30 March 2012

Media Statement
Every Child Counts

Passing of Rev’d Dr Hone Kaa a loss for the nation

The passing of Rev’d Dr Hone Kaa last night is a loss to nation, and particularly to the movement to improve the wellbeing of Māori whānau and reduce Māori child abuse says Every Child Counts*.

“Hone Kaa has served on the Every Child Counts Steering Group since 2008 and has played a significant role in the effort to improve the status and wellbeing of the nation’s children. He will be sadly missed,” says Liz Gibbs, Chair of the Every Child Counts coalition.

“Hone was always a strong and articulate voice for children. He provided significant leadership to the effort to reduce Māori child abuse, particularly following the Summit on Māori Child Abuse in 2009.

“He had a wonderful sense of humour and the ability to communicate with a wide cross-section of New Zealanders, as a Church and community leader, and as a respected kaumatua. It has been a privilege to work alongside him in recent years.

“We are sure that Hone’s life and achievements will be recognised and celebrated by many New Zealanders. We thank Hone for his important contribution to our work and we convey to Hone’s whānau the love, respect and support of the Every Child Counts coalition,” concludes Ms Gibbs.

Ends
*Every Child Counts is a coalition of organisations and individuals working to improve the status and wellbeing of New Zealand children, driven by Barnardos, Plunket, UNICEF, Save the Children, and Ririki. www.everychidlcounts.org.nz

© Scoop Media