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The Green Party will work to build a system that puts tamariki, rangatahi and whānau first.

Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to be loved, nurtured and safe. They should be connected with their whānau, cared for and free to express their authentic selves, no matter where they live. We know we have enough to ensure tamariki are free from poverty and supported through every step of their unique journey. Supporting tamariki means ensuring whānau and communities have everything they need to support their wellbeing.

We have a shared responsibility to make sure tamariki voices are heard, centred and reflected in all decisions that impact them. Tamariki deserve a skilled, well-supported workforce that is trauma informed, culturally responsive and properly trained.

Tamariki Māori are disproportionately impacted by a child protection system that excludes meaningful partnership and underinvests in culturally grounded, whānau-led solutions. A functioning system should centre whakapapa and identity, with whānau and hapū resourced to lead decisions affecting their tamariki. 

The Green Party reflects our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by addressing the inequities tamariki Māori face in everyday life and in the state care system.