Haere mai, new Youth Advisory Group members

The Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is a collective of passionate young people aged 18–24. The group will help shape the future of care and support for tamariki and rangatahi across the country.

The event opened with karakia and waiata, then was marked by speeches. First from Hon. Karen Chhour, Minister for Children. Then by Darrin Haimona, the Deputy Chief Executive of Enabling Communities at Oranga Tamariki.

Both speakers acknowledged the courage of the rangatahi in the room. Darrin also observed how unique it is to have a Minister for Children who has experience of care.

Darrin Haimona echoed this sentiment, emphasising his gratitude to the YAG members and saying, “thank you so much for your aroha.”

The Youth Advisory Group plays a vital role in ensuring that the voices of young people with lived experience in care are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

Members will meet regularly to provide feedback on policies, services, and practices, helping to ensure that Oranga Tamariki remains grounded in the realities of those it serves.

As one new member put it, “We come to enhance the mana of our youth in care. Thank you for listening to us.”

“Being here is such a privilege for me,” another new member added.

The new YAG members were supported on the day by ex YAG member, Meno Kapa Clarke (Ngāpuhi).

“I was inspired by my experience and having siblings still in care. I wanted better cultural support for them,” said Meno.

“I one hundred percent felt I was able to use my voice to influence.”

“For this new group, we need Oranga Tamariki to make them feel safe and supported – and to give them the confidence to speak. Anything they say is treasure.”