Ministry of Social Development
I ssu e 23 – J U ly 2013
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Mäku e kı¨ atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!” “What is the most important thing in the world? I tell you. It is people, it is people, it is people!”
Think differently Tanya Black – challenging expectations A different future – backing people to succeed in work Lifehack – creative answers for youth mental health Tai Tokerau – doing better for Northland’s at-risk kids
Northland Auckland
This issue of Rise is about thinking differently
Bay of Plenty
Waikato
East Coast
Taranaki/ King Country/ Whanganui Central Nelson/ Marlborough/ West Coast
Wellington
Canterbury
Brendan Boyle Chief Executive
Southern
Welcome to the July issue of Rise. ISSN 1178-4709 (Print) ISSN 1178-4717 (Online)
Thinking differently is about trying new things to solve old problems, being open to
people
change, new ideas, new partnerships and new
technology to tackle that issue. Check out the
ways of working.
results on page 10.
This month, our entire welfare system is changing to support new ways of helping Printed in New Zealand by Blue Star Print Group (NZ) Ltd using FSC® mix paper from responsible resources, using mineral oil free, soy-based vegetable inks. The information provided in this Ministry of Social Development
people who face more barriers than others to get into the workforce. Rise meets single parents who’ve made the break into work, case
publication is intended to profile initiatives, research and opinions related
managers who’ve taken a new approach to
to the social sector, and all reasonable measures have been taken to
supporting them, and employers committed 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 23 – July 2013
Youth mental health is also a concern in New Zealand, so teams of tech-savvy young
doing their bit too.
have
‘lifehacked’
social
media
Of course, Think Differently is also a social change campaign to challenge attitudes around disability. Our cover story profiles TV producer Tanya Black and teacher Red Nicholson. In their work and in their approach to life, they make us think twice about the limits we place on other people.
In the far North, Child, Youth and Family saw the need to work differently to support vulnerable children and young people. A new regional team is strengthening partnerships with communities and iwi. Their stories are on
Brendan Boyle
pages 18 to 22.
Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development
contents Cover story
6 Think differently
TV producer Tanya Black and teacher Red Nicholson challenge expectations of people with disabilities in work.
Feature stories
2 A different future
Getting a job can seem like an impossible dream for some, but a future in work becomes a reality when we back people to succeed.
10 Lifehack
6
Meet the brain-kids of savvy young Kiwis, dreamed up to boost the mental health of other young people.
14 Ship for World Youth
Young Kiwis join a voyage to build global understanding.
15 Re-run
People with intellectual disabilities are hitting the stage to help audiences do a double take on how we behave when we’re working with people with disabilities.
18 Spotlight on Child, Youth and Family Tai Tokerau
Northland gets a new team to focus on kids and community partnerships; making sure Nga-puhi kids in care connect to their roots; and using waka ama to turn lives around.
22 Spotlight on Child, Youth and Family Auckland
12
16
Contact Rise Drop us a line at rise@msd.govt.nz
Rise in your inbox
For up to the minute information about all the work of the Ministry of Social Development follow us on Twitter @msdgovtnz
A new approach is getting good results with teenage girls in care; meet the region’s new Director as well as a young man who gained a William Wallace award and impressed a gold medallist.
12 Photo essay – Stage Challenge gi ves young people t he chance to over come obstacles and shine.
Rise Online Rise on Tw i t ter
26 Spotlight on Child, Youth and Family Central
Regular columns
Would you like to receive a link to each new online issue of Rise? Email at rise@msd.govt.nz
www.msd.govt.nz/rise
An innovative way to help young driving offenders to change their ways; a social worker teams up with clinical psychologist Nigel Latta for a television documentary; and the quiet talent of Te Aroha Pearce wows her social workers, her school and her grandfather.
Read Rise on your ipad Find it on the Apple iTunes App store by searching for Rise magazine.
16 Photo essay – Taumar unui’s Dinner at t he Domain 30 Regional r ound-up 33 Tips, links and news – Ma- or i Language Week, plus check ou t our ipad app and r evamped Rise online. RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 1
a different future It can seem like an impossible dream for some, but a future in work becomes a reality when we back people to succeed. Sarah knows exactly how she would have felt seven years ago if she’d looked into the future and seen herself today. “I never would have believed it,” says the 21-year-old. Determined to support her three-year-old daughter on her own, Sarah is in full-time work for the first time, training on the job to become a recruitment consultant with an agency in Upper Hutt. For the past seven years, Sarah has relied on a benefit.
The arrival of her daughter Riley began to open her eyes to other possibilities in life.
subsidies. Gaining skills towards work suddenly became an achievable goal.
“Being able to support my own family
She began to build up qualifications and
became the most important thing. I wanted to
work experience in computing, reception and
get up in the morning and have a purpose.
administration. It was while on work experience
“I started to listen when my grandparents told me that I could be more.” But even though Sarah wanted to, it was hard to turn her life around. She had no school qualifications, little money for transport, work clothes or childcare.
Sarah was 14 when she left school and
“I had no skills. I had never had a job. I think
home to live with her boyfriend. “There were
that’s all people saw when they looked at me,
drugs and violence and that’s what life was.
not my motivation or willingness to work.”
that she was offered a job. A Work and Income grant helped with a basic work wardrobe and she hasn’t looked back.
Working differently For the past nine months, around 100 case managers across 24 Work and Income centres
I knew the difference between right and wrong,
When Work and Income encouraged her to
have trialled a new approach to helping clients
but I had no confidence and I didn’t know any
enrol at Hutt Valley Training, Sarah found out
like Sarah. They’ve been working intensively
other world.”
that she was entitled to transport and childcare
and individually with people who’ve been on
2 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
benefit a long time and need extra help to
She remembers how it feels to be sitting on the
break into the work force.
other side of the desk at Work and Income.
Not everyone is thrilled to have Nicole’s help. One client, a man who’d just come out of jail,
This one-on-one, work-focused support
“I was there once. I know what it is like
told her bluntly that he wasn’t interested in
looks at each individual to decide what help
to feed my kids on cabbage and rice, or send
finding work or in having her as a case manager.
they need. Clients have their own case manager.
them to school with just homegrown grapefruit
“Well,” Nicole told him politely but firmly,
They meet weekly or fortnightly. Together
in their lunchbox. I know how it feels to look
“work is where we’re heading and until you’re
they plan how to tackle the obstacles holding
at people with good jobs, that it all just seems
there you’re not getting rid of me – ever.”
them back from work. The case managers
impossibly far away.”
Soon after, a job at the local sawmill caught
Nicole says there are huge barriers for
his attention. It was physical, but he was fit.
people in that position: “Even if life is hard, a
“He was really excited about it,” says Nicole.
In the centres which have piloted the new
lot of them are used to it – and that’s a big
“He didn’t get that job, but it was a turning
approach, it has had a clear impact. Between
barrier. And then you start thinking about
point. We were on the same team after that
October 2012 and February 2013, the intensive
people judging you, not knowing what you can
and we started to really work together.”
support helped 3,149 clients get off benefit.
do, organising care for the kids, transport if you
More than half of them had been on benefit for
can’t drive – and it gets too big for you.”
are encouraged to be creative, bold and find new solutions.
more than a year.
Nicole’s role is proactive and solution
This month, the approach goes nationwide.
focused. Every client needs a different approach.
It’s part of a suite of welfare system changes
Building rapport and gaining trust is important.
The power of one-to-one
to support people who face more barriers than
One woman, who hadn’t worked in years,
others to get into the workforce. That includes
In Papakura, case manager Ashley has
told Nicole that she had no strengths to bring
people with a health condition or disability. From
relished the chance to offer proactive, one-on-
to a workplace. Yet Nicole saw potential in the
July, 85,000 clients will receive intensive case
one support to clients. She and her team love
woman’s warm personality and experience with
the results they’re getting.
management – building to 120,000 by July 2014.
