MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
I SSU E 24 – SEP T EM B ER 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!”
Whakakotahi Aotearoa Reggae Allstars – singing against child abuse -iti unites for young people Between us all – Te Ku Never give up – soccer’s Ben Sigmund and Limited Service Volunteers
Northland Auckland
This issue of Rise is about whakakotahi
Waikato
Bay of Plenty East Coast
Taranaki/ King Country/ Whanganui Central
Welcome to the September 2013 issue of Rise.
Nelson/ Marlborough/ West Coast
Wellington
Whakakotahi means to combine or unite. Canterbury
The stories in this issue of Rise highlight the difference that individuals and organisations
Brendan Boyle Chief Executive
make when they combine their strengths and work as one.
Southern
In Te Küiti, youth crime has dropped off, school attendance has risen and young people are gaining new opportunities thanks to a Social Sector Trial that joins the forces of local agencies and people. The Te Küiti story is on page 5.
work with families and communities, support
The Aotearoa Reggae Allstars project (page
people into work, strengthen young people
ISSN 1178-4709 (Print)
2) shows the power of popular culture united
and protect kids are interwoven. Doing good
ISSN 1178-4717 (Online)
to send a message about child abuse. Their
work independently of each other is no longer
collaborative effort was intended to speak to
good enough. As we come together, that’s
Mäori and Pasifika audiences, but their point
when we’re really going to see results in our
reached far wider than that. The project also boosted the work of the Mäori child advocacy 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 publication is intended to profile initiatives, research and opinions related
organisation Mana Ririki, which works with social sector professionals on violence-free Mäori parenting. Soccer star Ben Sigmund shows the role
to the social sector, and all reasonable measures have been taken to
that a committed individual can play as part
ensure that the information set out in this publication is accurate.
of a wider effort. In the story on page 18,
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 24 – September 2013
communities, families, kids and young people. Finally, it is three years since the first Christchurch earthquake, and some of our frontline workers have reflected on what has changed, the daily challenges they face, how they strengthen each other and what they're most proud of. Their stories are on page 14.
Ben is working alongside NZ Defence, Work and Income and the NZ Police as a role model for the young people on the Limited Service Volunteer programme. Across government, NGOs, communities, individuals and the private sector, the ways we
Brendan Boyle Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development
contents Cover story
2 A chorus for change
Kiwi reggae artists and a Māori child advocacy organisation collaborate with a message about child abuse.
Feature stories
5 Whakakotahi
Waitomo District shows that change is possible when a community unites for its young people.
10 Youth Parliament 2013
5
Meet a young MP determined to serve, and an up-and-coming political journalist loving the pace of political reporting.
14 Proud of every day
It is three years since the September earthquake in Christchurch and life is very different.
16 The bear that cares
Foster Bear enlists support for Christchurch kids in care.
18 Never give up
Football star Ben Sigmund gets alongside the young people on the Limited Service Volunteer programme; and a former Limited Service Volunteer talks about life and work three years on.
21 Collective impact
Here and overseas, government, business and communities are joining forces to tackle the toughest social problems.
16
18
Drop us a line at rise@msd.govt.nz
Kids in care are learning to swim thanks to a partnership with Swim NZ and Sealord, and a Nelson social worker has come up with a creative way to connect with children.
Rise in your inbox Would you like to receive a link to each new online issue of Rise? Email at rise@msd.govt.nz
Regular columns
Rise online Rise on Tw i t ter For up to the minute information about all the work of the Ministry of Social Development follow us on Twitter @msdgovtnz
A young social worker meets the woman who was her childhood social worker and inspired her career; youth mentoring helps prevent young offenders becoming adult prisoners; and a young man in care gets an eye-opening glimpse of life in Nepal.
26 Spotlight on Child, Youth and Family Te Waipounamu
Contact Rise
www.msd.govt.nz/rise
22 Spotlight on Child, Youth and Family Midlands
Read Rise on your ipad Find it on the Apple iTunes App store by searching for Rise magazine.
12 Photo essay – You t h in emer gency ser v ices. 30 Regional r ound-up 33 Tips, links and news – Employer par t ner ships, plus check ou t our ipad app and r evamped Rise online. RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 1
a chorus for change
It was a song about children and aroha, and it was launched in Ruato-ria in 1987 in a bid to ease tensions in the divided and troubled community. Twenty-six years later, a new generation of Kiwi reggae artists has collaborated to remake the Herbs’ classic, Sensitive to a Smile.
gaining more awareness in society and that is what we hope to achieve – to raise more awareness about violence towards children.”
This time the message is about child abuse, with sales of the single
Jay Tamati of TastyBrown said he grabbed the opportunity to make
going to the Mäori child advocacy and research organisation Mana
a stand. TastyBrown is also working on its own single on child abuse,
Ririki. Released in June, the single debuted at #2 in the Official
which will be released in September.
New Zealand Top 40 Singles. “So many news stories are about child abuse, and a lot of it involves our people, Mäori and Pasifika. That’s our audience. Every weekend,
“All of us feel strongly about the topic. A lot of the guys have kids themselves and have come to realise that we have a responsibility as musicians to tackle these topics.”
we’re playing to people directly affected by this,” says AVINA
It took a year of hard work for Rio and Avina to get the Aotearoa
KELEKOLIO of Tomorrow People, who led the Aotearoa Reggae
Reggae Allstars project from idea to reality. Along with the project,
Allstars project alongside RIO PANAPA of Sons of Zion.
they juggled their own band commitments, tours and fulltime day
“Our idea was to get all the top reggae bands in the country to come together and do one song, to try and make a positive change though our music. If people are not listening to the campaigns or the ads, maybe we can reach out and speak to them.” Sensitive to a Smile was a natural choice – a song for social change about family and children by the grandfathers of New Zealand reggae. There was no hesitation from the 12 artists invited to join the Aotearoa Reggae Allstars project. “Everyone we approached wanted to get on board and support the kaupapa”, says Rio. “Things that used to be tapu to talk about are
2 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
jobs. (Avina is an IT analyst with the Ministry of Social Development in Wellington, and Rio works with Customs in Auckland.) Each artist was assigned parts of the song, initially recording their lines in either Avina’s or Rio’s home studios in Wellington and Auckland. These were mixed into a draft. Then the whole team got together at York Street Studios for the final mix, recording a documentary for Mäori TV at the same time. “It was a great vibe, a real team thing with lots of mutual respect – the first collaboration of Kiwi reggae artists, taking the opportunity to speak to their demographics and their communities.”
“It started as a way for us as artists to communicate to the audience who normally follow our shows. But it became bigger because this is a problem for all people, regardless of race.” a voice for others
tackling child abuse
Tomorrow People was playing in Tahiti when the single and the
Mana Ririki is the organisation which benefits from the sales of
documentary were released. As Avina saw thousands of comments
the single. Mana Ririki is an advocacy, communications and research
appear on social media, he realised that their stand against child abuse
organisation, developed to provide a Mäori-led response to Mäori child
had given a voice to many others.
abuse. It was set up during a hui in 2007, after the repeal of Section 59
“It gave a lot people a vehicle to speak up – on Facebook, on Twitter, on websites and blogs – when they otherwise might not.
of the Crimes Act and the death of 3-year-old Nia Glassie. The organisation works to keep awareness of Mäori child abuse
“It started as a way for us as artists to communicate to the audience
in the political and public eye. Mäori make up half of the 17,725
who normally follow our shows. But it became bigger because this is a
children harmed by family violence in the last year. More than half
problem for all people, regardless of race.”
of the 3,844 children in out-of-home care as at 30 June 2013 were
The Aotearoa Reggae Allstars also featured on The X Factor in July.
also Mäori.
RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 3
web links
Aotearoa Reggae Allstars leaders: Rio Panapa of Sons of Zion, and Avina Kelekolio of Tomorrow People.
Aotearoa Reggae Allstars’ Sensitive to a Smile
“What Aotearoa Reggae Allstars showed us
“Our
Tikanga
Whakatipu
Ririki
Mäori
Released in June 2013, 12
is the extent to which popular music and social
Parenting Model reclaims our old traditions and
contributing artists include Sons
media can mobilise the community. That has
values of violence-free parenting,” says Anton.
of Zion, Tomorrow People, Three
opened our eyes to a world of possibilities,”
Mana Ririki runs workshops on its Mäori
says director ANTON BLANK.
hitting is not our culture
parenting model, training more than 900
Hall, Majic Paora, Che Fu, Katchafire,
professionals and organisations – including
1814, Chad Chambers, NRG Rising
Barnardos and Plunket – who work with Mäori
and TastyBrown.
parents and children. Now the organisation is developing tools specifically for Mäori men, who traditionally
Mana Ririki is building an evidence-base of kaupapa Mäori research for policy-makers and
played a strong role in raising their kids, especially their boys, says Anton. Anton is a former frontline social worker
service providers. “Hitting is not our culture,” says Anton.
who was with Child, Youth and Family for
“For example, records tell us that in the Bay
14 years, part of which he spent in a public
of Islands, when teachers in the early colonial
communications role.
schools struck our children, we would go and
He acknowledges that the issue of violence in whänau is confronting for some.
remove the kids. of
“But we can be brave about this and tackle
nurturing whänau and young people who
it head on, just like any other public health or
were responsible and advanced in many ways
social issue.
