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Celebrating children and young people
5 March 2010
"Children's Day is on Sunday, 7 March, and I am looking forward to an, exciting and eventful day of celebrations", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Law working well – review welcomed
8 December 2009
Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the latest Section 59 Review by Howard Broad, Commissioner of Police, Peter Hughes, Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development and Nigel Latta, Clinical Psychologist.
Barnardos New Zealand and Plunket welcome Never Ever Shake a Baby campaign
3 December 2009
Barnardos New Zealand and Plunket welcome today’s launch of the campaign Never, Ever Shake a Baby, by Hon Paula Bennett, Minister of Social Development. The campaign is highly significant in that it focuses on protecting the most vulnerable of our citizens.
Children need their fathers
2 December 2009
Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the two reports released by the Families Commission today, Supporting Kiwi Dads and Heart and Head: An Explanation of the Meaning of Fatherhood, says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Barnardos and Plunket launch new resource: A Theology of Children
13 November 2009
Barnardos New Zealand and Plunket are proud to be jointly launching a new publication,
A Theology of Children.
The 24-page booklet, which has a foreword by Wellington’s Bishop Richard Randerson, is aimed at supporting and strengthening Pacific parents, grandparents, and caregivers with strategies for non-physical discipline of children within a theological context. Dr Elizabeth Clements penned the summary. Law working well – report welcomed
11 November 2009
"Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the report on the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act by the Ministry of Social Development released today", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Parents say positive parenting works
15 October 2009
"Discipline has a lasting impact on the wellbeing of children so it’s important for parents to use positive techniques that support a child’s development and learning. This research shows parents are three times more likely to use positive reinforcement such as rewards, praise, reasoning and distraction to encourage good behaviour, than punishments. However, when punishment was considered necessary parents said the most effective strategies were time out and withdrawal of privileges," said Barnardos Chief Executive, Murray Edridge.
Wellington's young talent performing to help children
13 October 2009
Saturday's family concert at the Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall, presented by New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Associate Concertmaster Donald Armstrong, was a huge success. Along with a String Quintet of NZSO musicians, talented young performers from the Wellington area gave their best to impress the audience.
Wellington's young talent performing with NZSO musicians at Town Hall
30 September 2009
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Associate Concertmaster Donald Armstrong is presenting a special family concert at 3.30pm on 10 October at the Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall. There's an excellent concert programme with something to offer all ages.
Poroporoaki for Professor James Ritchie
25 September 2009
Barnardos New Zealand is saddened by the death of former Waikato University Professor of Psychology, and strong child advocate, James Ritchie, yesterday.
"James' death is a great loss for New Zealand children, students and teachers. Along with his wife Jane, James has been a staunch advocate for children, young people and their families and promoted raising children without the use of physical punishment", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Bradford resignation a loss for Parliament - and for children
25 September 2009
Barnardos New Zealand acknowledges the outstanding work of Sue Bradford during her time in Parliament and considers her imminent departure to be a significant loss for the people she so effectively represented during her time as a Member of Parliament.
Summit on Children and the Recession presents plan to Minister
24 September 2009
Every Child Counts Summit on Children and the Recession presented a plan of action to the Minister of Housing, Hon Phil Heatley to address the well-being of children during the recession.
The plan included 42 recommendations, however the main recommendations, developed by 70 delegates who attended the Summit and presented to the government were: Develop one strategic plan to promote innovation and productivity in the economy and equitable social redistribution that invests in children.
Ms Savill – pull the referendum!
26 June 2009
"Barnardos New Zealand wishes to clarify the situation that Family First is so diligently trying to confuse. There is only one person in this nation that can stop the upcoming citizens initiated referendum. That person is Sheryl Savill - the instigator of the petition that has required the referendum to be held," says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand."
Smacking - "It's wrong, full stop" say children
23 June 2009
"It's bad that they are smacking them. It's good that they are disciplining them but they shouldn't be hitting them really hard. Maybe they could send them to the corner" -
11 year old girl who participated in the What's Up survey.
