Tamariki and rangatahi have the right to be safe from abuse and harm, and to be treated with respect and dignity. Family Works is committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau and families, and the prevention of child abuse

The safety of Tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau is fundamental to their wellbeing. Family Works is committed to supporting families to be violence free by providing services in a culturally appropriate way; maximising safety and wellbeing.

Despite a warm safe and affordable home being a fundamental human right, in Aotearoa in 2021 there are 41,644 New Zealanders currently “severely housing deprived” . This group includes ‘rough sleepers’ or people without shelter (3,522), people in temporary accommodation as they look for a home (7,567), as well as people in severely crowded private dwellings (30,555). In focusing narrowly on the physical element of ‘shelter’, housing policy makers have missed the critical social element of connection and human contact that defines the home. Presbyterian Support NZ urges government policy thinking to be more influenced by concepts of home, some shared by all but some distinct and unique to particular populations.

How do you turn the tide? How can we begin to ensure through persistent hard times “a new norm” for Aotearoa, that all New Zealanders feel connected, with a sense of belonging, meaningful purpose and hope for the future, that enriches their pae ora, mauri ora and whānau ora?

New Zealand is a “high-income nation”, which means no one here should have to worry about how to afford essentials like healthy food, hot water or the internet. Even our poorest families and whānau should have sufficient income to live their lives with mana and dignity, join in local activities, and feel connected to their community.

Unfortunately, this vision is not being realised.