“And
early
Päkehä
reports
were
beyond their European counterparts.”
Houses Down, House of Shem, Ria
“As a Mäori I can say that most of us have
All proceeds from the single go to the Mäori child advocacy charity Mana Ririki. (Download on https://itunes.apple.com/nz/ album/sensitive-to-a-smile-single/ id660105258) The charity Learn more about Mana Ririki and its work for violence-free whänau: www.ririki.org.nz The documentary Watch the inside story of the
Working with experts and providers, Mana
seen child abuse somewhere in our families. I
Aotearoa Reggae Allstars project
Ririki has used research to develop kaupapa
don’t defend it. As a Mäori, I own this issue and
on Mäori TV: http://www.
Mäori parenting resources that organisations
I believe Mäori need to be the strong voice that
maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/
can use in their work with Mäori families.
leads the charge for change.”
aotearoa-reggae-all-stars
4 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
whakakotahi
Waitomo District proves that change is possible when a community unites for its young people. Approaching Te Küiti in the late afternoon, a radio station crackles to life with a stream of hard-case wisecracks in English and Te Reo. Two young radio hosts rib each other,
Kiwi reggae band Katchafire starts to
opportunities for local rangatahi, as well
shake the speakers.
as giving Te Küiti youth a voice in the
This is Maniapoto FM’s afternoon Taiohi
community.
show – “the best korero, latest gossip and
It’s just one of several youth-focused
hottest soundz” – hosted by high school
projects that have emerged since the small
students Te Hua and Ngamira.
rural town two years ago embarked upon
swap notes on King Country athletics and
Training the young people on the
the upcoming Warriors match, before
job is Maniapoto FM’s way of providing
a government-backed trial to do better for local young people.
RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 5
Te Küiti's new youth council with Hilary Karaitiana (right of centre)
Te
the go-between Turning into Te Küiti’s main street, the leader of the youth-focused Social Sector Trial adjusts the volume on the car radio. HILARY
KARAITIANA’s
official
title
is Social Sector Trial Manager, but she’s “aunty” to young people and “Hils” to nearly everyone else. Seeing a couple of teenagers wandering down the main street, Hilary grins mischievously, hangs out her elbow out the window and slumps down in her seat. As she cruises past, she acknowledges the kids with a perfect deadpan lift of the chin, winning a laugh and a “hey aunty!” It’s a perfect illustration of the way she moves between worlds. Hilary reports directly to Government Ministers and works on high
government
“Just came see how you’re going,” she
agencies into a number of teamed-up projects.
Küiti’s
community
and
says to the young man and his girlfriend who
The overall goal is to reduce truancy, youth
emerge from the back door. “Got stuff to eat?
crime, use of alcohol and drugs, and get more
Doing OK?”
kids engaged in education, training or work.
his siblings by working at the local meatworks.
Development, Education, Justice, Health and
Hilary helped him find the job through Work
the NZ Police. But government officials do not
and Income. With a provider in the house the
dictate how the community is to achieve the
teenage family is better off than many, but
results they’re after.
they’re young with no parent.
That is set out in the Te Küiti Youth Action
Waitomo district is one of the most socio-
Plan, created with input from the community
economically deprived areas of New Zealand,
and young people, led by Hilary and overseen
where hardship is compounded by rural
by a local advisory group. The group includes
isolation. There is no public transport system
the Mayor, iwi leaders, the high school
and the average wage is $21,300.
principal, police, community social services, training providers, a church pastor and youth representatives.
»» Nearly three in 10 young people come
“We took a more expansive view of how we
level strategy with both government officials and local leaders. But she also has a grassroots
what are the barriers? It might be that between
approach that keeps it real for the young people
us all, the solution is here.”
From the Mayor and iwi leaders to 14-yearolds in gang colours, building relationships is
In 2006 there were 4,419 people living in Te Küiti, including 780 10 to 19-year-olds:
can work together,” says Hilary. “We asked,
who are the focus of the Social Sector Trial.
The oldest son – still in his teens – supports
Funding comes from the Ministries of Social
behind the statistics
from a sole parent family. »» More than four in 10 leave school with no qualification. »» Only two in 10 go on to tertiary education. »» Teen pregnancy rates are double the national average, and young people are twice as likely to be referred to mental
the heart of a big-picture plan that is widely
On her way between a catch-up with the
agreed to be a breath of fresh air for the small
Police and a chat with the Mayor, Hilary takes
community and its young people.
a quick detour into residential streets, stopping
Küiti’s young people are more likely to live
at a house where a once-cared-for garden is
in poor quality housing, have health issues
losing a battle with weeds.
and a low income in the future.
Since 2011, Hilary has co-ordinated and connected the youth-focused resources of 6 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
health services. »» Compared to others in New Zealand, Te
“We asked, what are the barriers? It might be that between us all, the solution is here.” Iwi Liaison Officer Steve Rickards, Youth Aid Officer Jacky Fitzgerald, youth mentor Erin Pye and Social Sector Trial manager Hilary Karaitiana. RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 7
Generations of joblessness, low education, a
the group are known to the Police, but getting
strong gang culture, alcohol and drug addiction,
police officers and other community members
domestic violence and cultural dislocation lead
involved with youth activities is about building
people to expect little from life and find less,
a different kind of relationship.
says Hilary. “Young people are not the problem. It’s the system and society and adults. When we get it right, our young people will find their potential.” Iwi liaison officer Constable Steve Rickards agrees: “Some of our organisations have to take the blame for failing some of these kids. You have a naive 17-year-old: you find him a job 50km away, but he has no money and on the third day he stops turning up because he has no transport. So we label him for dropping out, but we have to take some responsibility
kids off the streets In two years, Te Küiti’s youth crime and truancy have fallen. Te Küiti Sub Area saw a 12 per cent drop in recorded crime for the 2011/12 financial year – the greatest reduction in Waikato District. Out of all apprehensions, the proportion committed by young people dropped from 30.8 per cent in 2011 to 17.3 per cent in 2012. Only one young person has been to Youth Court since 1 January 2012 and no young
for that.”
people have appeared since July 2012.
allies and supporters It’s not that people in Te Küiti haven’t been trying. “We’ve tried things time and again,”
The Warehouse has seen a 90 per cent
personal attention
Early on in the trial, it became clear that a
number of extremely high-risk kids urgently needed intensive, one-on-one help. “Some of those kids had been disengaged for years,” says Constable Rickard. “We saw no hope for them.” A youth mentor, Erin Pye now supports about 40 young people referred by Police, school staff, social workers and probation officers. A former gym trainer, teacher aide, adult educator, fitness tutor and mother-offive, Erin also supports Te Küiti’s Alternative Education programme for 12 young people. Erin works with kids who aren’t at school or are often truant, those with a history of offending, gang affiliation or family violence, teen parents, pregnant girls, and kids with little family or whänau support.
reduction in youth shoplifters following a
Each young person gets personal attention
combined project with the Police. The $45,000
– from a listening ear, advocate and coach
this has saved has been distributed back to
to arranging professional alcohol and drug
community groups.
counselling.
says Constable Rickards, “putting money into
Overall attendance at Te Küiti High School
“All we’ve done is put support there and
programmes that don’t work or feel-good stuff
has increased up to 10 per cent in some
find ways to build those young people, so that
that doesn’t last.
year levels.
they start to find confidence, and realise that they can make mistakes, but they can also learn
“Hilary’s position allows her to drive new
“We’ve seen a real drop in the number of
ways of working without being bridled by a
kids on the streets, as well as less crime and
single organisation. She’s seen as a neutral
virtually no graffiti,” says Constable Fitzgerald.
Seeing young people repeatedly caught and
party and she sees the skills that people and
Support from local business owners has
fined for unqualified driving, the Police, Erin and
been key. Local retailers have not only stopped
Hilary now help them get their driver licence.
organisations can bring together. “We’ve gained a group of people who
selling synthetic cannaboids, but also support
are part of this community and know what’s
a truant-free central shopping district during
going on, putting their hands up because they
school hours. Retailers call if they spot young
have a genuine interest in helping towards local solutions to local problems.” Mayor Brian Hanna says until the Social Sector Trial, youth-focused funding was fragmented
between
organisations.
“No
one was accountable for making sure things actually worked. There was no local ownership and no big picture.” Youth Aid Officer Senior Constable Jacky Fitzgerald says openness and community input
people out of school, and Police or a truancy officer takes them right back to school. Truancy officers, schools and police work with consistent truants and their families. They’ll do home visits and seek help for families with underlying issues. “We’re constantly talking back and forth, swapping information about the kids we’re worried about,” says Hilary.
and do better.”
