. If a family has to move location
to reduce risk of a young person reoffending,
or if a young person has not attended school
or training, appropriate agencies need to wrap
their services around the whole family to help
them get on track. This is what Integrated
Case Management does.
The co-ordinated response to youth gang
Inspector Hewett believes, is influenced by
Local government has greatly assisted
activity in Counties Manukau is highly regarded
modern popular culture: Internet access, social
the Police in reducing the incidence of public
as best practice of working together within
networking spaces and music videos, which all
disorder by instituting liquor bans. The Police
government, and has received due praise from
contribute to knowledge-sharing about gang
have established Youth Action Teams and work
the Ombudsman in a recent report on the
activities. In his opinion, it is also fuelled by the
closely with Mäori and Pacific wardens.
Justice Sector.
RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
When is a group
of young people
a youth gang?
A group of boy racers assembles
illegally; one of them kills a pedestrian
during the race.
An under-21 rugby team comes into
the bar after their game. They look the
same, act the same, and after a few
too many drinks they start a fight.
Are these youth gangs? Some
would argue they are, according to
National Manager Youth Gangs, Carl
Crafar. In both cases, these young people
Reception centres
One of the important things to come out
of the Auckland Youth Support Network’s Plan
identify as a group and act illegally.
These are the basic preconditions for
alcohol. Since late last year, 40 girls and
use of the term ‘youth gang’, although
118 boys have been housed in the centres.
there is no comprehensive, agreed
of Action was setting up Child, Youth and
The average stay is about three days.
global definition. For this reason Carl
Family reception centres to get young people
The centres are set up as emergency facilities
sees no point in trying to talk about
out of at-risk situations. Reception centres are
– to give social workers breathing space to
numbers – it’s just too hard – and there
family homes.
find the best possible care for the children
is a fine line between kids just being kids
The Network recognised that there was a
while they source an appropriate family
and engaging in youth gang activity.
chronic shortage of short-term emergency
home or Child, Youth and Family caregiver.
Perhaps the reason that boy racers
There is always a social worker on duty to
and brawling rugby players are not
meant that many of them would be housed
work with the Police and Child, Youth and
considered young gangsters is that we
in prison cells, while social workers tried
Family to ensure young people get the best
tend to associate gangs with low socio-
to find suitable caregivers for the children.
possible care.
economic status. But Carl says that it
accommodation for young people, and this
is a myth that young people in gangs
There was also a shortage of services operating
The third centre caters for child family
after hours, which meant that some young
groups. Groups are more difficult to find carers
come
people remained in police cells for the weekend.
for, as compared to individual young people.
or poverty. Many parents are totally
This was not ideal for youth, nor for police
Often groups of siblings will require placement
oblivious to what their children are
who were ill equipped to ‘baby sit’ them.
due to the arrest of one or both of their
getting up to. Carl uses the analogy of
from
dysfunctional
families
After the exceptional success of a trial
parents. Over the Christmas period alone, the
children telling their parents that they
centre, which has provided accommodation
centre housed 35 children, with one family of
are spending the night with a friend
to
five children.
when, in fact, they’re going to a party.
85
young
people,
three
permanent
reception centres have been opened. These
Centres are fully staffed to provide 24 hour,
In the case of gangs, parents may be
cater for children who may be charged,
seven day a week care. Christchurch aims
unaware that their children are getting
on bail or who are in need of immediate
to replicate the centres, and Wellington is
into a car looking for trouble.
care due to, for example, use of drugs and
considering weekend reception centres.
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 Surviving
gang culture
One man’s struggle for
positive change
RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
“You know why young people turn
to gangs? Because they don’t
have the right coping mechanisms
around poverty and other issues
out there, so they turn to drugs
and alcohol and those things are
typical of gang life.”
Living in Porirua, you can get used to the
I’ve been in and out of prison and remanded
was a holiday programme, so they just dropped
wind. But today is exceptional. A roof-ripping
in custody a lot. When I went to jail last time,
their kids off initially. Five programmes down the
north-westerly throws storm clouds across the
I was sitting in my cell and decided I’d just had
track, now we have parental involvement and
sky. This is the backdrop to our meeting with
enough. I was in the prison library one day
a whole lot of young people involved as well.