The other side of the desk Nicole is a Nelson case manager who has been trialling the new approach with clients.
her own grandchildren. It took time, but Nicole
“You feel like everyone at your desk is a
encouraged the woman to consider childcare as
good news story,” she says. “It’s very exciting.”
an option, to gain a first aid certificate and hand
“It’s amazing the rapport you build week
out her CV at the local pool where she took
after week, and it’s amazing how powerful that
her grandchildren. Several job offers followed
is. Suddenly they have someone who knows
and she now has permanent employment in a
their story taking a personal interest in their
working family with three kids. It is her first job
goals and challenges – and not only about work
in two decades.
but personal barriers too. RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 3
“Because of that relationship they are more likely to feel motivated and responsible to strive for the goals that we set together.” Ashley says lack of a full driver’s licence is a common, but major obstacle. “We have a programme in our service centre that helps our clients get their licence – and suddenly they are employable. For some of our clients this is the first achievement that they have had in their lives. They can travel to work
Part of the solution Leah Gates, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce’s general manager for employment, says the Chamber wants to be part of the solution when it comes to finding jobs for people. They have partnered with Work and Income offering programmes to help job seekers get a foot in the workforce door.
worked with several hundred people, providing essential life skills, mentoring and career counselling on the journey to education and employment. As a young mother, Honey said she had struggled to find work and to care for her child. “This is my first permanent job. I’m off the DPB. I’ve got care of my daughter. And my money is my own now.” The company director, Graham Burrell, says Honey brings a fresh attitude and diversity to
and reliably turn up each day. That might be
“They need an advocate. They need a
the one thing that’s been holding them back
the business. As with any young employee,
network. The Chamber quite literally puts our
all this time.”
patience and some pastoral care come into
brand and reputation behind that person. Our
Strong relationships in and outside of
play, but Graham reckons she has what it takes
logo is on their CV. We are saying to employers
to be running the show in time.
Work and Income are equally important. Work
‘We know this person. You can trust them.
brokers are closely connected to the local job
They are reliable. They will show up’.”
“It’s a chance to put something back into the community by creating opportunities for
market and employers. Case managers need to
Twenty-two-year-old Honey Walker gained
people who need them. It’s not just about
know the opportunities in the community with
her job at National Springs and Wire Products
helping one person, but their whole family,
training providers, industry organisations and
NZ straight from the Chamber’s CadetMax
their kids and the wider community – and I
employers, who all play a vital role.
programme. Since 2008, the Chamber has
think that’s a cool thing to do.”
4 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
“Maria greeted me by name, with such
Learning to believe
a big smile on her face, that I was instantly
In a spotless garage behind a house in Papatoetoe, mother-of-three Bianca Tuisamoa sits next to a dress-maker’s dummy draped neatly with a design-in-progress. With support and encouragement from
made to feel welcome and really put at ease,” says Bianca. Maria and Bianca discussed the sort of work that she wanted to do. “It’s great to know that
Web Links Watch Sarah telling her story: www.msd.govt.nz/sarahstory
someone was there to support me in what I was
Watch case manager Nicole talking
hoping to achieve,” says Bianca. “At the end of
about her work:
Work and Income and her church pastor,
the interview we agreed we’d keep in touch by
www.msd.govt.nz/nicolestory
Bianca is not only actively looking for work, but
phone, and we’d meet regularly. I knew what
studying in the evenings to gain a Certificate
was expected of me. I really felt supported.”
Learn more about the July 2013 welfare changes and support to help
in Small Business Management. A talented and
It has not been a journey without setbacks.
experienced seamstress with a flair for colour
Bianca was thrilled to land a good job, but
and style, she’s working on a plan to establish
http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-
when the company downsized she found
herself as a designer specialising in clothing for
and-our-work/work-programmes/
herself without a job once more. Nonetheless,
welfare-reform/july-2013/index.html
plus size women.
her confidence and pride in her abilities has
Bianca is working with case manager Maria
at
Papatoetoe
Community
Link.
She says she was initially nervous and unsure what to expect.
more people into work:
grown. She’s more determined than ever that a door will open for her soon. “I’ve learned to believe that I can achieve my goals.” RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 5
think differently In different ways, TV producer Tanya Black and high school teacher Red Nicholson challenge expectations of people with disabilities. Tanya
Eight years later she’s passionate about
For example, meet Sarah Hoboult – who
When TANYA BLACK fell down some
changing attitudes and behaviour that limit
is sight impaired – performing acrobatics with
stairs, broke her back and lost the use of her
opportunities for disabled people – especially
aerial silks and talking to the camera about circus
legs, it seemed as if life’s doors had closed in
when it comes to the fact that 60 per cent of
performance.
her face.
people with a disability in New Zealand are
Or busy little Maija, an eight-year-old with
unemployed, when many have skills to offer
spinal muscular dystrophy, who was never
and want to work.
expected to live past age five. We find her
Before her accident, she’d lived and worked in Europe managing restaurants and working as a wine buyer. Now she was dismayed at
“Getting back to work was a massive
playing with friends and zooming around
how expectations for her life and career were
part of realising that I could still contribute,
school in her wheelchair, while her voice
suddenly lowered; perhaps she could work in
and that life would go on.”
narrates one of the stories she has written:
telemarketing, someone suggested, because it was a sitting-down job. “Of course, we’re all influenced by the few images of disabled people we see in the media
Tanya is an associate producer of Attitude TV, a documentary-style human interest
“There’s this story about peace:
programme focusing on people who live with
Peace looks like a beautiful green tree
disabilities and the issues they face.
Peace sounds like water flowing
– and as far as I could tell from that, I could
“I’m keen to get across that life is not awful as
either be a high-achieving ‘beating the odds’
a disabled person. It’s full; it’s rich; it’s interesting.
paralympian, or somebody that people felt
People with disabilities do things. They’re
very sorry for. It seemed apparent that I was
inventive; they’re sporty; they get on with life.”
going to be the latter.” Tanya could not have been more wrong. While
she
was
rehabilitating,
she
was
interviewed by Attitude TV for a programme
Peace tastes like chocolate almonds Peace feels like a butterfly kiss.” Or three-foot-tall, 16-year-old Mikaela as
Tanya has become an accomplished story
she gets behind the camera to document life
teller. You seldom hear her voice though.
through her eyes, pursuing her ambitions to
Instead she skilfully empowers people to tell
act and produce.
their stories in their own voice.
“We want the viewer to be surprised, to be challenged and to reassess their beliefs
on spinal injuries. Producer Robyn Scott-
“We try to get viewers to take a walk in
Vincent spotted potential, and Tanya – who
someone else’s shoes, so they can get a
had often considered journalism as a career –
glimpse of what life is as a wheelchair user,
One person who challenged Tanya to
or as a person with autism, or as a little person.
reassess her own attitudes was Mackenzie
jumped at the offer of a job.
6 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
and attitudes,” says Tanya.
Kench, a teenager with high needs cerebral palsy, who communicates by typing with her big toe on an electronic talker. For NCEA English, Mackenzie spent seven hours typing out her exam with her big toe. “To me she seemed extremely disabled, but what I did not expect was that she would be so funny, or cheeky, or witty, or determined. “She has an amazing attitude and she made me realise how much we judge other people’s experiences against our own – and we mustn’t, because we limit people with those attitudes.” Tanya says that most of the time these days she forgets she has a disability. “After my accident, when people told me that life in a wheelchair would just be different, not worse, I thought ‘Are you crazy?’. “But now I hear myself saying the same thing to other people – and it really is true. A wealth of options and opportunities has opened up to me.” Tanya says it makes her sad when people feel
sorry
for
her.
She’s
independent.
She drives. She swims and works out to stay strong and trim. “I have a good life, a good family and friends. I have a great job; I get to travel around New Zealand and overseas. I meet incredible people. “People’s preconceptions and pity are usually misguided.” The Attitude team works closely with disabled people’s organisations, community leaders
and
government
to
broaden
understanding and give people with disabilities their own voice on the issues and decisions that affect their lives and choices. Attitude Pictures has partnered with the
“People with disabilities do things. They’re inventive; they’re sporty; they get on with life.”
Employers’ Disability Network (EDN) and the Think Differently campaign to produce a DVD for employers – Works for Me. The people interviewed in the DVD are smart employers and employees who know that people with a disability – like any other good employees – have a positive impact on their business. “I hope that we are helping to change public perception, so there’s less ignorance and more understanding. So maybe when people get the chance to employ someone with a disability, they will see ability and potential, rather than limitations.” RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 7
Red It’s
3.45pm
and
Onehunga
High
School’s Media Studies and English teacher RED NICHOLSON is heading at a decent clip uphill towards his classroom. School is out, but the school grounds reverberate with rhythm and song. Several hundred
teenagers
are
putting
in
extra
time to rehearse for PolyFest. The event is a big deal at Onehunga High, where at least half the students are of Pacific Island descent. The sound is incredible. Red points beyond the stamping, swaying groups, across the playing field to where a handful of kids are bowling into cricket nets. “My team,” he says with a grin. “I’m the coach.” Cricket is a minority sport at Onehunga High, but Red is OK with that. “We’re not the greatest team, but we sure celebrate our wins.” This is Red’s second year of teaching and it is turning out to be better than he’d ever imagined. In fact, before he entered the
classroom
for
his
first
practical
experience, Red was a little unsure how he’d get on as a teacher. “I knew I wanted to teach kids… but your traditional image of a teacher is someone who stands up the front, writes on the board and yells. “Well, I can’t stand and I can’t write on the board. And I don’t yell either.” The yelling part is a matter of choice, but
“Kids judge you by the way you treat them. They respond well to an honest, authentic approach.”
not standing or writing comes with Red’s level of spastic quadriplegia which affects his motor skills and means he gets around in a wheelchair. Red has grown up in a world that isn’t built around his needs, and also in a family that never limited its expectations of what he could achieve. As he’s done all his life, Red has taken his own approach, bringing a mixture of technology and personality to the classroom. He projects onto a whiteboard from his laptop using a portable projector purchased with a Cerebral Palsy Society academic grant. He uses a Facebook page to communicate with students about projects and homework. And his personal approach? “So much power dynamic is wrapped up in height, and that’s not something I have, obviously, when I’m dealing with three tall troublemakers who won’t concentrate if they sit together.