Fines are waived if they rectify the situation within a month. Otherwise, they can work their fines off through community service, instead of accumulating debts which their families will struggle to pay off. It is hands-on, intensive work. “Often, it means arranging everything: finding where they are, waking them up for community service, taking them to court, sitting with them at Work and Income, helping to fill out forms, practicing the tests, driving to mum’s place 12 kilometres away to get a signature. “Some of these kids are the first members of
from the beginning means that everyone
“We’ve got this group of invisible kids.
their families to ever hold a licence. For many,
knows the issues, what is needed, what’s
They’re not committing crime but they’re not
it is truly the first 'official' achievement of their
going on and where they fit in.
going to school either. Their parents don’t
lives,” says Hilary.
The Police have committed to several projects in the Youth Action Plan.
know what to do, and many appreciate the support with their kids. A Police visit carries the
Today, Truancy Officer Bill Wana is out
authority of the law, so the kids feel compelled
on a fishing trip with 12 teenagers on the
to take notice and often the parents lift their
Alternative Education programme. Most of
game too.”
8 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
opportunity Over the back fence of Te Küiti’s public pool the Manga-o-Kewa stream flows through
Social Sector Trials Social Sector Trials have been running in Levin, Kawerau, Te Küiti, Taumarunui, Gore and Tokoroa since March 2011. The goal is to trial collaborative, community-driven social services for youth. The trials aim to get better results for 12 to 18-years-olds, especially more participation in school, training and work, with less truancy, youth crime, and alcohol or drug use. Encouraging results have seen the six existing trials extended to June 2014, and expanded to 10 more communities.
learn more Tai Huapa: connecting the young with their cultural roots.
www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-ourwork/work-programmes/initiatives/socialsector-trials/index.html
Te Küiti. It’s not always clean, but the stream is
“There are huge needs here among Mäori,
culturally significant and a popular swimming
and we’ve seen some of our most dramatic and
Read about Levin’s Social Sector Trial
spot for young people who can’t afford the
sustained changes in young people through
http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-
pool fee.
the kapa haka and waka ama programmes,”
and-our-work/publications-resources/
says Hilary.
journals-and-magazines/rise/issue-22/
Spurred to action by the rubbish in their river, young people on Te Küiti’s new youth
In another initiative, Maniapoto FM has
council are working with Maniopoto Mäori
set up a rangatahi radio show airing every
Trust Board to clean up the river.
weekday to provide youth voice, training
The youth council was set up as part of
spotlight-on-central.html
and employment. A national pilot sports programme is
“We’re running on the smell of an oily
actively involved. He mentors young leaders,
underway at Te Küiti High School, and a
rag, but no matter what happens we have to
including the youth council and rangatahi on
secondary school trade training programme has
continue to work together because that’s the
the Tuia Mäori young leaders programme.
been set up.
the Youth Action Plan. Mayor Brian Hanna is
Other projects also create opportunities to lead, grow and engage with the community. Young people have led alcohol and drug-free campaigns and three community education events, attended by more than 200 people.
Regular holiday programmes and activities have involved more than 780 young people.
looking ahead It is obvious to Hilary and many of those she
right thing to do.” She’s realistic about how long it will take to see meaningful long-term change for disadvantaged young people in Te Küiti. “Three generations of alcohol and drug abuse,
dislocation
from
culture,
family
violence, gangs and unemployment is not going to be turned around by a short trial.
Te Küiti High School teacher Tai Huapa and
works with that giving local people the ability
But we’re doing what we can to turn it
his sister Te Ingo Ngaia run kapa haka and waka
to acknowledge and respond to local needs is
around for the next generation and the one
ama training. It gives positive purpose, a sense
the answer.
after that.
of belonging, pride and reconnection with
“You figure out what’s needed, put in
“We have a lot of issues here. But we
cultural roots – important given that young
resources and adapt what you’re doing – of
know what they are now and I am optimistic
Mäori account for the district’s most worrying
course it’s going to work.”
that we are building change for the next
youth statistics.
Hilary says the key is community teamwork.
generation.” RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 9
Youth Parliament
It’s question time at Youth Parliament 2013 – a chance for Youth MPs to grill their real-life counterparts on real-life issues. But there’s a problem. Speaker David Carter is worried that
of it. I said you can each have an opening
As the head girl of Manurewa High School,
the youth MPs aren’t rowdy enough. And
statement, an argument, and then we’ll vote.”
she leads by example. Jacinta is treasurer
they are getting through their questions
It’s this sort of initiative that saw MP
for Manurewa Youth Council, a STARS
Louisa Wall select Jacinta as her Youth MP, a
peer mentor for the Foundation of Youth
responsibility she’ll take on for 6 months.
Development, and Director for MaerdNZ.
at a much faster pace than anticipated. “The members are far too well-behaved. I open the floor to further supplementary questions.” It’s an open invitation for a bit of old fashioned mud-slinging.
“She naturally creates opportunities for herself,” says Louisa. “And she has a strong sense of serving the collective. She stood head and shoulders above the rest.”
MaerdNZ is a record label that seeks to promote Manurewa and South Auckland through music. It is run by students of Manurewa High School as part of the Lions
But JACINTA TALIA’ULI, Youth MP for
For two days, from July 16–17, 121 high
Manurewa, would be just as comfortable in
school students and young people took
the Speaker’s chair herself – and she got a
part in general debate, select committees
chance to put her skills to good use the night
and question time. Meanwhile, 20 aspiring
before the youth MPs even saw the inside of
journalists took over the press gallery watching
about getting young people thinking about
the debating chamber.
their every move.
people and decisions that affect them.
Foundation Youth Enterprise programme. While she may not be as loud as some other youth parliamentarians, Jacinta is passionate
Youth Parliament is a natural fit for
“I’m really excited to go back home and
parliamentarians were getting heated up
community-minded 18-year-old Jacinta. And
connect with the community. I’ve got more
about some debate, and it started going crazy.
her goal is simple. “I want to get more young
ideas about how to actually motivate the
We needed a Speaker, and I just took control
people involved.”
youth of Manurewa to get involved.”
“At dinner, I saw that some of our youth
10 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
Youth Press Gallery For 19-year-old JAMIE TAHANA the journey to the youth press gallery was serendipitous. “I did calculus and chemistry at school, but I was good at writing too. Thought why the hell not, got into journalism, really enjoyed it and here I am.” A recent graduate currently interning at Radio NZ, it was Jamie’s manager who first told him to get involved. Along with the quality of the catering and the shoe polish in the bathrooms, he says the one surprise has been the people (despite
describing
himself
and
fellow
journalists as “symbiotic parasites”). “Some of the writers are exceptional:
Jacinta Talia'uli – Youth MP for Manurewa
Jamie Tahana – Youth Press Gallery reporter
the MPs as well. They are such passionate people, quite odd for teenagers in high school.” He says for the press gallery the highlights are when “you see people’s colours fly”. “It gets quite venomous.” Reporting on topics as diverse as the Skycity Convention Centre deal and the preservation of Te Reo Mäori, the tight schedule can make filing stories exhausting. “I get a real buzz off the pace in a newsroom, although the deadlines have been creeping up, getting a little too close.” Jamie
says
he’s
privileged
to
have
experienced the Youth Press gallery at such a young age. “Really action-packed, fantastic. I didn’t think it would be as good as it has turned out to be.”
Youth Parliament Every two years Youth Parliament gives 121 young people an inside look into the workings of Parliament. Each MP selects a young representative from their community, who holds the position of Youth MP for six months. For two days, the young people also get the opportunity to take part in debates and select committees, and ask questions of Cabinet Ministers. Ten Youth Press Gallery members, aged 16 to 24, are selected by the Parliamentary Press Gallery to report on the events of Youth Parliament.
learn more www.myd.govt.nz/young-people/youth-parliament/index.html RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 11
youth in emergency services A man collapses unconscious into a river. Meanwhile, someone else is lost in the bush. There’s also an injured person to be rescued from a cliff face and a fire to be fought as well.
It’s a lot to deal with in a single weekend, but the young
“It really opened my eyes to what they do. I thought St John just
people who were part of the Youth in Emergency Services Project
took people to hospital, but they keep them alive. They do everything
were well prepared.
they can. I'd like to train as a paramedic.”
Before the drama-packed weekend camp, they had spent the past month training with various emergency services in Rotorua. Youth in Emergency Services is a trial project by Ministry of Youth Development and Rotorua emergency services. The aim is to open doors for young people to volunteer or follow a career path in emergency services, as well as building connections between young people and their communities. Schools or youth social services nominated young people they felt would benefit most from the experience. For 17-year-old Ikilua Apitai, Youth in Emergency Services has opened doors to a career he’d like to pursue. 12 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
The programme offered five emergency service tasters over four weeks: St John Ambulance, NZ Fire Service including Lake Okareka Rural Fire and Operational Support, River Rescue, the NZ Police’s Land Search and Rescue Team, and Civil Defence’s Emergency Response Team. The orientation culminated in a weekend camp where the young people took part in a number of emergency scenarios. At the end of the camp, the young people could apply to volunteer and train with the service they preferred. The project is being evaluated with a view to expanding into more communities.
RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 13
proud of every day Three years after the September earthquake, Christchurch social workers and case managers reflect on life and work, what’s changed, what’s important and how it’s often the little things that matter most.
Heather Duggan Work and Income case manager, Kaiapoi Community Link
Jan Hansen Youth Justice social worker, Te Oranga
The biggest thing for me is we are all one big team here. Now,
Right from the start, everybody accepted the fact that we just had to
people go out of their way to help each other. We share our innovations,
do what we had to do. We were all squashed in a little marae. It got hot,
changes, everything we do. No doubt about it. I think that’s something
it got cold, it got loud.
we need to do more of as an industry. I feel like I’m lucky, being in Rangiora, that my damage wasn’t that bad. However, I know that some people feel embarrassed that
We have our own desks now, but we’re still coming in every morning not knowing if it’s going to be hot or cold. I keep slippers and a blanket in my drawer just in case.
they’re still stressed and depressed, and they are not mentioning the
Not having an office has its pros and cons.
way they feel.
One of the pros is meeting kids at a park or picking them up from
I’d say 99 per cent of the medical certificates that come across my desk in Kaiapoi are for anxiety and depression. That’s our clients; our staff must be exactly the same. And this is nearly three years on, so this is huge. You try that bit extra to put yourself where your clients are. For
course. It’s done through necessity, but it’s a good thing. We’re able to work on the move. Whoever came up with the idea of iPads should get a pay rise; pull over and send a three-line email and it’s done.
case managers, if you are really going to listen and have that person
It may be very small stuff, but it saves the time.
going away feeling like you’ve helped them, that means your interview
And thank God for Google Maps.
is not going to be the 30 minutes that you have been allocated. You
For our team, it’s the small things: having the ability to take EQC
are going to have to spend an hour with them. You do that because
(Earthquake Commission) leave, meet with the professionals. I’ve had to
the clients need it.
do that for myself. If you need to leave, you are allowed to – there’s still
Hundreds of staff in Christchurch do this. It’s huge. I’m proud of every day. After September we were at work the very next day, and still there are not enough hours in the day to finish the work. Every day when I go home I feel good about what I’ve done. Watch more – Proud of every day: Heather Duggan http://youtu.be/9O8fo-hHlFE
work to do, but it’s secondary to making sure you are ok. Give it however many years and this place is going to be awesome. It’s going to be new. We are going to have a new sports arena, new roads, a great sewerage system. It’s a shame we won’t have the old buildings, but we’ll have new ones. And that’s ok. That’s why I want to stay in Christchurch. Watch more – Proud of every day: Jan Hansen http://youtu.be/cwavkqdEFoY
14 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
?
:)
Check out www.allright.org.nz or www.facebook.com/allrightnz
:/
what makes you feel All Right? All Right? is a Christchurch-focused campaign to help people realise
All Right? is led by the Mental Health Foundation and the
that they’re not alone, encourage them to connect with others, and
Canterbury District Health Board, supported by the Ministry of
support them to boost their mental health and wellbeing.
Health, the Ministry of Social Development and SKIP, and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.
Sharon Muirhead Child, Youth and Family senior practitioner, Hornby My heart is in Christchurch, I have a home in Christchurch, my work is in Christchurch. I can see in another few years it is going to be a beautiful city. We’ve gone through a lot together, all of us, in the last few years. At one stage we had no workspace. A few of us would get together and work at home. When we were told that instead of three Child, Youth and Family sites in Christchurch there were going to be four, we were asked if we would like to choose one closer to home.
Michael Lane Work and Income case manager, Linwood Community Link I turned 64 three weeks ago. I’ve been with the department since the first of December 1980. I’ve never been so proud of our department as I was during the earthquakes. I was working in Lyttelton at the Civil Defence Centre. You’d hold your breath at the start of the Lyttelton tunnel and the taxi would go like hell and you’d let the breath out the other side, because the last thing you wanted was to be trapped in a tunnel in an earthquake. Dealing with Lyttelton people – what a wonderful group they were. If a big boulder was about to come off the hills and crash into Mrs Jones’s
I was thrilled. Every night I walk through my door at home at 10
house, the men would come with picks and shovels and dig a hole for the
minutes past five [instead of much later] and it’s wonderful. It’s made so
rock to fall in. It was tremendous and we were part of that. They needed
much difference.
our help and our help was immediate. And you felt good.
We’ve moved three times since the earthquakes and this site is
Now, a lot of clients we’re seeing here at the Linwood office – still in a
temporary as well. A shift is always unsettling, so we’ve had to be more
red zone area – those people have never recovered. We all know that life
flexible. Some of us have had to move out of our homes as well as work
won’t be the same, but they don’t see it getting better. You hear about
so we’ve drawn strength from each other.
the rebuild, all the facts and figures, but you ask a person who lives this
We’re still very supportive of each other – especially now. It’s different now because a lot of people are still trying to get their houses repaired. Even just taking furniture out of the house, it’s huge. At our office we do laughter yoga and breathing techniques. I’ve been with Child, Youth and Family for 10 years and we wouldn’t have had
side of town and they’ll say “Where?” It’s just learning those techniques and tricks to look after yourself better. There’s a lot more open discussion about mental and physical health. It’s an ordinary subject now, but it never used to be. That would be the biggest thing you’d notice at the moment.
that before the earthquakes. I’ve got to admit it did feel good when I left
We’ve been on resilience training – I highly recommend it – as part
the session. Learning how to laugh, making faces at each other, seemed
of our Bounce Back Better programme. Whoever came up with that,
quite silly at the time, but it was relaxing.
I salute you. Tremendous. I’d like to see all Christchurch people do it.
Watch more – Proud of every day: Sharon Muirhead
Watch more – Proud of every day: Michael Lane
http://youtu.be/I3vnlWClwPY
http://youtu.be/uTcK8krFDAs RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 15
“Kids come running to give him cuddles and high fives and their parents follow.” 16 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
the bear that cares
He turned up to recruit much-needed foster caregivers and community support for Christchurch kids in Child, Youth and Family care. But Foster Bear has helped to focus
“He has become that popular that we have
people’s generosity in a way that leaves his
people ringing us to ask if we can be part of
chief minder, social worker ADELE SHERRY,
their event. He’s Christchurch’s Mickey Mouse.”
Adele also recalls picking up some Christmas
Foster Bear was doing a great job of
presents donated by a Rangioria community for
amazed and humbled. Foster Bear arrived in Christchurch about six
raising awareness, but in terms of caregiver
months after the February 2011 earthquake,
recruitment and community support, Adele’s
when Child, Youth and Family suffered a
expectations
sharp fall in the number of people able to take
“because of what everyone was going through
children into their homes. “We had a big job on our hands trying to recruit more caregivers in a difficult situation,” says Adele. “We needed to get out in the community and get people to talk to us. We changed our whole recruitment strategy. It’s not just Foster Bear, but a bigger willingness to look outside the square and ask 'what can we do different and how can we improve things?'” Foster Bear was a hit from the moment he first walked into a Rugby World Cup fan base. A succession of school fairs, church galas and community days followed. “Kids come running to give him cuddles and high fives and their parents follow.
were
not
overly
optimistic
with the earthquakes”.
year they actually rang and said they’d like to support again!”
last year’s Kids in Care Christmas party. “It was a mountain of boxes. Wrapped presents. For our kids.” She was even more astounded to learn that the two Rangiora churches started collecting
She was wrong though.
early this year, because they were concerned
Christchurch still needs more caregivers,
that last year’s effort was not enough.
but more people are stepping foward for the training which enables them to see if the role is
“And that giving spirit just keeps going. It amazes me every single day.”
right for them. “Even though they are still waiting for their own lives and homes to be sorted with insurance and EQC, they are still willing to help our children in care.” People, communities and businesses have stepped up in other ways too. Whitcoulls is one of many businesses which have become regular supporters. “They sponsored teddies for evey child and young person in care in 2011. Even the
care for kids Child, Youth and Family needs caregivers, particularly for 10- to 16-year-olds. If you’d like to know more call 0508 FAMILY. In Christchurch, please contact Adele: Adele.Sherry003@cyf.govt.nz or 03 9615612
teenagers were queuing up for them. The next
RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 17
It’s 4pm on a Tuesday in the
Born and raised in Christchurch, Ben
dead of winter and 60 Trentham-
dabbled in rugby but it was football
based Limited Service Volunteers
where his talents lay. By the time he was
sit to attention as best they can
18 years old, he was an All Whites player.
for guest speaker, football player
But he was impatient and felt like nothing
BEN SIGMUND.
was happening in his life.