Fa’amatuainu Wayne Poutoa at Maraeroa
reading a book titled The Big Huey by Dr Greg
“Streets Ahead is about addressing youth
Marae. An ex-gang member with several jail
Newbold on criminology. I thought to myself,
gangs and ensuring that our young people have
terms, Wayne’s studying for a master’s degree,
‘I could do that, and I’m going to prove it, and
the right options to make informed decisions
recently won the Vodafone ‘World of Difference’
I’m going to do it.’ It was a turning point.”
before they commit to a life of gangs. We have
award and has turned his life around to help
Jail taught him about people wasting their
young people avoid the mistakes he’s made.
lives. “They go and come back again and you
He’s also a Samoan chief. With the bustle of
go ‘I’m not going to be like that’. Young people
the busy marae all around us, Wayne tells us
seem to connect with me. All my life I’ve had
his story…
young people around me and it wasn’t until
“In 1979 I started flirting with gangs. I joined
I went to jail for the last time that it clicked,
a gang, the King Cobras, in 1980. I guess I was
‘I’m meant to be doing something with these
looking for a place to hang out because I didn’t
young people’.”
want to be at home. Before you know it you’re
off down the track. It was easy. Like thieves in
That’s what led Wayne to start the Streets
Ahead initiative.
a huge recruitment of young people into youth
gangs in this area.
“We’ve had colossal outcomes. Some differ.
Our target population isn’t mainstream. They’re
kids who are in community service, Child, Youth
and Family, who have been in and out of school
or prison, and this is where they flirt with the
fascination of joining gangs, right up to those
who are now becoming prospectors and
patched members of gangs. Our main message
the night they just came and said ’let’s go’ and
“Streets Ahead 237 is about a group of
showed me a life that I thought was great. But
residents who got together and decided that
it was just about surviving on the streets, and
they wanted our neighbourhood to be safe
“Since Streets Ahead launched, I’d say we’ve
violence and drugs.”
is brothers not colours.
[237 are the first three numbers you dial for
helped more than 1,000 young people. It’s only
Wayne went to prison for the first time for
Cannons Creek]. So we invited local residents to
been up and running for a year but was five
assaulting a police officer. “Then I came to
the marae, and showcased what resources were
years in the making. The idea was born early on
Porirua, joined the Mongrel Mob and went
available in the community. Predominantly we
but I just had to wait until I got a degree, and
to jail again for assault with intent to injure.
were dealing with kids whose parents thought it
people would listen and take me seriously before
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 “For young people to engage with social workers like myself,
it’s about establishing the right relationships and pushing
the right buttons.”
we could actually implement it. My degree is in
you’re able to understand ‘Who am I? Where
a job, for me it’s a way of life. It’s a calling. It’s
social work and I’m now doing a master’s.
do I fit?’ and therefore you become complete.
very rewarding and I love it. I come to work to
That’s a key component in helping people come
see real change. That’s what gets me out of bed
out of gang life into better things.
at three or four o’clock in the morning to write
“Twenty years ago when I left jail and I
walked out of the gang life I wanted to help
young people to not make the same mistakes
“The key issue for young people in Porirua
that I had made, but no one listened to me;
and New Zealand today is that they’re bored –
“This year we want to ensure that the young
now I have a piece of paper that has ‘degree’
and they don’t have positive role models to show
people here start to take over the running
written on it doors have begun to open.
another idea on a piece of paper.
them what’s available out there. This is largely
of the project and manage it effectively.
“Here’s an example of how Streets Ahead
because their parents are still struggling, trying to
Also to reach out to more of the community
has helped one person. We’ve got a girl who’s
live on survival strategies. The thing for the parents
– I envisage that by the end of 2008 I’ll have
been in multiple homes in her life with Child,
is to understand what education is and how to
reached the majority of young people in this
Youth and Family, who’s been the ringleader
get out of the rut they’re currently in. They need
region, that they will have at least heard of
of the local Bloods here in Porirua. Now she’s
to be shown alternatives as parents to be free of
Streets Ahead or know what it’s about and
moved on. She’s part of our youth committee,
a culture of circumstance – unemployment, poor
what service it provides.
and she’s performed and shared her story with
health and a lack of education.