Let's get some honesty into the debate
17 June 2009
Barnardos New Zealand is calling on Family First to publicise case details of the people they claim have been so negatively affected by the law change on the physical discipline of children.
A Yes Vote is the right vote for children and families
15 June 2009
Barnardos is urging all New Zealanders to recognise that a ‘Yes’ vote in referendum ’09 is the best way to ensure the legal protection of children through the child discipline law.
Barnardos welcomes new Community Response Fund
20 May 2009
"Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the Government’s plan to establish a new Community Response Fund to support critical social services for New Zealanders during the economic downturn", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Barnardos welcomes report by Families Commission
6 May 2009
"The report underlines the recent research into the developments of minds and brains of young children, and how these affect families in New Zealand. Barnardos agrees that the quality of interaction and trust within families and between caregivers and children, in particular in early childhood, is crucial. Children who experience neglect, stress, abuse or trauma are likely to impair the development of their brain", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ".
For our children's sake, let's be fair and sensible
20 March 2009
A coalition of organisations committed to positive outcomes for children and families wishes to set the record straight regarding the child discipline law.
‘Don't let tobacco industry use shops to reach our kids’,
say child advocacy groups
4 March 2009
The Paediatric Society of New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, Barnardos New Zealand and Parents Centres New Zealand have joined forces to put their weight behind calls to get tobacco out of sight in shops.
Encouraged by Decrease in Bullying
23 January 2009
"Although the 2008 statistical summary that What’s Up, the free nationwide telephone helpline for children and young people in New Zealand, released earlier this week shows that relationship problems with family, friends or partners as well as bullying accounted for about 50% of the year’s calls, the good news is that the severity of bullying reported decreased significantly" says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Children receive help with Back to School packs
20 January 2009
"Today, Barnardos received the packs which will be distributed to children and young people who will start or return to school in early February. The packs are filled with necessary school supplies such as writing material and drink bottles".
Standing up against violence on White Ribbon Day
24 November 2008
"Violence against any person is not acceptable any day of the year but tomorrow, on White Ribbon Day, we publicly mark our stand against violence towards women by wearing a white ribbon", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Barnardos welcomes Children's Commissioner report
17 November 2008
"Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the report released today by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner on its survey of public attitudes to New Zealand’s child discipline law", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
World expert on youth resilience in New Zealand
12 November 2008
The Canadian academic, social worker and marriage and family therapist, Professor Michael Ungar, is in New Zealand to give a series of presentations on youth resilience for policy makers, social workers and researchers.
Barnardos is celebrating
12 November 2008
"Barnardos New Zealand is welcoming the research project on child discipline carried out by the University of Otago Children's Issues Centre between December 2006 and July this year. It is academically rigorous and it shows that parents are moving towards more positive disciplinary methods", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Parents moving towards positive parenting methods
4 November 2008
"Barnardos New Zealand is welcoming the research project on child discipline carried out by the University of Otago Children’s Issues Centre between December 2006 and July this year. It is academically rigorous and it shows that parents are moving towards more positive disciplinary methods", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Seeing the world through the eyes of a child
22 October 2008
"Our theme for this year’s AGM is ‘through the eyes of a child’, providing the context through which we view the activities of Barnardos. It reflects our commitment to understanding and valuing what is important to children", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Focus on child poverty in Aotearoa NZ on Poverty Day
16 October 2008
"It is disgraceful that 230,000 children, or 22 per cent , live in poverty in New Zealand. Poverty can lead to developmental delay and illness. It impairs a child’s health and increases the chances of abuse and neglect. New Zealanders need to ask whether we are prepared to live with the consequences of leaving so many children marginalised through poverty," says Barnardos Chief Executive Murray Edridge.
How relevant is this election to young voters?
15 October 2008
"Our theme for this year’s AGM is ‘through the eyes of a child’, providing the context through which we view the activities of Barnardos. It reflects our commitment to understanding and valuing what is important to children", says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Take action for Child Poverty
7 August 2008
"A Fair Go for all Children: Actions to address child poverty in New Zealand highlights a profound concern for New Zealand society - that we cannot afford to sacrifice the healthy development of our children and therefore our productive human capital. Poverty leads to developmental delay, lower educational attainment and ill health. It also puts children at higher risk of physical abuse and neglect, and even death," said Barnardos New Zealand Chief Executive, Murray Edridge.