The volunteers are dog tired. They’ve
“So I turned to my buddies. Being
been up since 5am for another day
the age we were, we took to drinking,
of intense physical exercise and other
partying, having fun. I guess you could
activities – something these 18- to 25-
say that I lost my way. It was easy to do. I
year-olds are still getting to grips with.
gave up on football as I clearly had other
It is the second week of an intense six-week
Ben’s young audience listen carefully.
young people, run by the New Zealand
They know what it’s like struggling to
Defence Force in partnership with Work
find your way in the world. They also
and Income. Already you can sense that
know that Ben eventually followed his
the young participants have bonded
dreams and they’re keen to know how
into a team.
he did it.
Sigmund,
for
All
Whites
and
Ben is a down-to-earth presenter who
Wellington Phoenix football star, stands
builds an easy rapport with the volunteers.
in front of the 60 young people. He’s
He’s also open about his mistakes and
incredibly humble, incorrectly assuming
incredibly funny.
that his young audience has never heard of him. But things have changed
He recounts how he turned his life around.
for football in New Zealand. Ever since
“I was sitting in the pub with my
the 2010 All Whites’ electric World
mates watching an All Whites game.
Cup qualifier game against Bahrain and
The All Whites were being beaten. I was
their defeat of Italy at the World Cup
sitting there following one of the players
itself, their profile has risen dramatically
and saying to myself ‘I could do better
among New Zealanders.
than that, if I was there I would’ve done
Ben was eager to come to Trentham
18 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
priorities.”
unemployed
Ben
course
that differently’.
to talk to the young volunteers. He
“Then I took a long, hard look at
knows what it’s like to lose direction as
myself. I didn’t want to be one of those
a young person.
guys that you see sitting in the pub at 60
years of age saying ‘I could’ve been that
they secured a 2–2 draw. Ben’s name
me to go over right there and then. He
guy. I could’ve done better than that’.
was back on the map in New Zealand
said ‘give me five minutes’. So I got a
“I put my beer down, said goodbye to
football. He returned to Australia, but
one-year contract.”
my mates and told them I was going to
it was around this time the Wellington
join the All Whites again. They laughed.
Phoenix football team was established.
But I really didn’t want to end up as that
“I told myself I would do anything to
person in 30 years’ time. I didn’t want that
get onto that team. I loved the idea of
fate. So I’m happy to be here talking to
playing from home. The first year I didn’t
“I didn’t sign professionally until I was
you today – and being proud of what I’ve
get in, so I had to bide one more year
26 – most people do at 17 or 18 years
achieved.”
and played in Auckland to stay fit.”
of age. I had seven years working as a
The room cracks up laughing at his story of persistence. Ben takes this moment to remind the volunteers to never give up.
Some of the volunteers are by now
It soon became apparent that the
professional footballer and I’ve loved it
standing at the back to stretch their
Phoenix needed more defenders. So
to bits. I recommend never giving up
aching limbs, eyes on Ben as they listen.
Ben decided to act in the only way he
because it’s never too late.”
Ben was 23 when he started playing again and he knew he had a long way
knew how. “I
phoned
Tiredness has lifted among the Ricki
Herbert
[then
volunteers.
We’re
all
wide-awake
to go to prove himself as a footballer
Phoenix manager] every day. Every
from listening to this tale, and already
once more.
day it was ‘ring, ring, ring’, straight to
thinking about how to apply this level of
“I was labelled as a party boy, a
answer phone. He must have had me on
dedication to our goals and dreams.
no-hoper. There was only one thing I
caller ID thinking, ‘that Ben Sigmund, I
Ben stays around for at least an hour
could do to show I’d changed my ways
can’t be bothered calling him back’. So
afterwards. Autographs are signed, the
– and that was to have another crack
I left a message saying ‘Ricki, you may
football is kicked around, much joking
at becoming a professional footballer.
as well answer, because I’m just going
and laughter ensues.
Twenty-four is starting to get a little
to keep ringing!’
Tomorrow is another day of physical
bit old in football terms – in any sports
“Within five minutes, he called back.
and mental challenges with new friends.
really. So I moved to Australia and
He said there was a good chance that
Limited Service Volunteers may be a
played for a semi-professional team.”
they would sign me. He said ‘give me
difficult journey, but many will leave with
Ben got a lucky break during this
three weeks’. Three weeks passed. He
a new sense of purpose, new friends, job
time. He got a call from the All Whites to
then said ‘give me another month’. I
prospects and a kick-start into the next
play in their game against Wales where
blagged and told him a US team wanted
chapter of life.
RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 19
Limited Service Volunteers Limited Service Volunteers is a free sixweek residential course run by the New Zealand Defence Force on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development, supported by the Police. It’s for unemployed young people who need to boost their life Matthew Thorpe and Daljeet Singh
lasting change It seemed a pointless task, washing
skills, confidence and motivation to find work. In 2010, LSV was expanded from its traditional home in Burnham,
“I was a work broker and enjoyed
Christchurch to Trentham in Upper Hutt
working with young people. I’d been
and Hobsonville in Auckland.
involved with LSV at Burnham and could
The goal is every year to motivate and
see the difference it made.”
prepare 1,500 young people for the path
cars in the pouring rain. But MATTHEW
Over the last three years, Daljeet has
THORPE held the back chat and set out
worked with the Defence Force to change
give them basic skills: how to listen and
to do what his boss asked.
LSV from what was seen as army training
follow instructions, be part of a team,
to
work and live with discipline, present
He remembered his Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) instructor’s refrain: “I don’t want tears; I want results”. Somehow, Matthew’s task became a matter of pride; his cars would be the cleanest on the car yard. A year ago this would not have happened, Matthew says. He’d left school and completed a tourism course, but struggled to accept authority and after six months of job applications and rejection, he gave up. Unemployed for 15 months, he began smoking a lot. He was aimless and confused. Worst of all, he felt he was failing his adopted mother and the family he loved. Then a mate handed him a pamphlet about LSV. “Hey, we should do this,” he said. Matthew thought “I’m doing nothing
a
comprehensive
pre-employment
programme. For the young people during and
to employment. Instructors and mentors
themselves, eat and exercise well, write a CV and talk to an employer.
after LSV, Daljeet is both mother figure
Since 2010, more than 5,000 unemployed
and mentor. At pre-course seminars, she
young people have been referred to LSV
doesn’t sugar coat their expectations. The
through Work and Income. More than
army instructors have high standards of
half have either found work within eight
discipline. Cigarettes are rationed. There
weeks of the course, or gone into further
is no alcohol, no mobile phones or ipods.
training or education.
Daljeet knows that many will be scared about making friends, homesick and
learn more
unsure about their physical ability. Just
www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/
before the course begins, she phones
children-young-people/lsv/index.html
to offer encouragement and make sure they turn up for the bus on day one. She’s also there during the course with
benefit. In fact, 12 of them now work for
encouragement and a sensible chat if
Work and Income.
someone starts to lose heart.
As for Matthew, with a new attitude
Trentham LSV takes young people
and his graduation report, he found work
He signed up for the first LSV intake
throughout the lower North Island. In
straight out of LSV. He has not been
at Trentham Army Camp in April 2010.
week three, Work and Income work
unemployed since that first job. He keeps
He threw himself into the course and
brokers visit from the regions. By now the
his LSV trophy on his desk and is saving
graduated top of his platoon.
young people are focused and keen to talk
money for a trip to learn about his South
about job and training opportunities.
African birth parents.
good at the moment. I need to change”.
Matthew’s first day at LSV was also DALJEET SINGH’s first day in the
Daljeet also keeps contact with many
Daljeet sometimes invites him to speak
new role of Work and Income LSV co-
LSV graduates after they have finished.
about his experience to other young people
ordinator at Trentham. She’d made
Only a small handful of graduates from
at pre-LSV seminars. He strongly believes in
the move from Christchurch to head
that first Trentham intake of 130 are
LSV and tells other young people so.
Trentham’s new LSV programme.
currently receiving a Work and Income
20 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
“It made such a difference in my life.”
Collective Impact After years of watching community groups try in isolation to tackle Porirua’s social, health and education needs, Mana Education Centre decided a new approach was needed. “A lot of money goes into Porirua, but it
overseas. She says Government, business and
hasn’t got the results the city wants,” says
communities must join forces to tackle our
in 2002 to reduce poverty for a million
director Angela Ryan.
toughest problems.
Canadians
The Centre organised a hui in June, drawing
more
than
200
people
Shine is modelled on Cincinnati’s Strive
Vibrant
Communities through
was
policy
launched
and
systems
change. Collectively, national and provincial
from
project, which successfully halted years
governments,
education, business, cultural, social and youth
of high school dropout rates. In a recent
groups have moved 209,000 Canadians out of
sectors, council and churches.