“The thing that really troubles me is the
other young people. She sits in the room next
“You know why young people turn to
escalation of drugs both in this neighbourhood
to us now, ready to conduct and implement
gangs? Because they don’t have the right
and nationally. Before, we were dealing with
an exhibition that we did in February for our
coping mechanisms around poverty and other
the effects of people drunk and stoned on
community. The exhibition was on the history
issues out there, so they turn to drugs and
marijuana, now we’re dealing with the effects
of this initiative, where it was, where it is and
alcohol and those things are typical of gang
of methamphetamine (P). The consequences
where it’s going. We’re going to showcase that
life. They get sucked into gang culture and
are far greater. Innocent people are getting
to our community leaders and government
use that to replace the sense of belonging
killed in our neighbourhood. I get calls from
departments in the hope that they’ll understand
that they miss around family. Then it becomes
kids coming to my house at three or four
how we can help the community and contribute
difficult to turn them around and away from
in the morning who are wasted or can’t go
in an appropriate fashion.
gang culture. For young people to engage
home because their parents are ‘P’d up’, so
“For us it’s also largely about connecting
with social workers like myself, it’s about
they’re at my place. A big push for us is to
people to their culture, which is currently
establishing the right relationships and pushing
get some respite care for these young people.
replaced by the American lifestyles and rap
the right buttons. You can’t get someone
This is all an uphill battle, but we will persist
music and all that kind of rubbish. We connect
who’s graduated from Massey to walk into a
and train young people to carry this forward
our people back and say, ‘You’re an extension
Mongrel Mob gang house and start talking to
so we can put an end to the violence and
of your ancestors’ journey and therefore you
people from a book.
the killing, and get a big reduction in gang
have a legacy to fulfil’ – when we bring you
“At the end of the day, I do this kind of work
to the marae under an indigenous umbrella,
because I love it. For some people social work is
RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
recruitment. That’s what Streets Ahead is
about. And that’s my mission.”
From the
Frontline
Tricia Nicholas has been a frontline social
worker for 27 years. Rise catches up with her in
Island Bay, Wellington.
W h a t d o e s a C o m m u n i t y Li a i s o n S o c i a l
Worker do?
My job is focused on the community,
W h at mot i vates you?
Social work isn’t my whole life but it makes
my life whole. I’m very gregarious, people
tell me that, and that can be very rewarding.
Sometimes they ask me how I’ve managed to
survive so long on the frontline. For me I’m
always hopeful that I can make a difference.
presenting to agencies who have contact with
children and families. I present information
Why is child abuse happening?
on recognising and reporting child abuse
It’s not my experience that people set out to
what Child, Youth and Family may do impacts
and neglect. I monitor and review their child
abuse or neglect their children. There’s a whole
on their willingness to report. Ultimately my
protection policies. The role extends into public
range of issues around this, but one of the most
role is to allay those fears.
relations and media liaison.
pressing to me is that sometimes we’re dealing
with generational child abuse and neglect – we
W h at does t he f u t ure hold?
H o w d o y o u g o a b o u t mo b i l i s i n g c o m m u n i t i es
have had a huge public education programme
I’ll just keep on doing what I’m asked to
to recognise, report and prevent child abuse?
about breaking the cycle but it hasn’t happened.
do to prevent child abuse happening, through
If you’ve never been nurtured, loved and looked
education and awareness.
When I give presentations, my key tenet is
that Child, Youth and Family as an agency can’t
be responsible for all our children, we need to
work in a multi-agency way. When we work
together we provide a wraparound service for
our children and families and then we’ll get the
best outcomes.
W h at’s i t lik e work ing on t he f rontline?
Sometimes it can be very satisfying and I come
away elated, and then at other times it‘s like
after as a child, when you come to be a parent
you may have the best intentions but it’s just
W h at are t he best t hings a parent can do
not going to happen. Blaming is easy, but you
for a child?
put yourself in that person’s shoes and it’s just
so different. We have to have compassion, and
this leads to change.
