10 February 2011

The Minister for Social Development, Hon Paula Bennett, today presented the annual Every Child Counts* Awards at a special ceremony in Parliament. The annual awards celebrate the individuals and organisations working to improve the status and wellbeing of New Zealand children.

“It’s important to share the good news stories about the work people are doing in their communities to make life better for children and youth. The Every Child Counts Awards presented today acknowledge some outstanding work and should provide inspiration and encouragement to others working with vulnerable children,” said Jenny Prince, Every Child Counts Steering Group member.

The winners of the Awards are:
- Mereana Tautu-Buchanan (Individual Award) of Youth Team Trust in Waimauku, Auckland.
The nomination for Mereana said, “the young people Mereana works with have challenges and many are damaged, so their road ahead is not easy. Some are from pretty tough backgrounds and their stories can be very harrowing at times. Mereana is an amazing mentor, program facilitator and advocate for young people and their families. She is widely recognised in communities around NZ for the significant positive outcomes she has achieved in promoting children’s interests. Over the past 12 years, over 3,500 young people have been positively impacted through Mereana’s work through the Youth T.E.A.M Trust program.”

- K.E.E.A (Kiwi Enuresis Encopresis Association (Organisational Award), Nelson.
The nomination for K.E.E.A said, “Enuresis is the medical name for wetting and encopresis is for soiling. K.E.E.A provides support and information to parents, children and health professionals affected by the sometimes distressing and demoralising soiling and wetting problem of children. Wetting and soiling is not life-threatening but reported rates of child punishment are 20-30%, with an increased risk of physical abuse. Recent high profile child abuse cases leading to death have involved toileting issues (Ref NZ Doctor Feb 2006 – Nocturnal Enuresis). Over the past 9 years, KEEA has made a huge difference and helped raised the self-esteem of children. KEEA is worthy of receiving the Every Child Counts Award because the Committee is a group of unsung heroes who have given freely of their time and energy to improve life for children.”

The award winners are available for interview.

* Every Child Counts is a coalition of Barnardos, Plunket, UNICEF, Save the Children, Te Kahui Mana Ririki and 400 other organisations. www.everychildcounts.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media