Where are the children in this debate?
26 June 2008
"As we watch the ongoing contentious debate between petitioners, political aspirants, and politicians from all political parties about the referendum on the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act, we seem to have forgotten about children,"says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Anniversary of momentous law change for children
20 May 2008
The Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act received its Royal Assent a year ago today. A year on, Barnardos NZ says the important law change seems to be working extremely well.
"The child discipline law brought a new and important standard onto our statute books: children deserve the same legal protection from assault as every other citizen. That was a momentous step on the path towards a society that doesn't tolerate any form of violence, and one that truly values and appreciates children," said Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ today.
An end to child poverty in New Zealand by 2020
29 April 2008
Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the report 'Left Behind' published yesterday by The Child Poverty Action Group and it supports the call for an end to child poverty in New Zealand by 2020. 'It is a simple fact that children raised in poverty suffer negative impacts on their health and development that can stay with them for a lifetime.
New Zealand needs an agreed standard to measure poverty and Barnardos would like to see the adoption of a poverty line set at 60% of the median household income after housing costs,' says Murray Edridge Chief Executive.
Helping children deal with family violence
9 April 2008
"Footsteps to Feeling Safe is about giving children the skills so that they understand violence is not
okay, it's not their fault, and that it is important to seek help," says Kirsty Rees, Footsteps to Feeling
Safe coordinator for the Wellington region.
"By the end of the 12-week programme each child will also have a safety plan, which they have
practised and feel confident that they can use if the need arises."
Leading the way on credit card security
4 April 2008
Not only is Barnardos New Zealand leading the way in on-line credit card security for notfor-
profit organisations, but it is also helping others do the same.
On Tuesday 8 April, the child-focused organisation is co-hosting a five-hour forum in
Wellington with Flo2Cash Ltd, on how to beef up security for on-line credit card payments.
Targeting Communications
17 March 2008
'Communication has an impact on all areas of children’s learning and development,' says Jill Power, Barnardos Area Manager for the Wellington/Wairarapa. 'It’s more than just talking and listening. It cuts across all the sense and it is the key to successful relationships between children, parents, Caregivers, and others.'
Great news for children and families
12 February 2008
“This is great news for children and families,” says Barnardos New Zealand’s Chief Executive Murray Edridge in response to the Government’s decision to significantly boost funding for community-based organisations working with vulnerable families, children and young people."
State of the nation
30 January 2008
‘I welcome the focus of both leaders on young people in their state of the nation speeches,’ said Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ.
‘On Monday, I called for them to focus on the needs of children by delivering policies that ensure we hand on to our children a world worth living in, eradicating child poverty and child abuse and neglect,’ he said.
New Children's Advocates for Otago
11 January 2008
“The appointment of Child Advocates in Dunedin and Queenstown will make sure that the needs of children and young people affected by domestic violence are better met,” says Frederica Shannon, Team Leader of Barnardos New Zealand’s Child and Family services in Otago.
Relief for kids at Christmas - call 0800WHATSUP
21 December
“We keep the lines open because we know that while Christmas can be a great time of year if you’re surrounded by close families and good friends, it can be a challenge if you’re not,” says Grant Taylor, Executive Director of What’s Up, the free telephone counselling service for five to 18 year olds.
The law works well
22 November 2007
"I believe this is the first reported case in which the new law relating to child discipline in the home has been tested in court and the law has worked well," said Peter Gerrie, Acting Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ.
It's time to see children differently
1 November 2007
It’s time we started seeing children differently,” said Murray Edridge, Barnardos New Zealand Chief Executive, at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in Wellington this afternoon.
“Let’s start valuing and loving children for who they are, not for whom they might grow into.”
Is home-based education under the radar?