8 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
“So I come from a fundamentally equitable
In the school grounds, Red points out a
point. I don’t assume that because they are 15
new-looking bridge across a gully to the library.
years old they aren’t entitled to a constructive,
Nearby, there’s a new ramp down a steep bank
respectful conversation.
to the staff room.
example of able-bodied people judging what is best, without much idea about the reality.” So marking remains difficult for now, but in the big picture Red can’t think of anything
“Kids judge you by the way you treat them.
“At my job interview, the principal said they
They respond well to an honest, authentic
wanted the right person for the job and if that
approach.”
person was me they would make the school
environment, the kids, and the sense that he
accessible.”
is bringing something to the job that makes a
In fact, Red says he finds teenagers far less inclined to judge or label than many adults. “Many of my kids from South Auckland have to put up with other people making judgements about them and what they
Others issues are more frustrating.
he would rather do than teach. He
loves
it:
the
work,
the
school
difference.
Red says he really needs a class set of iPads
“A lot of these kids come from tough
or tablets so that the kids can submit their work
backgrounds. Some sleep at a different house
electronically. “If I didn’t have to handwrite, I
on different days of the week. Many don’t
could mark their work much more easily.”
come here with much in the way of food.
There are grants available for people with
“I see a big part of my job to be an adult in
are like, so in some ways there’s a kindred
disabilities
equipment.
spirit there.
their life who builds them up so they have the
There’s no issue that Red can access these
confidence to learn and grow. Someone who
funds, but he’s struggling to get approval to
says ‘I care about you as a person and I want
use the money for iPads.
you to do well.’
“Adults are much more likely to make assumptions about what you can and can’t do,
to
buy
workplace
and put you in a box based on how you present
“It’s the single thing that would make the
“I get to work with 150 young people every
to them – brown, white, in a wheelchair or
most difference to me in my work as a teacher,
day and 99 per cent of the time it’s such a treat,
from South Auckland.”
but the answer is still ‘no’. It’s just another
such a privilege – it’s overwhelming.”
Web Links Watch Attitude TV’s stories: tvnz.co.nz/attitude/video www.attitudepictures.com Watch Works for Me – a video on employing people with disabilities: www.thinkdifferently.org.nz/resources
Links to other useful websites: Employers Disability Network: www.edn.org.nz Association for Supported Employment in NZ (ASENZ): www.asenz.org.nz Workbridge: www.workbridge.co.nz Be.Accessible: www.beaccessible.org.nz Office for Disability Issues: www.odi.govt.nz
RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 9
lifehack
LIFEHACK / laıf˛hæk / noun a skilful and creative way to solve an everyday problem
Youth mental health is a serious issue in
can reach out and connect with support and
Ian Taylor. The panel listens and challenges;
New Zealand. One in five young people will
with each other before things get to a point
the teams split, hit the streets and the internet
experience some form of mental health problem
where they need serious help,” says Jason.
to canvass their target users. Ideas are refined,
during the crucial time when they are becoming
Wind back the clock to 5pm on a chilly
adults. We also have one of the highest youth
Friday earlier this year. Thirty tech-savvy,
suicide rates in the world.
creative and entrepreneurial young people have
To be part of the solution, 100 or so
been recruited via a social media campaign and
tech-savvy, creative young people have been on
now they’re hanging out at the University of
a mission. They’re inventing digital technology
Otago’s Hunter Centre. Their friends are getting
tools to tackle stress, loneliness and negative
ready for a Friday night out, but these guys are
feelings and boost mental wellbeing in other
gearing up for LIFEHACK.
young people. They’ve
teamed
weekend-long
up
idea
during
incubators
intensive known
as
LIFEHACK, backed by the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project and the Ministry of Social Development. “It’s about young people creating a solution that they actually want to use, rather than
is quickly broken.
Enspiral,
a
collective
of
developers,
The room starts to hum. Teams form. Ideas
designers, business brains and socially-minded
take shape. Sheets of paper spread blanket
entrepreneurs, has taken up the LIFEHACK reins
the room. Vivid markers scribble and voices
to mentor the finalists to create prototypes and,
debate excitedly.
hopefully, real products.
Innovations Fund, which is part of the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project. Hours later one teamster tweets: “Just
come
finished the first evening @lifehackHQ Dunedin.
together over one weekend to share ideas,
So amped I probably won't be able to sleep.
form teams, build and launch start-up products.
Bring on day 2!!”
enthusiasts
Dunedin join the top seven from LIFEHACK in
further.
reality with the backing of the new Social Media
and
Three teams with the best ideas from
Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, the ice
the LIFEHACK weekends up and running.
managers
judges have some hard decisions to make.
now have the opportunity to develop their ideas
The best of the ideas will be developed into
product
the judges. The competition is tough and the
with the three other LIFEHACK weekends in
social entrepreneur Jason Armishaw, who got
– where developers, designers, marketers,
has five minutes to pitch their final concept to
Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. They
The pressure and excitement is tangible.
concept – introduced to New Zealand by Jason
Sunday evening rolls round fast. Each team
They don’t know each other yet, but as
taking a top-down approach,” says 27-year-old
LIFEHACK is based on the Start Up Weekend
pitched and refined again.
A network of supportive organisations, including
Facebook,
Vodafone,
Westpac,
Optimal Usability and Microsoft, as well as the education sector, Youthline and the Mental Health Foundation, is also supporting the development of the ideas. With LIFEHACK funding available for four years, projects will ultimately need to be self-sustaining.
“This is a digital generation where social
By Saturday the teams make their first pitches
media and internet are the default places to look
to a judging panel including the University of
Check out the top ten LIFEHACK ideas on
for solutions. So it’s about creating something
Otago’s Neuroscience Program Director Dr
the opposite page and watch for their progress
in the technology space where young people
Christine Jasoni and Animation Research CEO
on lifehackHQ.co.nz
10 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
BoostBots Role playing game with mental and physical challenges to boost people’s mood.
PluggedIn
The Clearing
Social space using avatars to connect young people with similar interests online and in real life.
Therapeutic games to tackle stress.
Vibblo App that helps Facebook friends connect online and in real life.
Myquest Super U Game to build personal strengths – or super powers – alongside other players.
Website which helps young people plan steps to reach a goal.
Globlet A virtual companion for isolated schoolaged young people, connecting them to online mentors.
An anonymous place to shares thoughts and feelings, and to give and receive support.
Emotion Revolution An app that uses colour to describe emotions with tips for wellbeing.
TrashIt
Upside Website where young people share short videos about tackling challenges and managing setbacks.
Find out more: lifehackHQ.co.nz twitter.com/lifehackHQ facebook.com/lifehackHQ storify.com/lifehackHQ
RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 11
doing it themselves Friendship, pride, teamwork, hard work towards a goal, anticipation, excitement, new skills, learning to deal with stress and frustration, and the chance to express themselves… This is what students say they gained from being part of Stage Challenge, after researcher Dr Jan Trayes followed a team through months of rehearsals to the final performance to evaluate the Stage Challenge experience. Stage Challenge is strongly youth driven, with teachers and parents only in supporting roles. The students’ mission is to produce a 5 to 8-minute dramatic dance routine involving 20 to 140 performers. Senior student leaders choose the theme, choreograph the routine, conduct auditions and run practices. They supervise set and costume design and manage budgets and fund-raising. After months of practice, groups from many schools gather on competition day for a 16-hour session of rehearsing and performing. Last year Taupo Nui-A-Tia College senior students Dannyelle Curry and Emma Robinson achieved NCEA standards for running Taupo Intermediate’s J Rock™ production. They ran the entire production, from choreography and music to set design, lighting and administration. “It was awesome seeing the whole thing come together, from the stressful meetings and teaching the dances, and seeing all the groups gel ... every decision we made was important to the finished performance and I was really proud of all our hard work.” Dr Jan Trayes says it shows how Stage Challenge can lead students to develop in fields they are passionate about, provide the opportunity to show off their talents and learn about their personal strengths and weaknesses. To encourage this positive growth in isolated schools without a strong background in the event, the Ministry of Youth Development is funding Stage Challenge production workshops during August. The workshops will help students build skills and knowledge to lead their schools in Stage Challenge next year.
