Political heavyweights step up for kids.

Key political figures will debate the rights and interests of children at a forum to be held at Ponsonby Primary in Auckland next week. The event promises to be a lively one with Education Minister Hekia Parata facing off against a full complement of party spokespeople and candidates. Those taking part include local candidates Jacinda Ardern (Labour), Denise Roche (Greens) and Miriam Pierard (Internet Mana). New Zealand First Deputy Tracey Martin and ACT President John Thompson will also take part.

The event is being run under the banner of ‘Tick for Kids’; a collective that seeks to put the interests of children at the centre. Spokesperson Anton Blank says, “We want New Zealanders to engage with politicians about issues for our children. These local events provide platforms for everyone to articulate these concerns to political candidates directly.”

With so many important politicians involved the debate is bound to be vigorous and wide-ranging, covering education, health, housing and child poverty.

“We know that the New Zealand public is concerned about increasing rates of child poverty,” says Anton Blank. He states that the ‘Tick for Kids’ movement, which is less than a year old, is becoming an important non-partisan force in New Zealand and the engagement of politicians in ‘Tick for Kids’ events is proof of that.

When: Wednesday August 6th

Where: Ponsonby Primary School, 44 Curran Street, Herne Bay, Auckland

ends

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