Submissions

The privilege of interacting with so many of the nation’s families and young children presents Plunket with the opportunity to be a voice for those families.

Through submissions and feedback on draft documents, reviews, and proposed legislation Plunket is an advocate for child and family wellbeing on any number of issues, such as breastfeeding in the workplace, benefit reform, paid parental leave or tobacco control.

Much of this work relates directly to topics covered within Plunket remits, mandates for action passed by Plunket members. Through these submissions Plunket is speaking on behalf of hundreds of members, parents of New Zealand children, in order to be heard by those agencies and government bodies seeking input on topics that matter a great deal to families.

The views expressed are based on careful consideration of existing evidence from credible national and international sources and authorities. Submissions are often specialised or even technical and are shaped by Plunket team members with specialist knowledge.

Current & upcoming opportunities

Enquiry into the Wellbeing of Māori Children Gets Underway - Have Your Say

The public is invited to share their views and information about the wellbeing of Māori children. The Māori Affairs Select Committee enquiry was confirmed on Wednesday 28 September. The enquiry will cover:

1. The historical and current health, education, and welfare profiles of Māori children. This would take account of the transmission of life circumstances between generations, and how this impacts on Māori children.
2. The extent of public investment in Māori children across the health, education, social services, and justice sectors and whether this investment is adequate and equitable.
3. How public investment in the health, education, social services, and justice can be used to ensure the well-being of Māori children.
4. The social determinants necessary for healthy growth and development for Māori children.
5. The significance of whānau for strengthening Māori children.
6. Policy and legislative pathways to address the findings of this inquiry.

Submissions have now closed. Additional information may be found on the Every Child Counts website.

The Green Paper on vulnerable children. Now you can be part of the solution

On 27 July 2011, Plunket welcomed the launch of a Green Paper on vulnerable children.

Plunket CEO Jenny Prince was among the key people who were consulted during the development of the paper, which has a special focus on under five year-olds. She said, "Evidence tells us there are no quick fixes. There are a complex range of contributing factors to the state of our children’s health and wellbeing. We need to concentrate effort on ensuring that families have the support they need to safely care for and raise New Zealand’s future generations. This Green Paper is a very tangible way we can all be involved in making real change for our children."

The paper is available to download here: www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz

Submissions have now closed, read Plunket's Submission on the Green Paper.