Stanford Social Innovation Review, social
poverty. In the past year, Ontario lifted 40,000
The resulting collective, Shine, agreed to
impact consultants John Kania and Mark
children out of poverty with another 90,000
work together to get better results for under-
Kramer describe how the non-profit Strive
on track to follow in the next five years.
25-year-olds in Porirua. Shine has started by
brought together 300 leaders from local
With one in four New Zealand kids
focusing on student achievement.
foundations, city officials, school boards and
living below the poverty line, Philanthropy
hundreds of education advocacy groups.
New Zealand’s Chair and Todd Foundation
“Schools can’t work any harder than they are…it needs the whole community involved.” With funding from Philanthropy New Zealand member the Todd Foundation and
Four
years
on,
more
students
are
graduating, enjoying higher grades and better prepared to enter their first year of school.
Executive
businesses
Director
and
Kate
community
Frykberg
says
Collective Impact seems a no-brainer. “If a community gets behind a common
Porirua City Council, Shine consulted widely,
Kramer and Kania say while a collective
vision and dovetails activity in pursuit of that
getting all 35 local schools, polytechnics and
approach needs significant investment in
vision, then the benefit must increase. It’s not
Massey University on board.
time and developing shared systems, the
easy, but the potential impact is huge.”
Now various collaborative projects are underway between schools, with parents and involving literacy experts.
international experience
isolated approach dominating the social sector inhibits large-scale progress.
web links
Canada’s Vibrant Communities Liz
Weaver
of
Canada’s
Porirua’s Shine Collective: www.shineporirua.org.nz Cincinnati’s Strive Project: Tamarack
Philanthropy New Zealand Chief Executive,
Institute visited Wellington recently to speak
Liz Gibbs says Shine is a good example of a
on the success of the Vibrant Communities
cutting edge approach called Collective
initiative
Impact, which is transforming communities
Canadian cities.
in
reducing
child
poverty
in
www.strivetogether.org Canada’s Vibrant Communities Project: www.vibrantcommunities.ca RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 21
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Midlands
“Now I’m in a role where I can make a difference in other lives.”
22 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
Midlands a voice for children
It was the speaker’s voice that RENÉE GAGE-
Renée is now a social worker with an NGO
BROWN remembered first. When she looked
provider. She sees a future working with families
again, the face was familiar too. It took Renée
and youth, particularly pregnant teenagers and
back to her childhood.
young mums.
The speaker was JULIE PEAKE. She was a Child, Youth and Family forensic interviewer,
“Now I’m in a role where I can make a difference in other lives.”
invited to lecture a class of Wintec social science
Today Julie Peake works for Child Matters, an
students. But 11 years earlier, she had been
organisation that educates people to recognise
Renée’s social worker.
and respond to child abuse. She says Renée’s
Now Renée was on her own way to becoming a social worker, having been inspired more than a decade earlier by the woman who was standing at the front of the room. Renée hadn’t seen Julie since she was a 10-year-old in State care. She recalls the day her
story highlights how social workers can affect children and young people. spent with Renée as her social worker she felt listened to and safe, and she’s been inspired to go into this great profession. I feel really honoured. “The social worker is often the most
collected from school and taken into care, not
important person in a child’s life in times of crisis
understanding what was happening or why her
and change. We need to remember that, because
parents had to “go away”.
working in care and protection you often don’t see the impact you make at the time.
was amazing. She made everything so much
“We need to believe children and validate
more bearable for us, especially because we
their fears and worries – listen to them, let them
were so young.”
speak and tell you how they’re feeling.”
Eventually, when Julie moved into a new role,
Like Renée, Jackie Allen – a former Child,
Renée’s file was handed over. Renée’s memories
Youth and Family social worker and now
after that are hazy; she doesn’t recollect a new
manager of Parentline – has personal experience
social worker and suspects her foster carers
of State care.
stopped communicating with the Children’s, Young Persons’ and Families Service.
Jackie went into care almost 35 years ago at the age of 12. She was discharged at 17 after a
In her late teens, Renée “went off the rails a bit”
number of foster care, family home and kin-care
until age 17 when she decided to do something
placements. She had several social workers and
positive. That led to a Degree in Social Services.
recalls losing one she was close to.
“I had looked up to Julie so much. Social workers
“I was devastated when I found out one of
may not be aware of the difference they can make
my social workers told me she was going away.
in a kid’s life, but she became my inspiration for
I really liked her and it broke my heart – her visits
anything I’ve ever done in relation to social work.”
had been a highlight for me.”
After that Wintec lecture, Renée didn’t approach Julie, fearing unwanted memories would be unearthed. But later she emailed a message about the impact Julie had had on her life.
Midlands region of Child, Youth and Family covers the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, with sites at Hauraki, Waikato East, Waikato West, Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Taupo and Tokoroa.
“For me the power is that during the time I
life changed, when she and two siblings were
“Julie was our first social worker and she
Key facts
Her experiences have given her a rich insight into the role of social workers. “You’ve got to advocate for them; you have to
New Zealand Police child protection teams are established in five sites, with a sixth co-location to be set up during 2013.
More than 1,050 tamariki and rangatahi from the Midlands Region are in Child, Youth and Family’s care, with about 759 living either in foster care, extended wha- nau or family, or in Child, Youth and Family homes.
Homes include care and protection family homes in Whakatane, Rotorua, Tauranga and Hamilton, Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence in Rotorua and a ‘supervision with activity’ residential facility in Hillcrest.
Our work depends on caring, dedicated foster caregivers. To find out about becoming a caregiver, visit www.cyf.govt.nz or call 0508 FAMILY (0508 227 377).
stand up and be their voice.” RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 23
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Midlands
it made me want to change At 3am on April 15, Sonia and her nephew John saw a brilliant shooting star as they walked along their driveway. Seventeen-year-old John was about to leave for three weeks in Nepal. Sonia hoped the shooting star was a sign of good luck. Now she’s sure it was. “John’s been a changed person since coming back from Nepal. He’s more positive, more confident and outgoing – his whole ähua (nature) is different.” With
his
new-found
confidence,
John is doing things he’d never have considered a year ago – like singing and playing his own guitar composition in a school talent quest. John has lived with Sonia, her husband Kelvin and their kids since he was seven, when he and his brother became wards of the court. “John and his brother came to us with a lot of challenges. They were our nephews, but we’d never met them – we were complete strangers. “John didn’t like school and he didn’t have the best attitude. When the opportunity came up for him to go to Nepal with World Challenge as part of a school group we thought it might be a chance for him to turn things around,” says Sonia. John raised almost $3,000, working part-time and fundraising. He bought
He says Nepal was “an incredible,
“The children seemed to look up to us
life-changing experience”. But it was the
as role models and treated me like a big
people that had the most profound effect.
brother, probably because my skin was
special gear including a sleeping bag for
“I was just looking at the kids and
sub-zero temperatures. Child, Youth and
how they live and thinking how we have
Nepal also gave John an unscheduled
Family also contributed towards the trip.
everything in New Zealand. They hardly
first ride in a helicopter after he sprained
adventure,
have anything – they go to school and they
his ankle on a mountain trek and was
John’s behaviour took an inexplicable
go home. They only have a little bit of food.
flown to a hospital in Pokhara. Other
turn for the worse. Sonia says he began
The people there are so poor but happy.
unforgettable experiences included riding
Despite
the
pending
to “self-destruct”.
“It made me want to change and
“He started acting really badly, getting
want to be more confident and positive,
into trouble and doing things completely
and to be more helpful. I want to try and
out of character. I really wanted John to go
get as much as I can out of life now.”
to Nepal, but his behaviour had to change.”
John’s school group was popular with
Put on notice, with strict boundaries
locals, and was invited to stay overnight
and many whänau hui, John’s behaviour
at seven teahouses – family-run ventures
improved. Nepal was back on the cards.
providing food, tea and a place to sleep.
24 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
the same colour as theirs.”
an elephant, trekking and camping in the wilderness. Back at home, John says he’s learned the rewards of staying focused on a goal and never to give up on yourself or your family. And the results of the school talent quest that John played in? He won!
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Midlands
well-worn steps Thirty years ago, LANCE EDMONDS
Hume says Anglican Action has committed
medium to high needs. They come through
wasn’t interested in school, had problems
to
prison
the court system. They might be first time
at home and got into a lot of trouble. But
because in supporting adults coming out of
offenders or old hands. Some may have
although his father was absent, Lance had
prison, it is obvious that the damage began
been in a youth justice residence. As long
positive male role models around him.
when they were young.
as someone wants to be helped they can
They were his mentors and that made all the difference.
teenagers
Anglican
tracking
Action
towards
set
up
a
youth
be helped.”
mentoring service and court-supervised
In less than one year, Te Ako Rangatahi
These days, as team leader of Te Ako
camps in 2011 through the Fresh Start
saw 18 out of 25 young men get back into
Rangatahi youth mentoring programme in
programmes offered by Child, Youth
school, alternative education or training.