26 September 2007
“Home-based early childhood education and care is under rated, under valued and under the radar in the early childhood sector in New Zealand,” said Robyn Reid, Barnardos New Zealand specialist adviser, early childhood, during a workshop at the 2007 Early Childhood Convention in Rotorua today.
Select Committee option the best - Section 59 debate
14 March 2007
Today a consortium of child and family community groups gave public endorsement of the Select Committee’s amendment of the Section 59 repeal bill. The endorsement was given at a press conference at Parliament called by Sue Bradford MP (Sponsor of the Bill) and Lynne Pillay MP (Chair of the Justice and Electoral Committee which drafted the amended Bill).
Thumbs down for Chester Borrows’ proposal
08 March 2007
Today, community groups working with children and families gave the thumbs down to National MP Chester Borrows' proposal to amend Section 59 of the Crimes Act.
Section 59: a time for decisive leadership says Barnardos
20 February 2007
Barnardos New Zealand has strongly re-affirmed its support for the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act. The organisation also called on all Members of Parliament to vote for the Crimes Amendment Bill as reported back by the Justice and Electoral Committee.
How New Zealand cares for its children
15 February 2007
“The release of the latest UNICEF Innocenti report on the well-being of the children in rich countries is timely,” said Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand.
Barnardos to offer free early childhood education
19 January 2007
Barnardos New Zealand has opted to offer the Government’s 20 hours a week free early childhood education for three and four year olds in its Early Learning Centres and KidStart, its home-based education and care service.
The last walk is over for this year’s Barnardos Big Toddle
30 November 2006
The nationwide fundraiser has seen more than 6000 children from about 150 early childhood groups put their best foot forward to raise funds so that Barnardos can help children thrive through its child and family services.
The Sarah Lilli Fund - a chance for disadvantaged children to live their dreams
28 November 2006
The death of a much-loved daughter has prompted a Wellington family to set up a fund so disadvantaged children can pursue an interest or enjoy a special celebration that otherwise would be out of their reach.
Barnardos welcomes Section 59 report
21 November 2006
The report of the Justice and Electoral Committee on Sue Bradford’s private member’s bill was welcomed today by Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ.
A grand night at the White Pages® Arts Charity Auction
08 November 2006
What’s Up,the free telephone counselling service for five to 18 year olds, is looking forward to a grand night at the White Pages® Arts Charity Auction on 15 November thanks to the generosity of artists and of the staff from White Pages®.
Singing and smiles with NZ Idol Judge, Megan Alatini, at Barnardos Big Toddle
02 November 2006
Megan and the children sang as they walked, with teachers and parents, from Barnardos Early Learning Centre in Mangere to their local leisure centre for a sponsored obstacle course. She then presented medals to all who took part before heading back to the Early Learning Centre for an early lunch and some more singing…including a song from Megan’s True Bliss days.
Barnardos celebrates a successful year and looks to the future
26 October 2006
“A greater focus on integrated services, collaborative relationships in the community and with government, and a strong financial result puts Barnardos New Zealand in an even better position to help children in New Zealand have a great start in life,” said Murray Edridge, Barnardos New Zealand Chief Executive, at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in Wellington on 26 October.
Barnardos supports PlunketLine
28 September 2006
Barnardos is delighted that Plunket has decided to continue the operation of PlunketLine.
Barnardos prepares for Big Toddle - November 2006
28 September 2006
Throughout November, more than 6000 under-five year olds around New Zealand will step out for Barnardos in the Barnardos Big Toddle.
Letter to the Editor
22 September 2006
In response to Lyn Gautier's letter (Money's not key to solving crime, Thursday September 21, 2006), I have to agree that discipline is the key to solving or preventing youth crime, however, not the sort of discipline that Ms Gautier advocates...
Repeal section 59 bill - Beware the polls!
8 September 2006
Today Family Integrity pulled its website poll on whether parents should be able to use reasonable force in disciplining their children because too many pro-repealers were voting No!
Congratulations, Auckland!
25 August 2006
“This is a most heartening development,” said Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ, when commenting on the news that Auckland City Council voted to support repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act at its meeting last night.
