5 November 2014

The Big Picture exhibition brings children’s voices to Parliament

A children’s art exhibition unveiled at Parliament today has reinforced the message that a child’s home can either be where the heart is, or where the harm is. The Big Picture is an exhibition of children’s art, exploring what it takes for children to thrive and big picture thinking on solutions to child poverty.

In their artworks, children identified the need for better housing, healthy food, more money, strong families and support networks.

Jolyon White, Social Justice Enabler at Anglican Life, said, “There is nothing more powerful than the voices of children speaking truth about the reality of their life – and the lives of their peers.

“The exhibition comes at a time when new international league tables from UNICEF show New Zealand’s poverty rates are stagnating, public concern about poverty and inequality is high, and the government is saying that addressing child poverty is a priority.

“We hope the contributions of children and young people around the country will underline the need for urgent action on poverty, sustained by cross-party agreement.”

Vivien Maidaborn, Executive Director of UNICEF NZ, reinforced this view, saying, “The Big Picture brings children’s voices directly to decision makers just as the 51st Parliament is commencing its work.

“There is a clear consensus that poverty is affecting children – and therefore our entire society and economy. Through this exhibition we can hear from children about their ideas for addressing this complex issue and hopefully move closer to coordinated government and community action so that children have a decent standard of living.

“UNICEF has supported this exhibition to enable children to access their right under Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to be heard on matters that affect them and we hope decision-makers are listening.”

Iain Hines of JR McKenzie Trust added, “So far, there has been a bit of tinkering around the edges of the solutions to child poverty when what is needed is a comprehensive and coordinated plan.

“It is striking that the artworks make bold statements such as ‘Poverty is like a punishment for a crime you did not commit. It is unjust and inhumane, yet many of us turn a blind eye and say “yes it’s terrible isn’t it”, but we do nothing’ (Papamoa School).

“All New Zealanders have a part to play in making sure that our government, our communities and families are meeting the needs of children. We are pleased to support efforts to keep these issues on the agenda.”

Gretchen Leuthart of the Child Poverty Action Group said, ”Child poverty is a thirty year problem, created by public policy that has neglected children’s rights and interests. It is time now for policies that will turn this problem around and deliver measurable improvements in the health and wellbeing of children.

“They are citizens with rights to full health, education, and protection. They are also our most precious resource. Along with the children who have contributed to this exhibition, the Child Poverty Action Group encourages action to increase the incomes of families and ensure that quality housing is accessible and affordable.”

About The Big Picture
The Big Picture exhibition will be on display in the Bowen House Exhibition Space, Parliament Buildings, from 5 November – 12 December.

The art competition and exhibition is run by Anglican Life with support from the Child Poverty Action Group, JR McKenzie Trust and UNICEF NZ.

The exhibition launch was hosted by Green Party co-leader, Metiria Turei, and National MP Alfred Ngaro.

For more information about The Big Picture, visit http://thebigpicture.org.nz

ENDS

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