12 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 13
ship for world youth Global awareness and international
co-operation start with the ability to build
friendships
and
understanding
Japan, which produces only 40 per cent of the
with those differences and move forward as
food its population needs.
one world.” the
This time around, the stand-out experience
environment and corporate social responsibility
for Dallas was visiting the Japanese district
young
were especially relevant. Although she was
where the 2011 tsunami hit, meeting leaders
New Zealanders lived and breathed that
initially hesitant to share her personality, thoughts
and everyday people.
experience alongside young people from
and skills with others on the voyage, she found
“They shared their personal stories and that
around the world on the Ship for World
her confidence as time went on – even to the
had an impact on us all. It was incredible seeing
Youth. The programme is a voyage run each
point of teaming up with Kiwi Dallas Harema to
how they are rebuilding and reinstalling hope in
run hip hop workshops and performances.
their people and community.”
across cultures. Earlier
this
year,
a
group
of
year by the Government of Japan. It’s for 18 to 30-year-olds from Japan and a selection of invited countries. New Zealand took part in this year’s five-week voyage along with Costa Rica, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, Fiji and Bahrain. The young people are chosen because they all have potential to lead in their own countries and internationally: “They’re active in their own communities, concerned about issues and working to influence change,” says Blair Gilbert of the Ministry of Youth Development which leads New Zealand’s input into the programme. On the voyage, the young people are
Ruiko
says
discussions
around
“I learnt I had to be myself, and that English is
The programme has top level support in
not the only important thing. It’s also your face,
Japan, with delegates meeting Japan’s Crown
your smile, showing how you feel – and letting
Prince and the Prime Minister.
people know when you don’t understand.” DALLAS HAREMA was the national leader of the 10-strong delegation of Kiwis on the programme. with
a
He’s
work
outgoing
and
creative,
background
that
includes
rehabilitating former child soldiers in Africa and lobbying against poverty. Most recently he’s
Dallas says Japan’s investment in youth “speaks a lot about how much they value young people.” Minister of Youth Affairs Nikki Kaye welcomed a reciprocal visit for 23 Japanese participants and four officials during February, saying it was a huge honour for New Zealand to take part in the programme.
been working in Youth Justice and is now with an organisation tackling human trafficking.
Ship for World Youth is run annually by the Cabinet Office of Japan. Learn more on at
encouraged to attend workshops, run cultural
As a delegation leader, the 2013 voyage
activities and exchanges, and discuss issues
was Dallas’s second time on the programme.
www.shipforworldyouth.org
from a global point of view.
He says his initial experience as a 21-year-old
The
RUIKO HATA is studying environmental
had a profound influence on his work and life.
science in Japan. She says she’s a city girl,
“It opened my eyes to the world, the
but intends to become a farming expert
experiences, thoughts and beliefs of people
because she’s concerned about issues facing
from other cultures – and how we live in peace
14 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
Ministry
of
Youth
Development
selects New Zealand participants via the Aotearoa Youth Voices Network. Learn more at www.myd.govt.nz.
Re-run When things turn to custard, wouldn’t
it be nice to press pause, rewind and
chosen from among 20 clients keen to act in Re-Run. “People
Katie says Re-Run is changing real-world behaviour.
their
“Staff say that seeing an alternative makes
That was Ros Murrell’s wish. She’s the quality
attention,” says Dion MacLeod, a member of
a difference to how they go about their
systems manager with Pact, an organisation
Pact’s education team with drama experience and training.
scenario work.”
that supports people with intellectual disabilities
then replay it in a better way?
or mental illness in Otago, Southland and the
laugh,
but
you
get
Audience members think they are coming to classroom-based training where they can sit
West Coast. “I was reading a report about a breach
and watch. They quickly become engaged when
of a client’s rights. The staff member involved
they’re given a ticket to the show, and cards
walked by my desk; he wasn’t happy with how
to hold up when parts of the Code of Health
it had gone either. “The words just came out of my mouth: ‘What if we could act out the scenario and people could see what might happen differently?’” So Re-Run Theatre was born, with funding from the Health, Safety and Quality Commission. Ros, two clients and two staff members developed four scenarios that show what can happen when people don’t act with dignity and respect. There’s an issue over smoking inside. Flatmates disagree over what TV channel to watch. A staff member communicates poorly and loses the plot when a client has a seizure. A client refuses medication because staff haven’t followed a support plan. Re-Run’s
scenarios
are
hammed
and Disability Services Consumers' Rights are being breached. After the scenario, they offer The clients’ responses surprised Pact senior clinician educator Katie Wilsher. completely
understood
including monster masks, and the audience
New Zealand Organisation for Quality (NZOQ) Spot On trophy for the best opportunity for learning, sharing and growing. It has also partnered with the Making a campaign, which encourages a shift in attitudes and behaviour towards disabled people. With
the
this boost, Re-Run is developing scenarios for
scenarios. They said things like ‘You made
wider audiences, including schools, banks,
Katie frightened’. That was an eye-opener for
supermarkets, bouncers and the Police.
staff, who hadn’t realised their actions could scare clients.” Although Re-Run holds a mirror up for people, the aim isn’t to blame. “We don’t want to demonise staff. We’re expecting staff to do the right things but we’re expecting clients to meet us half-way,” says Dion. So far, feedback is that the shows are
up,
Improvement and Innovations Awards, and the
Difference fund from MSD’s Think Differently
solutions to improve the scene.
“Clients
Re-Run won the Southland Mental Health and Addictions Future Directions Network’s
Learn more: The Making a Difference fund supports communities to develop projects that mobilise local change in attitudes and behaviour towards disabled people. Contact info@thinkdifferently.org.nz or visit www.thinkdifferently.org.nz Pact supports people with intellectual
disarmingly powerful – particularly because
and
clients are involved.
illness, offering services in Southland,
other
disabilities
“Congratulations on raising important and
organisations are warmed up to respond.
challenging issues in a way that was humorous
www.pactgroup.co.nz
Since April 2012, more than 250 people have
and thought-provoking. I also appreciated how
seen the shows.
you made it clear that positive relationships
Re-run Theatre trailer:
it,” says client/actor Rick Gilmore who was
are at the heart of excellent support,” board
mental
West Coast, Otago and Canterbury.
of staff, clients and other health and disability
“The audience gets a lot of laughs out of
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXtQ nq0FDC4&feature=youtu.be
member Brigit Mirfin-Veitch said. RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 15
Taumarunui’s dinner at the domain When you invite a town for dinner,
The idea was born back in 2011, when
Local businesses donated goods: Sonia Carr
celebrity chef Richard Till promoted community
Taylor of the local New World Supermarket said
“Hundreds of volunteers, a hangi for
meals as a traditional way of bringing together
it was a chance to give back to the community.
2,400 people, 600 kilos of meat, 1,200
and celebrating a community. Trust Waikato
Taumarunui’s three local Iwi staged a cooking
donated vege seedlings, 93 local groups,
came in with the funding.
it brings a town together.
challenge and the Lion’s Club organised a curry
businesses, schools, churches, the Ruapehu
Planning for this year’s dinner started in
District Council and government agencies
August last year, with people and groups
– it’s a massive effort from the community,”
getting together to work out what they could
says
Services
contribute to the dinner and activities on the
Co-ordinator and project leader of Dinner at
day, from sports to music, games, crafts and
the Domain.
competitions.
Briar
van
Buel,
Heartland
“The meal is put on for the people of
Young men with the Community Probation
Taumarunui, by the people of Taumarunui.
Service
People become part of something much bigger
to grow the seedlings ready for harvest,
than themselves and the shared vision has
as well as laying and lifting a hangi for
pulled our little community together.”
2,400 people.
16 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
worked
alongside
local
whenua
cook-off which were prepared and served on the day. “I still meet people who wave out and say hello, who I would not have met otherwise,” says Briar. “I think in sharing that contribution we break down some serious barriers and get to know each other a whole lot better.” Watch a short documentary on Taumarunui’s Dinner at the Domain www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU1iULsFDxA
RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 17
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Tai Toker au
This means 2,500 far North students now have access to a social worker through their school.