W h at’s t he best t hing we can do to
prevent child abuse happening?
for. All forms of abuse have detrimental impacts
on a child’s development. As parents we want
to protect our children to enable them to grow
up into productive members of society.
Quite simply, early intervention.
Anything
walking on a tightrope. There are many layers to
social work because you’re dealing not just with
Put simply, love and nurture them. As human
beings we all crave being nurtured and cared
W h at hinders you in your job?
else
you’d
like
to
add?
Child, Youth and Family can often be involved
the child that’s being abused, but the extended
I don’t really let anything get in my way. If
in cases far too late. We rely on the community,
family, and a range of other professionals and
I want to accomplish things I’ll do my best. At
including professionals, for information to
organisations in a big balancing act.
times people’s misconceptions or fears about
enable us to intervene.
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 Ankle-biting
rhubarb and
other stories...
Celebrated New Zealand author JOY COWLEY
has authored over 600 works for adults and
than adopting the ubiquitous British imagery of
but that is not very meaningful for a visual
copses, castles, boiled eggs and toast.
learner. The children who are really left out
children. In an interview with Joy, she reflects
“I think that wherever children are – and
and are seen as disruptive are the kinaesthetic
on her childhood, family and the importance of
this is a passion – they should be able to see
learners; children who have to move when
children reading and learning.
themselves in their reading materials.”
they are learning. I have a daughter who is like
Joy Cowley was 19 before she was allowed to
“I always loved telling stories and I loved
that – even at university she would study with
go on a date. “In my day the pressures on young
drawing. As a very young child I used to draw
music blaring, eating an apple, kicking the wall.
people were usually concerned with sex – notably
on walls and pavements. I can remember people
Today she would be diagnosed as ADHD,
that there should be no sex before marriage.
Society was very narrow, and the changes that
were just starting after World War II made
parents very nervous, even stricter. The kind of
pressure that teens and sub-teens have now is
very different – having just too many choices…”
From her apartment in Wellington, Joy tells
us tells us about Tribal January, the sacred month
when up to 40 family and friends gather at the
bay in the Sounds, eat and talk well into the night.
We hear how she warns her granddaughter that
rhubarb is a fierce breed, prone to biting ankles.
coming out of houses and shouting at me to
clear off. If there were blank pages in a book I’d
draw on those.”
Joy’s father was on a pension – both her
parents had poor health. “I think they got into
debt, they moved around a lot when I was
young. Both of them could be quite violent.”
This made her protective of her four younger
siblings. “I became maternal at an early age
– that meant I was bossy.
“So I think that maternal streak has made
me very aware of children who get left behind.”
I guess, but she just had marvellous energy.
“Children have great curiosity and are
keen to learn, but are sensitive. This means
they can be easily discouraged. Adults will
quite unintentionally put children down – pick
up a drawing and say ‘what is that meant
to be?’ – it‘s crushing for a little one. They need
encouragement and appreciation.”
She thinks New Zealand teachers do a good
job. “Generally New Zealand children are about
two years ahead of their American counterparts,
That and the fact that she herself didn’t read
certainly in the arts. There tends to be a lot of
She relates the story she was told by a woman
until the age of nine, when she discovered the
emphasis on creativity and literature in this
from mainland China about ducklings that were
security of the permanency of the written word
country. And that’s good. It’s important to teach
rescued by schoolchildren in the dead of night,
in the story of Ping the Duck.
children to be creative – it empowers them. I ask
from a greedy janitor. The woman was attending
Joy believes that one of the reasons children
children who have just written something how
a workshop in Singapore, one of many Joy runs
struggle to read is that the system of learning
it makes them feel. The word ‘powerful’ comes
internationally to get people to write children’s
can be meaningless to them. “A purely phonic
up a lot. I say to them ‘always remember the link
books from their own cultural perspectives, rather
system might work for an auditory learner,
between the word ‘author’ and ‘authority’.”
10 RISE: issue 2 – MaRCH 2008
“I think that wherever children are –
and this is a passion – they should be able
to see themselves in their reading materials.”
RISE: issue 2 – MARCH 2008 11
The
‘rights’
stuff
A charter of rights has been introduced by
Child, Youth and Family to provide children
and young people in care with a level of
understanding on what they can expect.
