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 * YOUR RIGHTS
   * What to expect in care
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 * ABOUT VOYCE
   * Who we are
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   * Annual Report 2021
   * Annual Report 2022
   * Kaiwhakamana
   * CONTACT US
 * DONATE


 * YOUR RIGHTS
   * What to expect in care
   * Have your say
   * Conversation starters
   * UN Rights
   * Kia Tika, Kia Pono
   * Honour My World
 * YOUR EVENTS
   * Things to do
   * Past Events
 * LATEST NEWS
   * Abuse In Care
   * OT OVERSIGHT BILL
 * GET SUPPORT
   * How to’s
   * Long story short >
     * Eden
     * Jesse
     * Mana
     * Manuel
     * Nabil
     * Renee
     * Roydon
     * Sam
     * Shine
     * Tahirah
     * Tupua
     * Zak
   * Covid-19 Resources
   * Resources
 * Scholarships
   * Voyage for VOYCE
 * ABOUT VOYCE
   * Who we are
   * What we do
   * Meet the team
   * Annual Report 2021
   * Annual Report 2022
   * Kaiwhakamana
   * CONTACT US
 * DONATE




 * WELCOME TO VOYCE
   
   
   WHAKARONGO MAI
   
   YOUR NEWS
   YOUR EVENTS
   Contact us
   


HomeVOYCE WP Developer2021-08-19T18:51:04+12:00


ADVOCACY IN ACTION

VOYCE has created a special comic book both in Te Reo Māori and English. This
tells a beautiful and touching advocacy story about a child in the care system.
Please have a read and allow yourself to be empowered by the positive
possibilities that can come from making your voice heard.




HE KŌRERO WHAKAMANA





ADVOCACY IN ACTION







CHILDREN’S VOICES NEED TO BE KEPT AT THE CENTRE OF ALL THE DECISIONS MADE ABOUT
THEM.







CARE STORIES Every care experienced person’s story is a unique and special
gift. These deeply personal words have been graciously shared with us by
wonderful people with extraordinary strength of character. VOYCE – Whakarongo
Mai is very grateful to them for enriching us all with their powerful stories –
each of which has been assigned a random number as a special tribute to the
close to 6000 care stories presently being lived in New Zealand.




OUR STORY We are VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, which stands for the Voice Of the Young
and Care Experienced – Listen to me. We believe the voices of children and young
people in care need to be kept at the centre of all the decisions made about
them. We are a totally independent non-governmental organisation that exists to
amplify the voices of children in care and ensure that they are heard. VOYCE was
codesigned by children with care experience for children with care experience.




HOW VOYCE – WHAKARONGO  MAI ADVOCATES FOR YOU



 * VOYCE will listen to you about your care experience

 * We will help you to get the information you need

 * We support you to think about who is best placed to help you share your views



 * We will help you to express your views on any matter

 * VOYCE will help you to understand any decisions which may impact on you and
   will explain why those decisions were taken.




AMPLIFYING YOUR VOICES AND STANDING UP FOR YOU.

GET TO KNOW US





OUR NEWS




Here are some of the exciting things that VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai have been doing
lately. Ultimately it’s about creating meaningful change in the care system as
envisioned by children in care.



ALL NEWS


 * LIVED EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO IMPROVE OT OVERSIGHT BILL

 * 
 * 


LIVED EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO IMPROVE OT OVERSIGHT BILL

VOYCE WP Developer2022-10-12T19:56:16+13:00October 12th, 2022|News|



“VOYCE will continue to champion the voices of lived experience and have
positive influence. We must work alongside decisionmakers as they implement
legislation and evolve systems. Our children deserve to thrive and to be safe,”
said VOYCE Chief Executive, Tracie Shipton.

Read More


 * MALACHI WAS NEVER GIVEN A VOICE

 * 
 * 


MALACHI WAS NEVER GIVEN A VOICE

VOYCE WP Developer2022-10-07T16:20:51+13:00October 7th, 2022|News|



Our response to the Ombudsman's findings into the preventable death of 5
year-old Malachi Subecz.

Read More


 * POUNAMU FOR EVERY CHILD IN CARE

 * 
 * 


POUNAMU FOR EVERY CHILD IN CARE

VOYCE WP Developer2022-10-06T09:05:56+13:00October 6th, 2022|News|



"Timoti Moran is a carver who wants to give every child in state care a pounamu
pendant to call their own. He’s launched Tū Māia, in partnership with VOYCE -
Whakarongo Mai".

Read More





BEING IN CARE CAN BE CHALLENGING FROM TIME TO TIME. IF YOU NEED HELP, DON’T
HESITATE TO REACH OUT.