18 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
Tai Tokerau
Key facts
Strengthening Tai Tokerau Sub-tropical
Tai
Tokerau
sits
at
Tai Tokerau region
the
northernmost tip of New Zealand, and is among
of Child, Youth and Family extends from Te Hana to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand
the most naturally beautiful and culturally significant of our regions. Sadly, the incredible highlights of the region
60 social workers*
are not always matched by its social conditions.
and the Youth Justice team serve the communities and families of Tai Tokerau from sites at Whangarei, Dargaville, Kaikohe and Kaitaia.
Many children and young people in Tai Tokerau have significant health, education, social and economic needs. For Child, Youth and Family, concern about Northland’s children and young
* Full-time equivalent.
people has been a call to action. To strengthen services and focus strongly on
Key local partners
local needs, a new leadership team has been dedicated to Tai Tokerau (which was previously part of Child, Youth and Family’s Northern region, including Auckland). Tai
Tokerau
Regional
Director
Marion
workers within Kaitaia College, dedicated to the young people at the school. The regional team is also engaging with the
Heeney says key goals are to build leadership,
community, building partnerships and working
organisational culture and local relationships,
closely with community organisations.
improve practice quality and strengthen support for local staff. “Our staff live and work in a very challenging environment,” she says. “There have been some
include NZ Police, Northland DHB, Ministry of Education, Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa, Ngati Kahu, Nga- puhi Iwi Social Services, Ngati Hine Health Trust, Whangarei Children’s Team, Northland Intersectoral Forum, Family Works Northern, Barnados, Pa O Te Ora and He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust.
For example, Ngäpuhi Iwi Social Services and Child, Youth and Family have signed up to a partnership to place vulnerable Ngapuhi children with Ngapuhi caregivers wherever possible.
“We’ve made significant progress in our own social work practice and collaborative work with
particularly challenging cases during the past
A partnership with Te Aupouri Social Services
18 months, including cases with multiple young
has seen the Social Workers in Schools (SWiS)
“The members of the regional team, several
victims and clusters of youth suicides.”
programme expanded from five to 30 schools.
of them coming from outside Tai Tokerau,
This means 2,500 far North students now have
have made a commitment to live and work
access to a social worker through their school.
here. These folks have fallen in love with
Last year was a particularly difficult one for the town of Kaitaia, with two high-profile sexual
partner agencies over the past 18 months.
abuse cases and multiple child victims. The cases
Child, Youth and Family staff are also working
Northland and discovered it’s a great place to
rocked the small town and its closely-connected
with a range of community and government
live and work. We are loving our work up here
community.
agencies to reduce the incidence and impact
and the opportunity we’ve had to be part of
of youth suicide on families, friends and the
strengthening our services.
Marion Heeney says staff rose to the challenge and were commended by the Police for their work with the young victims. As a result, Child, Youth and Family contracted Te Rarawa to place one of their social
wider community.
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? Mäku e ki atu
Marion Heeney says Tai Tokerau staff have
he tangata, he tangata, he tangata – What is the
really stepped up to the challenge and worked
most important thing in this world? It is people,
incredibly hard.
it is people, it is people.” RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 19
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Tai Toker au
The power of
also two waka tëtë (canoes for carrying
the water. They learned seven drill salutes
women, children and food), Whänau
on the waka and three haka. Chappy says it was demanding and
Moana and Te Autahi.
kaupapa waka
For teenagers turning away from crime, Chappy says kaupapa waka
Last
year
Chappy
Harrison
was
paddling next to Queen Elizabeth II at her Diamond Jubilee on a rainswept River Thames. But the Kaitaia youth justice social worker is more at home in the Northland sunshine, teaching kaupapa waka (canoe protocol) to disadvantaged and troubled young people in the far North. Representing Mäori, New Zealand, and Toi Mäori Aoteroa (Mäori Arts NZ) as kaihautü (leader) at the Jubilee was a huge honour and the highlight of
tiring for even the most experienced kaihoe (paddler).
and
“Between training we did powhiri
teamwork. It also helps connect Mäori
for visiting waka from tribes like Ngäti
youth to their cultural traditions.
Awa from Whakatäne and Te Arawa
teaches
discipline,
leadership
“It is a chance for young people to
from Rotorua, and also our international
experience the traditional practices of
guests such as Native Americans from
their ancestors, through the vehicle of
the Squamish tribes, Dutch paddlers and
kaupapa waka. The kaupapa and the
a Japanese group.”
environment demand a high level of discipline, which is totally imperative. “Kaupapa waka requires high physical
Chappy says the unity of working together as a crew on the waka appeals to the young people.
input by all paddlers. It encourages
“One of the boys said to me ‘When
leadership and team work. It unifies
we are on the waka we are all one, aye –
individuals into a collective thought and
no gangs out on the waka.’”
objective. Kaupapa waka also practices
Four of the five young people from
a waka career that has taken Chappy
principles of freedom from alcohol,
the camp have asked to return next
around the world. He was six years old
drugs and violence; these things are not
year, and feedback from caregivers and
when he first travelled in the largest
tolerated on kaupapa.”
families has also been positive.
of the four traditional Northern Mäori
This year, five young people took part
Chappy said that the group does
war canoes. Now he’s part of the
in the annual waka pageant in the Bay
not have specific expectations for the
organisation responsible for the canoes
of Islands on Waitangi Day. The young
young participants. “We simply allow
– Ngätokimatawhaoroa, Mataatua Puhi,
people trained hard to get ready, including
the traditional waka practice to speak
Te Ika ä Maui, and Whakangi – and
a week-long camp with nine-hour days on
for itself.”
20 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Tai Toker au
- puhi Bringing Nga children back home
“Some of these caregivers may never be needed but we want to have them
In
the
middle
of
Kaikohe,
back by sorting out their issues and making home safe for their kids.
nestled
trained and ready, so that if a child
Marion Heeney, Regional Director
between a dental surgery and the town’s
needs care they can go straight to one of
for Tai Tokerau Child, Youth and
supermarket, sits the home of Ngäpuhi
these caregivers, instead of a temporary
Family, says the two organisations
Iwi Social Services – New Zealand’s largest
placement with strangers they have no
are committed to working together:
iwi-led social services provider.
connection with.
“This is a huge step forward for Ngäpuhi
This unobtrusive building in the heart
“It’s not that we want to bring all 470
tamariki. We believe it will really make
of rural Tai Tokerau is at the centre of
kids back to live up here [in Northland.]
a difference for vulnerable Ngäpuhi
an ambitious plan to reconnect Ngäpuhi
It means that if they have to come into
children if they are able to safely
children and young people in state care to
care from, for example, Invercargill,
maintain iwi and marae connections,
their tribal roots.
we want to keep them with wider
and receive support from their wider
whänau within their area, near their
whänau and community.
Last year Te-Rünanga-ä-Iwi ö Ngäpuhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Child, Youth and Family to work together and make joint decisions when Ngäpuhi mokopuna are placed into care or commit criminal offences. Around 470 Ngäpuhi tamariki mokopuna
schools and other networks.”
“What’s really wonderful is that not
Marae-based whänau hui also offer
only will these children be connected
a way to work with parents to lift
back to their marae, but they will also
their game, says Liz. “By bringing the
have an adult in their life who cares
whänau onto the marae, we can safely
deeply about them and will stick by them
challenge them to get their children
throughout their life.”
are currently in State care around New Zealand – about a quarter of all Mäori children in care. The rünanga’s aim is to have every Ngäpuhi child in Child, Youth and Family care placed with whänau or at least with hapü members who share a common heritage and culture. Ngäpuhi
Iwi
Social
Services
manager
Liz Marsden says its about making sure Ngäpuhi children in care can grow up “knowing who they are and where they belong.” Liz,
whose
own
whakapapa
includes
Ngäpuhi, comes from a 20-year background with Child, Youth and Family. She says it’s about creating a service tailor-made for Ngäpuhi whänau, beginning with the 81 Ngäpuhi children in care in Tai Tokerau and then looking to the 248 in Auckland. “There is a real potential to reduce numbers coming into care, and to reduce their duration in care, by being involved early. We want a continuum of support, from families putting their hands up for help to referrals by statutory agencies.” That means stepping in before a family reaches crisis point; using whänau hui to challenge families to lift their parenting skills; and to have a network of approved Ngäpuhi caregivers at the ready when a child can no longer live at home with its parents.
RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 21
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Auck land
"...all of a sudden we get kids stopping their mates drink-driving.�
22 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
Auckland Thinking differently about dangerous driving “The defendant was very drunk when he
agencies such as Justice, Police and Health,
got into the car,” the Judge sums up to a Court
open the young people’s eyes to the reality of
full of young people. “The distance travelled
life after a serious crash.
was less than one kilometre before the driver
Facing trial, being locked in a prison cell,
lost control of the vehicle and smashed into a
getting into a body bag, watching a fake
fence. The front passenger was struck in the
autopsy and spending time in a wheelchair
head by a fence post and was killed instantly.”
are among the eye-opening experiences they
“The defendant is sentenced to six years
are
exposed
to
during
the
four-week
imprisonment on the charge of manslaughter,”
programme. They may seem like shock tactics,
she concludes.
but many of the young people have never
This court re-enactment forms a stark opening to The Right Track – a programme
considered what happens after a serious crash. Each
young
person
attends
with
a
that turns young people with serious driving
supporter, such as a family or whänau member.
offences away from their deadly behaviour
Their involvement is crucial because attitudes at
using reality, family involvement and cross-
home are key to keeping young people away
agency teamwork.
from their risky driving behaviour.
The court re-enactment is based on a real
“If your mum has changed her behaviour,
case. The Judge is real too, volunteering her
you’ve probably got a good chance that you’ll
time to help the young people turn things
change yours,” John says.
around before it is too late.
At the start of each programme, John pulls
“You may think this doesn’t happen often,”
the supporters aside and says “You are the
she tells the young people afterwards. “But for
most important people here. We have them for
me this is everyday work.”
42 hours, but you have them forever.”
Each year Auckland Child, Youth and Family
It has an impact, says Helen. “By the end
send up to 40 young clients to The Right Track
parents often tell me ‘I have learnt more
in Waitakere and Counties Manukau. The
than my son’. Or they will stand up in front
reduction in re-offending has been significant.
of the group saying ‘I’ve started wearing
The Right Track or Te Ara Tutuki Pai was
my seatbelt’.”
developed six years ago, when Manukau youth
John says the programme owes its effectiveness
aid officers asked John and Helen Finch to help
to the total experience – starting with the referral
them break the cycle of youth drink-driving,
and continuing with the collaborative focus on
arrest and going out to do it all over again.
the young people, the agencies and volunteers
John and Helen are teaching professionals
working on the presentations, the change
who, at the time, ran a private establishment
happening at home, plus the change among their
for troubled youth. They have now run 47 Right
peers on the programme.
Track programmes across wider Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton. During the four-week (42-hour) programme, presenters and volunteers from collaborating
“Then all of a sudden we get kids stopping their mates drink-driving” says John. “And instead of feeling bad about saying it,
Key facts The Auckland Region of Child, Youth and Family covers Counties Manukau and the Waitemata. It reaches from the Bombay Hills in the south to Te Hana, just north of Wellsford. The region has 14 care and protection sites, seven youth justice sites, one youth justice residence and one care and protection residence.
We celebrate our outstanding young people in care through the William Wallace Awards. Nominations are open now. Go to www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-caregivers/ what-are-the-william-wallace-awards
The Social Workers in Schools programme has expanded to support more children in decile 1-3 schools. To date, 150 schools in the Auckland region now have the service, with numbers of school social workers increasing from 35 to 94.5.
In the year to June 2012 Auckland region received 47,961 reports of concern about children or young people. Of those, 19,053 needed further action and 8,036 were found to have substantiated child abuse or neglect.
they now feel incredibly good.” RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 23
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Auck land
Telling it how it is “Our work is special and it needs to be done.” Manurewa social worker CAROLE JOSEPH says that’s why she was keen to work with clinical psychologist Nigel Latta on his upcoming television documentary series The Hard Stuff. The series is a challenging behindthe-scenes look at issues such as child abuse, alcohol abuse, crime, obesity and poverty. With his trademark humour and common sense, Nigel sets out the reality and looks for answers. For Child, Youth and Family the opportunity to raise awareness of the issues it tackles is immeasurable – and who better to represent the organisation, but a social worker with more than 26 years’ experience? “For
me
as
a
Mäori
woman,
the advantage of age is vast,” says Carole. “I do the grandmother thing; I
do
the
mother
thing;
I
Then, Carole met a friend who was
“The kids told me: ‘We know the
also a recent social work graduate. “She
names of all the kids in our school, and
said the Otara site were looking for older
we had Pop’s birthday at the RSA and
Mäori men and women who had some
we’ve got hundreds of whänau!’.
life experience and thought it might be something I might be good at,” says Carole.
growl;
Twenty-six years on, Carole says
I challenge; I talk about how their tupuna
communication, insight and respect is
or their kaumatua would see their
the key to connecting with families.
behaviour.”
Recently Carole succeeded in placing
“In fact, I think the older you get,
five siblings with whänau after they had
the wiser you get. You know when to
been in a Family Home for more than
push and you know when to pull.”
three years. With the help of Ngati Kahu
When Carole began with Child,
Iwi Social Services they found paternal
Youth and Family in 1987, she’d been
whänau in a small country town who
looking for a role that offered more than
could take them in.
what she’d found in the private sector.
The five siblings are now with three
“Those are the things that make my eyes water,” she says. “There
are
times
when
we’re
frustrated, and then something good will happen and the raru raru earlier that morning doesn’t matter.” With The Hard Stuff airing in 2014, Nigel Latta interviewed Carole before following her on a day’s work, visiting a grand-aunt and the five-year-old she was caring for. Carole says she’ll be interested to hear people’s views once they’ve seen the documentary.
“I was already doing a lot of
aunts and uncles, but Carole says “the
community work. My family upbringing
bonus is they all spend time together as
“This is my life. It’s been such a
has been that you just do what you have
a whänau. They all go camping and they
positive journey for me and I’m still on it.
to do.”
all go fishing.”
I don’t want to stop.”
24 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family A uck land
Te Aroha’s cloak Fourteen-year-old TE AROHA PEARCE is pretty quiet about what she does, but her artistic achievements – and a proud grandfather – speak volumes. Out of hundreds of submitted works from 15 schools from the North Shore and Hibiscus Coast, Te Aroha’s works were one of a handful selected for an exhibition at Auckland’s Mairangi Art Centre. Te Aroha’s granddad, 81-year-old George Pearce, has cared for Te Aroha since she was very young, and the pair have a strong bond. Social worker Rachael Meese says Te Aroha is very humble about her achievements: “She just smiles when George skites on her behalf.” George agrees: “She’s got this ability and she doesn’t say anything to anybody about it. I’m the one who pushes forward; saying what she does so well. “I could show you boxes of stuff that she’s done; and it keeps happening.” Te Aroha’s exhibition works are a pencil and ink drawing and a sculpture, both of a Mäori cloak, both inspired by the works of contemporary Mäori artist John Bevan Ford. To celebrate Te Aroha’s achievement, Rachael and staff at Orewa’s Child, Youth and Family site had the drawing professionally framed. George says the piece is particularly special to them, and hopes it will be passed down through their family for years to come. He is also determined that Te Aroha will get whatever opportunity she needs if she decides to pursue her talents. Last year she achieved ‘excellence’ in both Art and Mäori language, complementing her growing interest in
her
whakawhanaungatanga
and
in kapahaka. “If she wants to go to university, she can,” says George. “I think once the ability is there you’re very lucky to have it.” us
RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 25
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Cent r al
We were keen to work alongside Visionstream, fostering young people into sustainable careers.”
“It has brought the girls out of their shells, interacting with care workers all the time and getting out and trying new things. They have fun and a new found confidence.” 26 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
Central Family home plus Seventeen-year-old Kayla* is feeling at home for the first time in a very long time.
Kayla says she has changed. “I used to not care about anything; everything was
She has a safe place to live and people who
just like whatever. But here, you get to be
listen. She’s seeing a counsellor, she’s back in
independent and the care workers help you
school and thinking positively about the future.
think about what your future is going to
“I love this house. Everyone is really caring and it’s the only place I’ve felt settled,” she says. The house where Kayla lives is one of two
be like. “The care workers have helped me with heaps of stuff. We always run to them for advice.
Child, Youth and Family homes which are trying
“And I love Mumma Sha. She is like the
out a new programme called Family Home Plus,
perfect example of a caregiver – real loving
developed by staff in the Wellington area.
like a mother. She feeds us and spoils us.
