Having a say on children | Wairarapa Opinion | Local Voices from Wairarapa, New Zealand

Call me a cynic if you like.

But just about every time I attend a seminar or workshop on some important social issue I get the feeling those who are calling the shots are simply playing a numbers game.

They are ticking the box which says they have to front up to enough people to leave the impression they are determined to make a difference. It was encouraging then to come away from a public gathering in Masterton on Monday afternoon in an optimistic frame of mind.

Former All Black Norm Hewitt had led the discussion on the Government's Green Paper for Vulnerable Children and then the good muster present - mostly women - had formed groups to continue the debate and provide ideas on how we can enhance the lives of those kids who through no fault of their own are deprived of what could loosely be called a normal childhood.

I was lucky enough to be part of a group which included folk who had experienced hard times, either as children or young parents, and who told their stories, warts and all.

It struck me that without these people being so open about their past life those, like myself, who grew up "normally" would never truly understand the depth of despair many are forced to endure.

And it also struck me while most of us might have the best of intentions, we do little to help those in need.

If you believe children are our future - and don't we all - then doesn't it follow we should be doing everything in our power to ensure they are given a flying start, that their formative years are free of any kind of abuse, physical or mental.

I believe the aims and aspirations behind the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children could be a huge step in the right direction.

Essentially, it is a discussion document which proposes what might be done to improve leadership for vulnerable children, possible changes to current policies and also how services could, or should, be delivered.

My plea to you is get writing, the alternative doesn't bear thinking about.

Have your say - website: www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz, Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenpaperonchildren, email: yourresponse@childrensactionplan, govt.nz or mail: Green Paper for Vulnerable Children, PO Box 1556, Wellington 6140.