All children and young people coming
into care will now receive their own copy.
Head of Child, Youth and Family Ray Smith
Charter
for
Children
and
Young
People in care
and religion. I have the right to get
support if I need help to do the things
1.I have the right to know why I am in
care. I should be treated like other
children who are not in care and can
live at home.
states, “Those in our care are amongst the
2.I have the right to live with people
most vulnerable people in New Zealand. They
who care about me, who respect me
may not have had their rights considered in
and who I can trust. They will give me
the past and may not know what to expect
enough food to eat, my own bed, a
from their new families.”
place where I will feel safe, and warm
Children’s Commissioner Dr Cindy Kiro is
This includes my culture, language
clothes to wear.
that I want to do.
6.I have the right to have stuff like clothes,
pocket money, toys and books within
reason and I can ask my caregiver or
social worker how to get them.
7.I have the right to see, phone, talk
or write to my parents, brothers and
sisters, and other family and friends.
My social worker or caregiver will tell
me why if I can’t.
a supporter – “Being placed in care can be
3.I have the right to say no to people
an extremely traumatic time for children and
touching me, hitting me or saying
8.I have the right to go to school and have
things that make me feel yucky or
someone help me with my homework
uncomfortable.
so I can do my best.
young people. I fully support them in their
need to have up-to-date information about
their rights”.
The charter, developed in consultation
with young people, is available in two versions
– an interactive version for children over five
that they can colour and personalise, and a
‘teenage’ version for young people. Here’s
what the former looks like:
Full versions can be viewed at
www.cyf.govt.nz/caregiver.htm
12 RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
4.I have the right to have a SAY about
9.I have the right to stuff or things that
things that are happening to me and to
are only mine and I can be on my own
be told what is going to happen to me.
if I want to and it’s safe.
My social worker or caregiver will TALK
with me about this.
10.I have the right to see my lawyer, care
giver and social worker on my own.
5.I have the right to develop the things
These adults will listen to me. I can also
I’m good at and do things that are
talk to other adults, like my teacher
important to me, within reason.
about worries that I might have.
Kids rule!
11.I have the right to have my teeth checked
and see a doctor like other children.
12.I have the right to tell someone if I do
not feel that I am being listened to or I
need someone to help me. I could tell
my social worker, caregiver, lawyer or
my teacher.
13.I have the right to a copy of the
rights that nearly every country in
the world agrees kids should have
(this is called the united nations
convention on the rights of the child).
My social worker can tell me more
about this.
14.I have the right to ask to see what is
written about me. I should ask my social
worker about the best way to do this.
If I am not allowed I must be told why.
New Zealand Children’s Day is
a national, non-commercial day to
celebrate how special and important
our children are. This year the eighth
Children’s Day took place on 2 March,
with the key theme being ‘New
Experiences’. The native animal theme
of previous years has been replaced
with these five Children’s Day cartoon
characters – together they will become
the faces of Children’s Day.
Over the past few years, Children’s
Day has grown into a real nationwide
celebration, with hundreds of events held
around the country, attended by tens of
thousands of children and their families.
It is supported by a whole range of
organisations and people, including
the official Children’s Day patron,
Her Excellency Susan Satyanand, who
underlines her personal commitment:
“For me, the most special aspect of
Children’s Day is that it is totally for the
children of our country. We mark the
work of parents on Mothers’ Day and
Fathers’ Day, and in the same way it
is right to set aside one day a year as
Children’s Day. Children’s Day provides
everyone with an opportunity to
appreciate children and put them first”.
Many nations in the world have a
Children’s Day, but the magic of Te Rä O
Te Tamariki is something unique to New
Zealand. Children’s Day celebrations
continue to grow every year and the
annual event is now firmly established
as an ongoing tradition.
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 13
14 RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
“The changes occurring within Child, Youth and Family
are exciting, and I see it as capable of being a very
functional, highly skilled organisation.”