Hamilton, Lance brings that experience to
and Family. When Lance came on board
“This team goes above and beyond,
young offenders’ journeys towards a more
in August 2012, the team named the
but our reward isn’t necessarily an entire
positive future.
programme
transformation; it’s seeing a small seed
Working
alongside
experienced
Te
Ako
Rangatahi
and
strengthened its focus on whänau.
of change sown. It might be something
mentors Rob Whitiora, Denise Rewi-Wetini
“Getting alongside whänau, family and
like the new way a young person engages
and others, Lance says that adults who
wider social networks is critical,” says Karen.
with their whänau, or it could be just
once walked in the shoes of the 14- to
Lance agrees. “We can take them away
going to school every day. Here, no change
16-year-olds they work with are key to the
on camp and work with them, but they
programme’s success.
still need to come back to that same home
“The kids can tell if you’re not being
environment. Mentoring means walking
straight up with them. They’ve already had
alongside
enough of that in their lives.”
change, but also bringing about change for
Anglican Action runs Te Ako Rangatahi
someone
and
seeing
them
the whole family.”
and also provides a range of social
Lance says there has not been a young
services, including a prisoner re-integration
person the programme hasn’t helped.
programme.
“The young people that come to us are
Missioner
Karen
Morrison
is trivial.”
learn more about Anglican Action’s Te Ako Rangatahi mentoring programme www.anglicanaction.org.nz
RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 25
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Te Waipounamu
“...it has helped them to feel part of the community.”
26 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
Te Waipounamu pooling together Julie Cave’s three foster children can
Water Safety New Zealand CEO Matt
hardly wait for summer. That’s so they can
Claridge says the pilot project extends the well-
practice their newly gained swimming skills
established Sealord Swim for Life programme,
in the Lower Moutere school pool.
developing swimming and water safety skills
Watching her three foster children learn to swim has been a highlight for Julie. “Going to the Aquatic Centre has also helped them to feel part of the community, because it means they get to do the same things other kids do.” Julie’s foster kids are just three of 60 vulnerable Nelson and Marlborough children getting free swimming lessons in a pilot project set up by Child, Youth and Family, Water Safety
where they are most needed. “Sealord Swim for Life is already working with children from low-decile schools around the country, getting them in the water learning to focus on particularly vulnerable children is a logical next step.” Sealord General Manager Human Resources Siobhan Cohen says Nelson/Marlborough was a logical place for the pilot to take place given
Swim for Life initiative.
the company’s strong presence in the region.
“It’s something that we’d have struggled to
“We’re extremely excited about working
provide otherwise, especially given where we
with Child, Youth and Family to make a
live,” says Julie.
difference to the lives of these children. The fact
The project focuses on kids who are either
we can do this in a region that’s so important to our business is an extra bonus.”
teachers or other professionals. It aims to give
Depending on each child’s ability, the
them opportunities to enjoy the water, gain
lessons focus on building confidence in the
confidence and learn to swim.
water and extending each child’s swimming
It is hoped that the pilot project will be a blueprint for other parts of the country. Child, Youth and Family Regional Director Southern Kelly Anderson says it is an exciting opportunity that has been welcomed by both caregivers and children. “We really care about our most vulnerable children having the same opportunities and
ability so they can be safer in the water. Sealord Swim for Life is a partnership between Sealord and Water Safety New Zealand. It aims to make sure Kiwi kids get opportunities to learn to swim by working with regional sports trusts, local authorities, schools and pools. The initiative also helps
experiences that are available to other New
get kids in the water by organising transport
Zealand children.
to pools, paying pool entry fees and training
“Teaming up with Water Safety New
Te Waipounamu Rohe or Southern Region of Child, Youth and Family covers the entire South Island.
to swim. Working with Child, Youth and Family
New Zealand and Sealord, through the Sealord
in foster care or referred by health nurses,
Key facts Around 1000 children and young people across Te Waipounamu Rohe are in Child, Youth and Family care.
The region has 12 care and protection sites, six youth justice teams, two care and protection residences and one youth justice residence.
In Christchurch a redesign of sites means that services are better placed to give prompt, effective support to vulnerable children, young people and families across the city.
In the year to June 2013, the region received 25,076 reports of concern about children and young people. 12,312 needed further action, with 3,134 substantiated findings of child abuse or neglect.
swimming teachers.
Zealand and Sealord has provided an excellent
Since it was launched in 2011, more than
chance for children in care to develop skills that
189,000 children nationally have participated in
will help them on their way to reaching their
Sealord Swim for Life. This number is expected
full potential.”
to grow to 250,000 by the end of 2014. RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 27
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Te Waipounamu
in other words Personal letters to kids in care are Susan Allen’s unique way of transforming standard reports into a real connection with the children she supports. Every time the Nelson-based social worker visits a caregiver and child, she is busy gathering information about the child’s wellbeing and environment. Later, after she has completed the standard ‘visit to child’ report, she reframes the information into a letter to the child. “It’s about what is happening in their lives, in language and images they can understand,” says Susan. As well as capturing the child’s voice, opinions and ideas, Susan uses illustrations reflecting each child’s interests and personality. “It’s about building hope and building the good things in their lives, so it’s important to frame things positively. It needs to be a sensitive, strengths-focused, honest recollection of the things they said and did and what we talked about when I visited.” She sends the first letter with a clearfile so that the child can collect the letters. Copies are added to their official file as a running record of their time in care, and also sent to caregivers. Susan, who has been a social worker for 17 years, writes creatively in her spare time and volunteers with young people with learning needs. She says the letters are an adaption of a communication tool called social stories and she’s keen to mentor others to use the letters. “The right words written back to kids can help them put things into context and make things clearer,” she says. “It’s also a great way to get to know the child, because you have to really listen to their
D ea r L iz zi e Wh en I arr ived you we re sit tin g in the sun in your pin k dre ssing gow n and pyjam as wa tch ing Sh aw n the Sh eep on T V. You had a co ugh. Na nnie said you had bee n sic k sin ce last nig ht and sh e’ d ma de an app oin tm ent at the doc tor. We talked abo ut get tin g a the rm om ete r to wa tch your tem per ature and we ran g the nurse to talk abo ut you r sym pto ms. Na nnie had ma de up a day bed for you bo th, as sh e had the flu too. You we nt to Na nnie for a cuddle and sh e held you clo se.
Eve n tho ugh you we re not fee ling we ll, you tal ked to me abo ut your friend s at pla y sc ho ol and your gar den. You said: “My favourite co lours are purple and pin k. I am going to gro w pu rple and wh ite flo we rs in my gar den as big as the tre es.”
We loo ked at the blo sso m tre es ou tside your ho use. On e tre e wa s pin k, the sam e co lour as your dre ssing gow n.
Na nnie told me tha t sh e takes you to the libr ary so me tim es as you like to sit and rea d and pla y with the toys the re. You have lot s of bo oks of your ow n and we talked abo ut Wi nnie the Po oh.
Na nnie said tha t your mumm y co me s eve ry we ek and sta ys ove rnight to spe nd tim e with you . Th ank you for talkin g with me Liz zie and I will see you nex t tim e I visit.
perspective.” Feedback from caregivers and other social workers using the letters has been good: “It keeps their focus strongly on the child and their voice.”
28 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
From Susa n, th e so cia l wo rke r
Spot light on Child, You t h and Family Te Waipounamu
Canterbury can stand up against family violence Dozens of Canterbury organisations have teamed up to support Canterbury families who need help to live without violence.
organisations
work
together
to
help
families affected by family violence.
High profile locals championing the campaign include Sir Mark Solomon,
The Collaborative’s latest project is the
“All of our agencies are acutely aware
Reverend Mike Coleman, Anna Galvan,
Canterbury Can campaign to reduce family
that when a community has survived a
Sophia Fenwick, Sela Faletolu, Jason Gunn
violence by changing attitudes and raising
and Janine Gunn-Morrell.
major disaster, it will typically experience a significant increase in family violence,” says Sergeant Jim Sole of the Christchurch Police Family Safety Team which is part of the Canterbury Family Violence Strategy Collaborative.
awareness of the help that is available. “We’re promoting the message that friends, family and neighbours should never ignore family violence,” says Sergeant Sole. Canterbury
Can
aims
to
educate
The Collaborative involves about 30
the community and give people the
government and non-government agencies,
confidence to take action and seek help. It
including Child, Youth and Family. It formed
is supported by the It’s not OK campaign
in 2011 after organisations got together to
and complements the message that it is OK
improve the way family violence-related
to help.
RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 29
> Southern Southern
The Otago Careers Festival saw Work and Income teaming up with local sports stars and
employers to present motivational seminars for job seekers, including information about local opportunities and what it takes to keep a job. Immigration New Zealand and Work and Income also ran information sessions for employers. A foster care campaign is beginning in Otago and Southland. It targets communities, schools and malls to raise people’s awareness of foster caring and to recruit new foster caregivers. Seasonal meat workers in Otago and Southland can gain free dairy industry training to boost their off-season work prospects. Work and Income has partnered with industry training provider Tectra and the Otago and Southland Branch of NZ Meat Workers and Related Trades Union to provide training towards NCEA Level 2 Dairy.