Abuse means that Kayla can’t live at home,
I feel comfortable with her.”
but for Child, Youth and Family it has been hard
Sha is the live-in house parent. A mother
to find a place that supports her high needs – and
of five children, aged 32 to 13, she’s a natural
those of other young people like her.
caregiver and has been working in the family
“All the young people are dealing with
home since 2008.
disruption in their lives due to abuse and neglect,”
She’s seen Family Home Plus make a big
says care services manager Jean MacDonald.
difference. The extra support for the girls is also
“They’ve often been stood down from school
extra help for her.
and can have poor nutrition and health, and risky behaviours. “They’re quick to react to situations they don’t like, with drugs or alcohol, running
“Last year was brilliant and I love having the care workers. At first the girls struggled, saying everyone was too nosey and in their business. But quickly they realised it was a good thing.
away or damaging the family home property.
“It has brought the girls out of their shells,
But with their background, you can understand
interacting with care workers all the time and
why initially many struggle to accept the help
getting out and trying new things. They have
being offered to them.”
fun and a new found confidence.”
Family Home Plus offers a safe home environment with extra hands-on support to help the young people with their issues. That involves a team of care workers in addition to the live-in house parents and each young person’s social worker. With their support, each teenager sets goals and plans for life at the family home and beyond. Care worker Jackie Shaw says it is like being part of a big family. “I get alongside them and help them to achieve.”
Several connections
girls with
are
building
family
positive
members
and
community. There’s also less contact with Police or deliberate damage to the family home. For Sha, a huge milestone was seeing two
Key facts The Central Region of Child, Youth and Family extends from Wellington to Taumarunui in the Central North Island, New Plymouth in the west and Potaka on the East Cape.
More than 990 children and young people from the Central Region are in Child, Youth and Family’s care, with around 850 living away from their own homes either in foster care, with extended wha-nau or family, or in Child, Youth and Family homes.* * As of June 2012.
13 family homes operate in Gisborne, Napier, Hastings, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Levin, Masterton, Palmerston North and the greater Wellington region.
girls get up early, into their uniforms and head
Child, Youth and Family
off to school: “It has been a long time since
are always looking for more caregivers. To find out more visit www.cyf.govt.nz or call 0508 FAMILY (0508 227 377).
we had seen anyone up and ready for school, so that was pretty big." *Some names have been changed
RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 27
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Cent r al
Never stop trying When Olympic gold medallist Mahe Drysdale spoke to the latest winners of the William Wallace Awards, he wondered what he could share about resolve and achievement that these young people did not already live every day. “The tough times I went through are nothing compared to them,” he says. “I was blown away by their stories and what they had achieved. There was so much motivation. No self-pity. No excuses. They are amazing.” The William Wallace Awards are given out each year to young people who have grown up in State care and achieved beyond expectations in whatever area they are passionate about. For 19-year-old DUANNE SMIT, that passion is welding. His eyes light up when he talks about it. He’s using his William Wallace scholarship to buy tools for his trade, which he began at Lytton High School in Gisborne. His portfolio includes two motorbikes, a brazier and a go-kart made out of a rusty shopping trolley and a
in with caregivers Steve and Fiona
at Te Papa Museum in Wellington.
wheelbarrow he found in the river.
Scragg. They and Duanne’s social worker,
“Tim helped me get more friends. He
Andrea Haisman, helped Duanne gain
gave me the confidence to go out and
New Zealand residency.
meet others and have conversations.”
He is working towards a Certificate in Engineering Trades at the Eastern Institute of Technology, and seeking
There are strong bonds there. Duanne
Duanne is also dyslexic, so reading
an apprenticeship so he can become a
says Steve, Fiona and Andrea gave him
and writing has taken a lot of extra
qualified engineer/welder.
the love and support he needed.
work with disability support services
When he arrived in New Zealand
“Steve and Fiona have been there for
as a nine-year-old, Duanne only spoke
me ever since I started living with them.
Afrikaans.
They helped me through a lot of stuff
Anyone who knows Duanne knows
and so has Andrea. She is the best social
that he never stops trying to achieve. He
worker. She has done everything she can
doesn’t give up. He doesn’t even sleep in.
“It was hard. I had to start all over again,
especially
learning
English,
and work my way up to where I am now.”
to help me out and help me succeed.”
and private tuition, plus his huge determination to succeed.
“Practice, practice, practice makes
Duanne has been in Child, Youth and
Duanne says he also owes a lot to
perfect. If you try, you will get somewhere.
Family care since 2006. When Duanne’s
his best mate Tim, who came with him
If you don’t try, you go nowhere. And I’m
own family left for overseas, he moved
to the William Wallace Award ceremony
still trying!”
William Wallace Awards
Nominate a young person in care
The William Wallace Awards celebrate outstanding young people in care with scholarships to help them pursue their goals in education, careers and leadership. Nominations for the 2013 Williams Wallace Awards are OPEN NOW until July 27. Go to www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-caregivers/what-are-the-william-wallace-awards The William Wallace Awards are supported by The Vodafone Foundation, GFS (Girl’s Friendly Society) and Child, Youth and Family.
28 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Cent r al
Fashion, rock and education Metallica, motivation
ancient than
shorts,
most
more
people
can
imagine and total conviction in the power of education to change lives… Child, Youth and Family’s new Central Regional Director is full of surprises. DR JOHN LANGLEY has been a teacher, a school principal, a teacher’s college lecturer, a tutor of the deaf, head of a Crown entity and a university dean of education. He has a PhD, a Masters in Education and other postgrad qualifications. But he admits that when it comes to clothing, he is challenged. “My favourite attire is an old t-shirt, old shorts and bare feet. “It drives my wife Tiffany nuts! She is constantly trying to prise me out of them. I have landmarked a pair of shorts that I’ve never been willing to get rid of over the years, and yet mysteriously they keep ending up in the
their engagement and success in the
rubbish bin!”
education system.
“I also headed off on a scholarship to study counselling and psychology at
John is also a dedicated fan of classic
“It is a real challenge, and that is why
heavy metal and rock: “Metallica is
getting engagement and collaboration
great; have you ever heard their version
with agencies like education is just
of Whisky in the Jar? It’s brilliant.
so important.”
the graduate school of the University of Hawaii.” John has been principal of South New Brighton School, Director of the Teacher
My favourite all time albums are Led
For John, education has been a life-
Registration Board in Wellington and
Zeppelin 4 and David Bowie’s Ziggy
long journey. He grew up in Christchurch
then the Head of Auckland College as
Stardust. I wore them out and still listen
and went on to teachers' training college.
it merged with Auckland University to
“I was very fortunate that I had a very
to them.”
create a new faculty of education.
Perhaps not such a surprise, given his
stable, caring family – although a huge
“Professionally, that was incredibly
own achievements, is his belief in the
blow was my father dying in my last year
challenging, but I had some excellent
power of education to change lives.
of school. We were very close.”
people
around
me
and
working
“I feel very sad that some kids and
In his last year of teacher training, he
through the models and structures and
young people in New Zealand are not
married his wife Tiffany. They have two
making sure it was done effectively
achieving to the levels that they could.
grown-up children.
and transparently, was something I look
While
It’s a critical issue and it links very clearly
teaching,
Master’s
in
gained
back on with some pride.”
with our Child, Youth and Family children
a
Educational
John is enjoying meeting Child, Youth
and young people.
Psychology. He then took on a PhD,
and Family people: “The high level of
looking
young
enthusiasm and commitment is refreshing.
opportunities are not only going to
children with conduct problems. At the
I’m looking forward to being part of it,
depend on the quality of care that
same time he trained and taught as a
working to enable vulnerable young people
they receive, or the interventions they
teacher of the deaf, and worked as a
in care to have the same opportunities in
receive in youth justice. It’s about
lecturer at the College of Education.
life as other kiwi kids.”
“Their
future
success
and
at
Degree
John
programmes
for
RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 29
Southern Southern
Twizel Heartland Services has trialled video conferencing as a way to connect rural communities
to government and non-government services. From March until June people in Twizel and surrounding areas used video conference at the Twizel Heartlands Services Centre to talk to Work and Income, Senior Services and Community Legal Services, saving the four-and-a-half hour return trip to Timaru or Christchurch for appointments. Feedback will help determine whether video conferencing could be useful for Heartlands Service Centres throughout the country. NZ Contractors Federation members attended a Work and Income networking evening in Invercargill to get information about products and services for employers. Young people from Child, Youth and Family's Puketai Care and Protection Residence in Dunedin cycled the Otago Rail Trail with staff during the May school holidays.