An interview with Principal Family Court
Judge Peter Boshier.
quite different from the traditional image of
Is
the judge as a detached and formal figure who
communicate to soci al work ers?
simply listens and then makes a decision. In the
Could you tell us about the progression
pilot the judge takes an active role in directing
of children’s rights in New Zealand?
the proceedings; taking control of the issues for
If we go back to 1989, when the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child came into being, we started a journey
in children’s rights. What we’ve seen with the
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act
1989, and more recently the Care of Children
Act, is a huge shift. I think it’s an exciting and
the children, filtering out the stuff that doesn’t
matter, and focusing the case on what the judge
sees are the important issues for the children.
Y o u ’ r e i n f a v o u r o f o p e n i n g t h e F a m i ly
Court to t he medi a?
there
anything
you
would
like
to
The changes occurring within Child, Youth and
Family are exciting, and I see it as capable of being
a very functional, highly skilled organisation. We’ve
always known that social workers have got good
skills and are committed to their case work. We’ve
always known that the training unit in Child, Youth
and Family is virtually second to none. And yet Child,
Youth and Family has been the whipping person every
time there’s a child-death case and it’s claimed that
I think it’s a good thing and it’s worked. Take
social work is inadequate. In my opinion, there have
the case of Qian Xun Xue (aka ‘Little Pumpkin’),
to be two mind-shifts. The first is to look at what we
I think we’re now regarding children not
whose father abandoned her. That was a case
as a society can and must do to reduce violence.
as factors or even the subjects of court cases,
where there was immaculate social work done
Secondly, I think Child, Youth and Family can
but important participants who can contribute
by Child, Youth and Family, and I said so in
hold its head high and say it’ll do the best it
to our understanding of the issues and give
my judgment. Yet we needed to explain the
can to protect children – but it shouldn’t be put
us information vital to the outcome of the
intricacies of how we got from the beginning
in the position of having to get a perfect outcome
case. We’ve always understood that children’s
to the end of the case to a media voracious for
for every referral. I don’t think that’s fair, and I
interests are paramount – now there’s a growing
information. I can’t see how you can do that
don’t think it’s a good use of resources. I see Child,
acknowledgement that issues for the parents
unless they are in court, see the process and the
Youth and Family becoming more professional and
may not be the issues for the children.
integrity of the result.
reducing the number of cases and the length of
internationally leading shift.
The other major thing we are doing is
We now generally make our decisions
piloting a programme for less adversarial
available. I would like to see that broadened;
We shouldn’t have a New Zealand where
hearings, through the Parenting Hearings
and it will be in the Family Court Matters Bill
Child, Youth and Family is seen as responsible for
Programme. It requires the judge to take a role
that is presently before Parliament.
every child.
time it’s going to be involved in the case.
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 15
A day in
the life
Tauranga-based Work and Income Childcare
Co-ordinator Maria Prosser works in the
community to increase the uptake of early
childhood education.
One of the early childcare providers with which
Maria works is Te Wairoa Köhanga Reo; the first
köhanga reo in Western Bay of Plenty to take
up 20 hours of free early childhood education
for three- and four-year-olds. Rise magazine’s
photographer took these portraits of the children
for this edition’s photo essay.
16 RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
-hanga Reo; the first
Te
Wairoa
Ko
kohanga reo in Western Bay of Plenty to
take up 20 hours of free early childhood
education for three- and four-year-olds.
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 17
Mud
glorious
mud
Spot ligh t on Bay of Plen t y
above:Nothing quite like it
for cooling the blood.
Rise talks to Donna Adlam and Joseph
Hayes at Öpötiki District Council.
The Öpötiki mudslide has been the most
successful of many local initiatives for young
pastimes. We want to get kids off the couch
poor, black or white, you go down the mudslide
and give them the opportunity to make friends
and you’re all the same by the time you get to
from outside the district, show off their town
the bottom. Everyone starts out clean and ends
and have pride in their region.
up the same colour.