Parents will not be persecuted for smacking
19 July 2006
Non Government Organisations associated with families and parents are demanding that the police and CYF speak up and make it clear that parents would not be persecuted for smacking their children if Section 59 was repealed.
Family Integrity’s repugnant views exposed
19 July 2006
"Family Integrity’s views are extreme and repugnant to all reasonable New Zealanders," said Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ. "And if Ruby Harrold-Claesson, whose visit to New Zealand is paid for by them, shares their views, then we don’t need her here."
Letter to the Editor
18 July 2006
It is disappointing that the tragic death of the Kahui twins has been used as an opportunity to point the finger at selected parts of our New Zealand society.
Are we teaching our kids to be violent
30 June 2006
In the wake of another two child deaths, Jean Ellerby Barnardos SKIP Project Manager puts pen to paper.
Barnardos fronts up to Select Committee for repeal of Section 59
25 May 2006
Barnardos New Zealand, the largest not-for-profit children’s organisation in the country, was one of the first to present its oral submission at the Justice and Electoral Select Committee’s first session on Thursday, 25 May.
Every Child Counts' response to Budget 2006
18 May 2006
“There is certainly some good news for children and their families in Budget 2006,” says Every Child Counts spokesperson Dr Ian Hassall, “but this is not a Budget that prioritises children’s interests.”
Tools for good parenting – International Day of Families
11 May 2006
An opinion piece by Jean Ellerby, Barnardos New Zealand’s Project Manager for the positive discipline programme SKIP, Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents.
Project to increase participation in early childhood education in the Hutt Valley
27 April 2006
A project aimed at helping ensure every child in the Hutt region has the opportunity to participate in quality early childhood education was launched this week.
Plunketline decision – impact on children and the community?
12 April 2006
The Government needs to think very carefully about both outcomes for children and the engagement of community agencies when it makes decisions such as the recent one to cease funding ‘Plunketline’, says Barnardos New Zealand.
The Repeal of Section 59 will save lives
11 April 2006
The law dealing with physical punishment needs clarification before we can deal with our shocking rates of domestic violence writes Murray Edridge. Read the Dominion Post feature
Cherie Booth visits Barnardos
5 April 2006
Cherie Booth, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, visited Mangere ELC on Wednesday.
Sir Roger Singleton on Radio 2ZB
21 March 2006
The transcript of Sir Roger Singleton's interview on Radio 2ZB.
Barnardos welcomes Children are Unbeatable booklet
21 March 2006
Barnardos welcomes the booklet Children are unbeatable: 7 very
good reasons for not hitting children, which was launched by the
Governor General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, at the Beehive in
Wellington today.
Event organisers encouraged to start planning now for Children’s Day 2007
9 March 2006
This time next year children all over New Zealand will be
telling their friends stories about all the fun they had on
Children’s Day! Children’s Day will now be on the first Sunday
of March, starting in 2007.
Murray Edridge supports merger of CYF with Ministry of Social Development
7 March 2006
Murray Edridge, Barnardos Chief Executive, spoke on National Radio's Morning Report on Tuesday about Child, Youth and Family's merger with the Ministry of Social Development. He said he was increasingly concerned that CYF was becoming isolated as an agency of last resort. The merger was a great opportunity for CYF to develop from not only being 'the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff', but also to take advantage of the early intervention programmes, the policy development and the new initiatives that MSD was involved with. To hear the interview in full click through to the news item 'National is accusing the government of trying to disguise the failings of Child Youth and Family'or read transcript.
Barnardos in unique position to help children thrive
4 March 2006
New Regional Manager for the lower half of the North Island, Sally Babington, talks about integrated approach and impact on children's well-being.
Record numbers of children in early childhood education
22 February 2006
As record numbers of children headed to school after the
summer holidays, record numbers of under-five years olds were also
getting involved with some form of education and care.
Get fit and fundraise
2 February 2006
If you are keen to participate in a sports event and want to help raise funds for Barnardos, read more...
New Regional Mangager
2 February 2006
Barnardos thanks the public
1 February 2006
Read the letter to the editor sent from Barnardos to thank the public for their support over Christmas. |
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