Canterbury Canterbury
Senior Services managers around the country met in Christchurch to see the impact that the
earthquakes have had on senior clients, and ways to promote health, wellbeing, balance and resilience. Parenting Week saw Work and Income staff taking part in school events to increase the awareness of the support that is available to families. School principals and education staff came to a home-cooked breakfast at Child, Youth and Family’s new site at Nga Hau e Wha marae. The aim was to build connections, relationships, communication and partnership between schools and Child, Youth and Family. Canterbury Can is a new campaign against family violence, supported by 30 organisations, to change attitudes and raise awareness of help available for families struggling with violence.
Nelson, Malborough, West Coast
Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Working with Mäori: Child, Youth and Family Blenheim invited key Mäori providers and
community partners to a hui at Omaka Marae in August. They developed a plan to guide Child, Youth and Family Blenheim in their future work with Mäori. Getting people into work: With the July 15 changes to the welfare system, Work and Income service centres are supporting greater numbers of people to find jobs or develop skills for work in the future. Supporting the effort, many local organisations are providing training, work preparation skills, mentoring and in-work support for our clients. Presentations can be arranged for organisations which would like to know more about the welfare reforms and how we are working differently. Contact Community Liaison Advisor Jill Harris on 03 989 7046. 30 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
Wellington Wellington
The Hutt Valley Innovation Better Public Services Project has launched two new initiatives. Schools have signed up to a new project to tackle non-attendance, plus a new outreach van is now taking social services into communities. Regional health and disability advisors plan to train frontline Work and Income staff to better support inclusion of clients with disabilities, following the recent NZ Disability Support Network conference. Work and Income’s new Youth Service was a highlight for a South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare group who visited Kilbirnie Community Link to learn about Work and Income’s work. The July earthquake displaced many Lower Hutt MSD staff. Sharing workspaces with Naenae and Porirua Community Links and the Lower Hutt Service Centre, staff are using the chance to gain insight into different roles.
Central Central
Health and disability advisors have visited all medical practitioners in the region with information on welfare changes and how Work and Income now supports clients with ill health or disability. Advisors are continuing to connect with midwifes, community mental health providers, social workers, pharmacists, clinicians and primary health nurses. Seasonal work opportunities for clients in the horticulture and viticulture sectors are a big focus for Work and Income’s Labour Market team leading into summer. Training courses to help people back into the workforce are available across the Central region. Funded by Work and Income, the courses boost skills and confidence, help with CVs and interview skills. To learn more call Work and Income on 0800 599 009 or talk to a case manager.
East Coast
East Coast
A memorandum of understanding now exists between Child, Youth and Family and Te Runanga o Ngati Porou in Gisborne. It marks a formal partnership to protect and nurture Ngati Porou tamariki and mokopuna. Explaining welfare reform to social service, iwi and advocate groups and exploring new ways to work together is a major focus in the East Coast region. More than 35 hui and presentations have been held so far. In Flaxmere, 15 agencies got together with Work and Income, including Careers NZ, the Hastings Budget Service, Te Whare Karamu Teen Parent House, Footsteps Early Childhood Education, Literacy Aoteoroa and In-Work Support. Service Centre manager Mo Waiwiri said “The great thing was getting to know each other and learning more about our roles and how we can better work together.”
Taranaki, King Country, Whanganui
Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui
A new partnership between Training for You in Whanganui and Feats in Taranaki will help more Work and Income clients move closer to work. Sixty-five clients are training towards the National Certificate in Health Disability and Aged Support Level 3, leading to opportunities such as healthcare or dental assistants, nursing or medical support, caregivers, therapist aides or community home support. Whakatipuranga Rima Rau is a collaborative project in Taranaki to promote health and disability sector careers for Mäori. Launched in 2010, it aims to fill 500 jobs over 10 years. Out of 57 students who have been in the project’s Incubator Training Programme for two years, 19 are moving into further health studies. All 13 Taranaki secondary schools are involved, with 185 new students entering the Incubator Programme this year. RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013 31
Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty Social Sector Trials have begun in Rotorua and Whakatane, joining established Trials which have
run in Tokoroa and Kawerau since 2011 with encouraging results. The Trials take a community-driven approach to help young people do better. The aim is reduce youth offending, truancy and alcohol and drug use, and increase numbers in education, training or work. A Youth Symposium in June saw 60 people from local and central government developing a Youth Action Plan to improve young people’s NCEA Level 2 results and reduce rheumatic fever rates, long-term welfare dependency and youth offending. Learn more on the Collaboration Bay of Plenty website: www.cobop.govt.nz Work and Income is continuing to connect with key stakeholders on the July welfare changes. Learn more on www.msd.govt/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/welfare-reform/index.html
Waikato Waikato
Koroneihana – the celebration of the 2006 coronation of King Tüheitia – included an expo at
Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia. Child, Youth and Family and Work and Income spent three days talking with visitors, discussing the new welfare reforms, and promoting positive parenting. Youth Service providers in the Waikato are working intensively with 1,100 young people who are not in employment, education or training, or who are receiving a Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment from Work and Income. Youth Service was set up a year ago to support 16 to 17-year olds and 16 to 18-year-old parents to remain in or return to education, training, or work-based learning. This service provides young people with one-on-one mentoring and support to thrive in life and work.
Auckland Auckland
Young people in the Limited Service Volunteer programme marched out this month in the fourth of five courses at Hobsonville this year. The six-week residential programmes support young people into work or training by improving self-discipline, confidence and motivation. StudyLink is busy in secondary schools helping prospective tertiary students apply online for financial assistance for 2014 study. Nigel Kapa is the new Northern Regional Team Manager of the Ministry of Youth Development. Nigel has been with MYD for 18 months as a Youth Development Advisor and was previously the Auckland City Council’s youth worker co-ordinator. National Social Workers Day on 25 September is a chance to celebrate the work of hundreds of social workers who quietly make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
Northland Northland
A trial Children’s Team is gearing up to begin work in Whangarei. Children’s Teams are a key part
of the Government’s Children’s Action Plan to get better results for vulnerable children, and reduce child abuse and neglect. Child, Youth and Family is among agency and community-based professionals working with Whangarei Children’s Director, Lianne Egli, to design the new collaborative service for at-risk kids. The Te Hiku Social Accord is a partnership between the Crown and three Far North iwi – Ngai Takoto, Te Aupouri and Te Rarawa. The goal is to boost social and economic development in the rohe. The partnership is taking shape with monthly meetings and an avocado industry event in Kaitaia, which was the first in a series of initiatives to boost work opportunities for locals.
32 RISE: Issue 24 – September 2013
tips,links and news Get the right person for the job with a made-to-measure Work and Income partnership. At Work and Income’s Employer Services, a win-win partnership with Downer finds the workers that the business needs and has given more than 120 Work and Income clients a door into work. Downer is a large provider of engineering and infrastructure management services in Australasia and the Asia Pacific region. Work and Income and Downer have developed a tailor-made partnership to match, train and place Work and Income clients into meaningful jobs. It starts with a pre-employment programme including unit standards, driver licences, life skills training and an introduction to Downer culture. “We have the flexibility to select candidates and commit only after our two-week pre-employment training programme shows us that they have the right attitude and aptitude,” says Downer Executive General Manager Chris Meade.
“Our offer rate has been over 90 per cent. Our retention rate is also high.” “Downer enjoys Work and Income’s willingness to come up with new solutions for new situations,” says Chris. Since the Canterbury earthquakes, the availability of skilled labour to support the re-build has become a national priority. Employers
aren’t
always
able
to
find
workers with the right skills in the place where they’re needed. “When the potential candidate supply
learn more www.workandincome.govt.nz/business/
in Christchurch ran dry, Work and Income came up with candidates who were selected and trained in other locations,” says Chris. With
a
relocation
guaranteed support
offer and
of
work,
on-the-job
mentoring from Downer, all but one of the recruits are in work. “Together we are doing something right!” says Chris.
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 24 – September 2013 33
Work with us A made-to-measure partnership with Work and Income’s Employer Services gives you the right people with the right skills for your job
“With new solutions to meet our needs, our partnership has trained and placed over 120 unemployed people into meaningful roles. Together we are doing something right!” Chris Meade | Downer
“With Work and Income, we’ve got a nationwide network dedicated to finding and training the right people for our jobs.”
“Often, all people need is a break and they’ll be your best employees.” Graham Burke Workzone Scaffolds
Graeme Ham Accor Hotels
Learn more
www.workandincome.govt.nz/business
industrypartnerships@msd.govt.nz
“We’re very proud of the lifechanging work we do with young people, supported by Work and Income.” Michael Barnett Auckland Chamber of Commerce