At $5 for the whole day we think it’s the best
people. The idea came out of Fun Unplugged, a
sustainable fundraising scheme. Fun Unplugged
initially involved a series of six training sessions
for young people aged 12 upwards – developing
W h at
are the
y o u t h i n O� p O� t i k i ?
major
issues
for
Öpötiki rates worst on the national deprivation
their ideas into solid business plans, including
index. There’s a lack of parental skills in the district
health and safety and customer service.
but clearly that’s not just a local issue. In some
cases we’re looking at third- or fourth-generation
Wh y did you start Fun Unplugged?
welfare dependency. There’s little employment
We needed to offer something to our
without leaving the district. And if you’re leaving
visitors and put something back into the local
the district you’re leaving the elderly alone; in our
community. We want the kids to organise
bicultural community there’s a tension between
initiatives where they know that every Christmas
looking after your elders and earning a living.
they’re going to run a business or an event,
value in the world. This makes it accessible to
everyone and that’s our philosophy. The Fun
Unplugged mudslide has put Öpötiki on the map
– our own little town is on national TV and it’s
great having people from Christchurch, Sydney
or even Stuttgart calling up and saying, “We saw
you! Can we come back?”. I feel rapt about that.
In England they’ve got their downhill cheeserolling, but out here in Öpötiki the mudslide is
where it’s at… the only thing to remember is the
bigger you are, the faster you go!
For more information, see www.odc.govt.nz/
VisitorInformation/FunUnplugged
they’re going to make a few thousand dollars
Why is the mudslide such a success?
Fun Unplugged was initiated in conjunction
for their organisations or clubs and they’re
In summer our population soars from about
with the Ministry of Youth Development. It now
going to enjoy doing it.
10,000 to about 45,000. The mudslide is a
receives an Enterprising Communities Grant in
As the name suggests, it was also a
family event where everyone gets a go. It’s also
recognition of the skills and job opportunities it
movement against TV, technology and indoor
a very good social leveller – young or old, rich or
creates for all people including youth.
18 RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
Spot ligh t on Bay of Plen t y
Tough Love
in taupo
Richard Cairns, Premier
Personnel Development CEO
At 2am dinner is announced – to the great
not as well equipped to deal with hardship as
back into schooling. He’s had kids who’ve been
relief of the group of teenage boys who have just
they may think. Richard, a 58-year-old Vietnam
expelled or suspended participate in Youth
tramped 13 kilometres in the dark; deep into the
veteran, has the looks and vigour of a man in his
Extreme, and work out for themselves that
bush at Tongariro National Park. It’s been a long
40s. Keeping fit is an important part of his role.
they need to go back to school to fulfil their
day. Earlier they gathered at a residential facility
“I present to them someone they don’t want to
goals. But in the early days of the programme,
outside Taupo to take part in Youth Extreme.
confront. I want to be a role model and show
the moment they walked in the door at school,
This is a two-week course run by Premier
them there are actually a lot of people out there
some teachers would say “What are you lot
Personnel Development, who is contracted
who care about them. At the start we mostly
doing back here?”.
by Work and Income, for 15- to 17-year-olds
find that they don’t want to know you, but by
This has led Richard to ensure that Youth
who’ve left the education system and are
the end the respect has been forged and many
Extreme is part of a total solutions package to
heading towards benefit dependency.
don’t want to go home.”
And now they’re about to find that just
Richard and his team also run Work Ethic
because dinner is announced doesn’t mean it’s
Residential Training, a six-week programme for
provided. Food was on the unheeded list of
older groups aged 18 to 24. He’s had remarkable
things they were meant to bring with them.
success rates, with over 80 per cent of graduates
For most, there will be no dinner tonight.
going into employment, but insists that early
In jumpsuits, stripped of hoodies and gang
intervention is best. He finds that a person in
colours, sleeping under improvised shelters,
their twenties will often want to change their
they’re hungry and exhausted.
life, but because they dropped out of school
The purpose of this exercise, Premier Personnel
integrate young people back into school.
Richard runs exactly the same courses for
girls. “And you want to know something?
I’ve come to the conclusion that the girls in our
society have got the balls. They’re mentally a lot
tougher and that was a revelation to me, being
a Rambo.”
their options are limited.
Development Chief Executive, Richard Cairns
Even children who are still of school age but
explains, is to show these young people they’re
have been in trouble have a hard time getting
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 19
Spot ligh t on Bay of Plen t y
Navigating change
Geoff Williams
Interview with Bay of Plenty Acting
Regional Commissioner, Geoff Williams.
