Plunket volunteers are making a difference in communities across New Zealand each day, by being there to support new babies and their families. Plunket Trust Chair Christine Lake says National Volunteer Week provides an opportunity for Plunket to recognise and thank its 1300 volunteers for the amazing work they do. Christine joined Plunket as a volunteer in 2000 to meet people and she still volunteers for Plunket, now in a governance role.

Community consultation (7 – 25 June) begins today to help Plunket better understand the needs of Karori families with children under five years old. Radha Balakrishnan, Plunket’s Chief of Strategy and Performance, says the consultation is an opportunity to hear from hundreds of young families in Karori - so Plunket can be sure it is delivering the services they need most. The future of Plunket’s Karori Crèche will be part of the conversations and consultation.

*Plunket's submission on the Child Poverty Reduction Bill* Plunket CEO Amanda Malu says the Child Poverty Reduction Bill is a significant and welcome step in eliminating the devastating impacts of child poverty.   Speaking at today’s Select Committee hearing on the Bill, Ms Malu said it did not go far enough in recognising the importance of the wider ‘village’ to a child’s well-being and the vast disparities for some groups of children, particularly Māori tamariki.   “Plunket sees first-hand the damage done to a child when they grow up in a family and community experiencing poverty.