Remits

Remits are mandates for focused or specific action which Plunket’s membership has chosen as key issues for the organisation to address on behalf of the child under age 5.

Plunket’s membership comes from the grassroots. Remits represent what literally hundreds of New Zealand parents consider to be high priority for the nation’s children, their families and communities. Over the years, topics have reflected the priorities and concerns of the times. The position taken by Plunket has always been grounded in the most current evidence and research.

Remits are driven by a commitment to promoting what is best for children’s physical and emotional health and development - always in context of healthy families and communities.

A century of Plunket remits reflects the issues of the times and the priorities of Plunket’s membership.

Some of the well child issues Plunket is committed to working with include:

• preventing family violence
• improving child oral health
• promoting breastfeeding
• the fencing of swimming pools
• addressing the link between family violence and animal abuse
• protecting children from tobacco smoke
• child car seats
• home safety.

In 2007, there was a high profile example illustrating Plunket’s commitment to the best for children. Members gave a mandate for the organisation to join in actively supporting the repeal of section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961. Plunket’s position recognised the benefits of positive parenting practices and that promoting their widespread use would lead to better outcomes for children.