Media Statement

28 February 2009
Hon Peter Dunne

MP for Ohariu

Leader of UnitedFuture

Dunne: Children’s Day particularly important in midst of global crisis
 

Children’s Day, celebrated tomorrow, has a special poignancy this year as the world – and New Zealand – finds itself in the midst of the global economic crisis, UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne said today.

“Yesterday, we had the Job Summit and tomorrow we mark Children’s Day, and the two are strongly linked… Many of the New Zealanders we are trying to keep in work through this difficult time want to keep their jobs so they can keep providing for their children,” Mr Dunne said.

“I think Children’s Day is a timely reminder that our young ones are our most vulnerable members of society, and we need to protect them in every way we can from becoming victims of the hard times in which now find ourselves.

“It’s a particular reminder this year that we need to make sure they don’t fall between the cracks when things are tough.

“We have to ensure that their health and education, first and foremost, are protected at this time, and that all Kiwi families have good housing and can put food on the table for their children,” he said.

Mr Dunne said UnitedFuture had a long record of supporting parents in supporting their children, and would recommit even more strongly to this.

“You don’t chastise and brow-beat parents. You work with them and you support them. The fact is the vast majority of Kiwi parents are committed and loving, but we need to constantly look at how we can help them do that incredibly important job

“Good family, health and education policies, and important tax changes like income-splitting to really deliver for families are key ways we can do this,” he said.

Further information on UnitedFuture’s child and family policies can be found at www.unitedfuture.org.nz

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