Tick for Kids Media Release
14 September 2016

Tick for Kids calls on candidates to prioritise policies that will improve child wellbeing

Tick for Kids* is calling on all candidates in the local government elections to prioritise children and commit to policies that will improve child wellbeing.

“Local government is well placed to impact the wellbeing of children and young people through effective advocacy, policy and investment. As we head into local body elections let’s ask those vying to be our councillors and mayors - what will they do to improve child wellbeing locally?” says Lisa Woods, Executive Officer of Every Child Counts and Tick for Kids Spokesperson.

So what can be done locally to improve child wellbeing? The Tick for Kids coalition have identified key areas for councils to take action in to improve child wellbeing.

Housing
Tick for Kids is asking all candidates to commit to ending rough sleeping and find ways to improve access to affordable and healthy housing.

“Many councils are landlords themselves providing a form of social housing – this is a key area they can take action in to make a big difference” says Lisa.

Improve support for whānau and families on a low income
Tick for Kids would like to see all council’s working to support every child’s right to a standard of living that meets their needs. A good starting point is becoming a Living Wage Council. Councils could also provide free or subsidised access to key facilities and recreational activities for whānau and families.

Support for community-led development
Tick for Kids is calling on all candidates to support community-led development initiatives.

“Community-led development is a powerful way to improve wellbeing. Communities are rich with knowledge and ideas and we’d like to see councils tapping into this knowledge and expertise by supporting community driven projects” says Lisa.

Work towards becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City
Tick for Kids is asking all candidates to commit to becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City. Child Friendly Cities provides a framework to inform communities in their work together to raise healthy, educated, participating children and young people.

Commit to building a healthy and sustainable environment
Tick for Kids is calling on all candidates to commit to making their town or city a healthy and sustainable environment to live in, including extending smokefree places to everywhere children are.

“There are many ways to support a healthy environment, for example community gardens, ensuring public spaces are safe and welcoming, investing in sustainable transport options and extending smokefree places” says Lisa.

Listen to children and young people
Tick for Kids is calling on all candidates to commit to including the voices of children and young people in the work of the council.

“Children and young people bring important insights and experience to the table – and our communities will be better for it if we include and listen to them when making decisions about the future of our cities and towns” says Lisa.

**ENDS**

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