Geoff Williams is Child, Youth and
Family’s Regional Director for the Bay of
Plenty and Waikato. With a background
in psychology, he’s always been interested
in working with children and families.
W h at are t he best t hings abou t
t he Bay of Plen t y region?
I was brought up in Rotorua and working
here has reminded me of what a beautiful
part of New Zealand this is. It’s incredibly
diverse in terms of both the people and the
scenery, just a fantastic place to be.
W h at are t he issues in t his region?
The fact that there is such diversity, and
a wide range of communities each with
their own set of challenges. In Tauranga,
the key challenge is the inability to acquire
labour, which is restricting growth. Because
of our diverse community we can’t take
a one-approach-fits-all mentality to our
regional issues.
Affordability
of
good,
quality
accommodation in some parts of our
region is an issue, and we’re actively
addressing this with community projects
such as ‘Healthy Homes’.
W h at mot i vates you as a le ader?
relevant to them. As a Ministry, we need
My key motivation is to see tangible
to understand what drives young people,
results from good initiatives in the
and be able to create pathways that are
community. It’s also about understanding
the issues individuals and communities
are facing, and knowing that we’re
making
a
difference.
The
absolute
dedication of frontline staff is inspiring:
flexible, attractive and relevant – that’s
really our core challenge.
W h at do you do in your spare t ime?
they manage to develop a relationship
A year or so ago I spotted this rather
with each person who walks in, often
lonely, dilapidated old boat, and I made
under difficult circumstances.
the mistake of thinking ‘gosh, wouldn’t
this be fun’… doing it up has been a
W h at are t he issues for young
mission! My partner and I have been into
people in this region?
scuba diving for years. I have an obsession
The world has changed incredibly for
with diving around wrecks – you start off
young people; the sort of aspirations
with the obvious ones that are well known
that we had when growing up aren’t
and move on to find new ones.
20 RISE: issue 2 – march 2008
Spot ligh t on Bay of Plen t y
Tama Peni, leader.
Finding his voice
Tamati (Tama) Peni
A 16-year-old boy hides behind his
grandmother. He whispers in her ear and
she does all the talking.
This was the first time Raukawa Young
Leaders’ Project Manager, Chris McKenzie,
met Tamati (Tama) Peni; when Tama’s
grandmother brought him to the Tokoroa
school where Chris taught. “He was so
shy he couldn’t even go into a shop. He’d
take somebody along, tell them outside
and said, ‘Probably not’. I said, ‘Thank you
Tama – you’re very honest’.”
“It’s good to come back and support
Young Leaders and immediately link into
A few years later, Tama is at university
people, because you’ve been through
majoring in psychology and anthropology.
that experience. You know where they’re
He’s spending his holiday at the tribally-based
coming from, and what they’re capable
Raukawa Trust Board to give something
of. It’s really rewarding to see the cycle
back to the community and iwi there.
working like this.”
From a boy with a terrible background
and a ‘tragic’ academic record, Tama in a
mere two years won the academic award at
his high school. He represented his school
in public speaking competitions, and is now
one of the top in his class at university.
Tama credits the Raukawa Young
Giving back to the community is a
principle of Raukawa Young Leaders, and
all young people on the programme are on
call every weekend for community work.
The other core tenets are getting children
into tertiary education and giving them
a Mäori world view. They are also taught
about health and nutrition; the Raukawa
what he wanted to buy and they would
Leaders programme, with Mal Gray as
go and buy it. I couldn’t even speak to
the current Project Manager, for his
him – every time I tried, he’d walk behind
remarkable success, “It just grew my self-
his grandmother and hide. He finally
The Raukawa Trust Board collaborates
confidence and that was the primary thing
on projects with the South Waikato
answered one of my questions, ‘Tama, if I
– taking leadership roles, and sometimes
District Council and the Ministry of Youth
let you into my tutor group at school, will
being made to take them, instead of
Development to give the youth of this
you come to school every day?’. He poked
sitting back and watching. Getting hands-
very rural area a voice, and connect them
his head out from behind his grandmother
on roles really counted.
with each other and with opportunities.
Trust Board has a clinic on site that uses
traditional Mäori healing methods.
RISE: issue 2 – March 2008 21