Tamariki

Children 5-12 years old

We are dedicated to improving the lives of tamariki in Aotearoa New Zealand, informed by connections to our members who work alongside children and their whānau every day. With a focus on middle childhood, we champion policies and services that improve understanding and support of 5- to 12-year-olds. Together, we hope to enhance the wellbeing, resilience and security of all tamariki in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Tamariki, young boys pulling faces

Read the Tamariki report

Explore our easy-to-read guide that highlights the world of children aged 5- to 12-years old. Designed for anyone who wants to know more about the lives of tamariki in middle childhood, with helpful information about development, rights, wellbeing and more This guide also explores the challenges faced by kids in Aotearoa New Zealand. Enhance your understanding and support the tamariki in your life with the most relevant, up-to-date information available. 

Read more
Tamariki report cover

Explore our work with 5-12 year old children

search / filter content

Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products - Amendment Bill No 2

NZCCSS supports stronger youth protections against vaping through the Smokefree Environments Amendment Bill

AI generated Illustrated image of a young woman's torso in a green field with a large vape to her left and a smokefree logo behind her
Submission
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Oranga Tamariki still owes millions to care providers

Care providers face uncertainty with $5 million in delayed funding from OT causing disruptions.

David Hanna, Director of Wesley Community Action in front of a patterned wall
News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Oranga Tamariki defends funding cuts, service providers unconvinced

Oranga Tamariki defends funding cuts, but frontline providers warn of negative impacts on vulnerable families.

Oranga Tamariki signage
News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Decision-Making Challenges at Oranga Tamariki: A Q&A Interview

Nikki Hurst highlights inadequate decision-making at Oranga Tamariki in a recent Q&A interview.

Image of Nikki Hurst from an interview on Q&A with John Campbell who is pictured in the foreground
News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Uncertain Funding Leaves Charities Struggling

Charities await Oranga Tamariki funding decisions, causing stress and potential risks for vulnerable youth.

Thumbnail image of Kathryn Ryan with text displaying RNZ Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan
News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Education & Training - Amendment Bill 2024

NZCCSS highlights concerns about early childhood network approvals, charter schools, and attendance data.

AI generated image of a highlighted textbook surrounded by post its, books and a pair of reading glasses
Submission
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Oranga Tamariki Amendment Bill - Repeal of Section 7AA

The NZCCSS submission emphasises retaining section 7AA, prioritising evidence, and upholding children’s rights in legislative changes.

AI generated image of children sitting on a bench-showing only legs and feet
Submission
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Oranga Tamariki Cuts Leave Frontline Workers in Limbo

Oranga Tamariki’s contract cuts create uncertainty for care organisations, affecting vital services for children.

Photo of Nikki Hurts and Belinda Himiona in front of ACE House in Wellington
News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Urgent Need for Clarity on Oranga Tamariki Contracts

Read insights on Oranga Tamariki’s contract uncertainty and its impact on vulnerable children.

Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children sign
News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Briefings to Ministers (BIMs)

NZCCSS Briefings to Incoming Ministers (BIMs) following the 2023 General Election.

Resource
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Under 5s Basic Health and Welfare Thematic Report

Collaborative report on child health in NZ to the UN committee on the rights of the child

Resource
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Budget 2024 Social Services Analysis

We closely review Budget 2024, aiming to find the small line items that matter to our sector.

The beehive and other New Zealand iconography
News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Ram Raid Offending and Related Measures - Amendment Bill

We challenge the kaupapa to increase the criminalisation of children as a result of media attention on specific crimes.

People supporting each other hugging
Submission
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Who will be the voice for children?

Digging into the changes we’ve seen since the 2017 election regarding the rights of tamariki.

News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Nine to Noon Radio Interview: Oranga Tamariki funding for charities in doubt

Our EO Nikki Hurst expresses deep concern over Oranga Tamariki’s uncertain funding and its impact on services.

Thumbnail image of Kathryn Ryan with text displaying RNZ Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan
News
Direction Right Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comRead More

Poipoia te kākano kia puawai

Nurture the seed and it will blossom