Canterbury Canterbury
Fire-safe homes are the goal of a new project by the New Zealand Fire Service and Child, Youth
and Family in Timaru, making sure that all Child, Youth and Family caregivers are living in homes that meet fire safety standards. It’s great to live here: Linwood Community Link staff joined other community groups and organisations to celebrate the positive things happening in the Linwood Community. The event at the Eastgate Mall included an open discussion on issues the community can tackle together. Unemployed young people got a chance to see the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) programme in action at the Burnham Military camp. Work and Income took 35 young clients to the camp for a taste of the challenges LSV offers. Many of the young people enrolled for the next LSV course after the visit.
Nelson, Malborough, West Coast
Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Marlborough’s Violence Intervention Project (MVIP) hosted Blenheim’s first safe guarding
Children and Young people seminar supported by Child, Youth and Family. More than 400 local health, education and social service professionals attended to learn about the signs of child abuse and how to take action. Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) is a six-week Defence Force course that helps young people into work or training by improving self-discipline, confidence, motivation and initiative. Four recent graduates from Blenheim say LSV was life-changing. Three have jobs and a fourth has applied for the NZ Army. Graduate Tom Joseph says: “It’s not just the physical tests; there are emotional challenges too. There’s support to pull you through and for you to help others.”The next course starts on 12 August. 30 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
Wellington Wellington
Child Matters and Wellington Child, Youth and Family have teamed up to raise awareness of child protection among health, education and social service professionals who work with children. The workshops deal with recognising signs of children and families at risk, when is it child abuse, what can they do to help, Child, Youth and Family’s role and how to work together to keep kids safe. Porirua Community Link joined other local organisations in May to showcase why Porirua is a great place to live. Work and Income staff took part in the annual Porirua Expo and spoke to hundreds of people about services, current job vacancies with local employers and training courses available. Porirua Community Link serves between 200 and 300 local people each day, making it an integral part of the community.
Central Central
Health to Work is a Work and Income pilot to help clients with short to medium term health issues get back to work. Work and Income staff are supporting 15 clients to access medical interventions and return to full-time work. Workchoice Day: On 28 May, Palmerston North Work and Income opened its doors to Year 12 and 13 students interested in careers at Work and Income. Every year, 200 organisations across the country take part in Workchoice Day to help students make informed choices about their careers. www.workchoice.co.nz Wairarapa is starting a two-year Social Sector Trial, taking a community-driven approach to helping young people do better in education, training and life. An existing Social Sector Trial has been running in the Horowhenua District for two years, with good results.
East Coast
East Coast
Community engagement: Mentors are being recruited from non-government organisations (NGOs), businesses and the wider community. Family and Community Services is training them to work with community social service organisations which have gained Capability Investment Resource funding to build their capability. The goal is to support a stronger, adaptable and more integrated social sector. Highlighting MSD careers: The annual Hawke’s Bay Today Careers Expo saw MSD promoting social work and case management careers to young job-seekers. And Workchoice Day gave Hawke’s Bay students a glimpse of MSD careers, with a tour of Napier Community Link and insights into social work, case management and fraud investigation. Wairoa Business Week saw Work and Income’s Labour Market team taking the opportunity to promote services to employers and to profile the Limited Service Volunteer programme.
Taranaki, King Country, Whanganui
Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui
Whanganui and Rangitikei health professionals met Work and Income’s Principal Health Advisor Dr David Bratt to discuss how the July 2013 Welfare Reform changes will affect their work with clients who have health issues or disabilities. Hospitality and retail staff numbers in Ohakune and Taumarunui are being boosted by a Skills for Industry programme, training Work and Income clients in skills that employers are struggling to find, especially during the peak ski season. Ngä Hononga Marae Trust and Work and Income have teamed up to offer work experience for clients in a mushroom growing operation. The Trust is developing the enterprise to employ Mäori jobseekers, aiming to improve the lives of families by employing long-term unemployed and people with gang backgrounds. RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 31
Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty Youth in Emergency Services is a pilot programme to give young people the chance to get
involved in volunteer emergency services in Rotorua. Fifteen young people aged 16-19 years took part in the Ministry of Youth Development programme during April. Hon. Nikki Kaye, Minister of Civil Defence and Youth Affairs, presented certificates to the young people, and the participating emergency services at a graduation in May. A free community clinic at Whakatane Community Link offers a range of health services including immunisations. The clinic is run by Ngäti Awa Social Health Service on Wednesdays. New Social Sector Trials: From July, youth-focused social services in both Rotorua and Whakatane are trialing new community-driven ways of supporting local young people to do better in education and life.
Waikato Waikato
Nesian Festival: Work and Income and Child, Youth and Family joined other government and
community organisations at Hamilton’s Nesian Festival in April. Staff were on hand to answer questions, advise on services and support, and give out resources for job seeking and raising kids. Workchoice Day: Work and Income and Child, Youth and Family showcased careers to secondary school students recently. Students visited sites, learned about a day in the life of a social worker, and looked at career opportunities with Work and Income. Koroneihana is one of the Waikato’s main cultural events, drawing hundreds of visitors to Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia. Work and Income and Child Youth and Family will have a stall at this year’s celebration in August to highlight the support and services they offer, and answer questions.
Auckland Auckland
Youth-focused social services in Ränui (West Auckland) are trialling a new community-driven way of working with young people, so that they do better in education and life. The goals are to reduce youth offending, truancy, and alcohol and drug use, and to increase numbers in education, training and employment. By giving an individual or an NGO mandate to co-ordinate local programmes and services, Social Sector Trials aim to support local decision-making, build existing networks and strengthen co-ordination between government and community services. Work and Income engagement with key stakeholders has continued in the lead up to the July welfare changes. Learn more at www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/welfarereform/index.html
Northland Northland
Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) is being expanded in the Far North. Family Works Northern
will support Te Aupouri Social Services as they take the SWiS service from five schools to a further 30 schools. Regional Director Marion Heeney said the contract was awarded following a second tender process and consultation with the Te Hiku Social Accord group. New Northland Regional Commissioner Eru Lyndon was welcomed into his role at a pöwhiri in late May. Eru is new to Work and Income, but has a wide range of relevant experience. He was previously the Manager for Policy and Development for Ngäti Whätua o Orakei Corporate Limited in Auckland, and has also held roles with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice. Ski Wisneski has been acting Regional Commissioner in Northland until now. 32 RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013
tips,links and news Te Wiki o te Reo, Ma-ori Language Week 1–7 July 2013 Tënä koutou katoa Ko Taupiri te maunga, Ko Waikato te awa, Ko Michelle Hippolite ahau. All relationships begin with an introduction
Hauauru my name is easy to pronounce;
and a name. The focus of Mäori Language
however my middle names, my great
Week this year is Mäori names and
grandmothers Patehepa and Parewhero,
place names. The intention is for all New
have me repeating several times to whoever
Zealanders to have a go at pronouncing
I’m talking to.
Mäori names correctly. It’s an important
It’s a reminder of how vital it is for us who
step for us in Aotearoa New Zealand to
work with Mäori whänau, hapü or iwi, for
understand a little more about our official
teachers in kura and schools, for anyone
language, Te Reo Mäori.
meeting someone with a Mäori name – that
So much of who we are is connected to
the integrity of that relationship, how that
our sense of ourselves and our identity. Our
person views the value of the relationship,
name is how the world knows us. On the
is set out from the care we take to say their
Te Wiki o te Reo Facebook page a young
name properly.
man Hauauru Rae posted a clip about the
My personal hope for Te Wiki o te Reo 2013
origin of his name and the connection to
is that people will take the time to learn
his tïpuna through his name. Hauauru talks
someone’s name (even if it seems rude to
about people who either don’t want to
ask them to pronounce it slowly so that you
attempt his name or ask if he has a shorter
can catch the sounds properly). It is worth
easier name they can call him by. Unlike
the investment.
Michelle Hippolite Chief Executive, Te Puni Kökiri Check out Te Wiki o te Reo, Mäori Language Week on Facebook
Rise for the iPad Rise is available as a digital iBook on your Apple iPad. As well as flicking through the magazine on-screen, you can access extra video and photo galleries, and interactive web links. Plus it will update itself whenever a new issue is available. Find it on the Apple iTunes App store by searching for Rise magazine.
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RISE: Issue 23 – July 2013 33
Changing attitudes and behaviour towards disabled people
Think Differently is a social change campaign to encourage and support a shift in attitudes and behaviour towards disabled people. Through the Making a Difference Fund, we’ve supported individuals, organisations and businesses to make their communities more inclusive of disabled people. And we want to reach more people around the country. We want to reach your community.
Another funding round will open soon. Visit our website to find out more: www.thinkdifferently.org.nz