HELP LINES







OUR EVENTS




Come along to a VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai event, meet other children and young
people in care, have fun and be heard!



ALL EVENTS


 * VOYCE TAMARIKI MAGAZINE

 * 
 * 


VOYCE TAMARIKI MAGAZINE

VOYCE2023-01-19T11:06:28+13:00January 19th, 2023|Events|



Care Experienced Rangatahi worked together to create a fun and cool magazine for
care experienced tamariki.

Read More


 * YOUTH WEEK 2022

 * 
 * 


YOUTH WEEK 2022

VOYCE2022-05-31T11:03:55+12:00May 31st, 2022|Events|



Care experienced tamariki celebrate Youth Week 2022 with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai

Read More


 * LEVIN HORSE RIDING

 * 
 * 


LEVIN HORSE RIDING

VOYCE2021-12-01T09:02:33+13:00December 1st, 2021|Events|



Care experienced tamariki spent the day at the Westridge Equestrian Centre,
Levin. They learned all about the horses, grooming and riding them.

Read More




AWESOME INDIVIDUALS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES IN CARE SO YOU CAN LEARN HOW THEY
TAKE ON LIFE

LONG STORY SHORT




OUR PARTNERS



 * 
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 * 



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GET IN TOUCH WITH US:
0800 4VOYCE (0800 486 923)

FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE:
Call for Police, Fire or Ambulance dial 111

FOR URGENT HELP ABOUT YOUR CARE:
Call Oranga Tamariki 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)



OUR LOCATIONS:
Auckland
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Kaikohe
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Tauranga
Whangarei
Wellington



 * About VOYCE
 * Contact us
 * Careers
 * Get support
 * Stories
 * Your Rights
 * Your Events
 * News
 * Privacy Policy
 * Complaints Policy



VOYCE - WHAKARONGO MAI IS NEW ZEALAND’S INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY ORGANISATION FOR
CHILDREN WITH CARE EXPERIENCE. © Copyright 2021






JOSH WHAREHINGA

BOARD MEMBER

Josh Wharehinga (Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa) describes himself
as ‘first and foremost, a father’ to his six young adults. Born and raised in
Gisborne, Josh’s upbringing was typically ‘gang related’ which he attributes to
helping shape his worldview, how he approaches being a dad and his work in the
community.

Josh’s background is in education, social work and driving community
initiatives. Josh is currently the Deputy Mayor of the Gisborne District, a
Hearings Commissioner chair, a Ministerial appointment to the AsiaNZ Foundation
Honorary Advisers and a member of the Tairāwhiti Iwi Māori Partnership Board.

Josh has an extensive governance background formerly holding positions on Te
Mana Whakahaere – the board for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Maruata Roopu
Whakahaere – the Māori advisory board to Local Government New Zealand, and the
Audit and Risk Committee of Local Government New Zealand.






×


ZAK QUOR


BOARD MEMBER

Hi! I’m Zak. I grew up in foster care from the ages of 7 – 17.

I had a lot of interesting experiences going through the state care system and
not all of them were good. It’s a difficult place to be in when you’re taken
away from your family and placed in a kids home, but it doesn’t always have to
be all bad. I had a good share of wonderful people scattered throughout my life
to help me survive my time and thrive when I came out on the other side. Without
this support, I may not be where I am today. I wish that everyone could have
someone to be by their side to support and love them, and help them achieve
their life goals..

Since leaving foster care I have worked to give back to the community of carers
by sharing my experiences, speaking at conferences telling them what worked (and
what didn’t), and working in other ways to improve the care system, sometimes
with government. I feel like it’s the least I can do to say thank you to those
who helped me, and an opportunity for me to become one of those people who made
my life not so bad.

My goal in life is to leave the world better than it was for me, so I got a
degree in engineering (robotics and automation) and am currently working towards
using it to help others, as well as helping improve the quality of life for
those living in foster care with VOYCE.


×


MANA WILLIAMS-EADE


BOARD CO-CHAIR

Mana is uncle to two beautiful babies (Rae and Abel), Senior Advisor at MSD for
the Deputy Chief Executive for Service Delivery, holds a Bachelor of Commerce in
Public Policy and International Business, and is doing further study in the
field of Law.

Mana is a Board Member for the Ministerial Advisory Board which advises the
Minister for Children Hon Kelvin Davis in the reorganisation of Oranga Tamariki.
He previously worked as a Policy Analyst for two years, and has loved being an
advocate on the board of VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai for over five years.

Mana is proud of the work VOYCE has achieved for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
so far, and looks forward to the day where whānau are able to determine their
own lives without the state needing to be there. Mana was placed into care when
he was 8 months old – and was whāngai (adopted) by his aunty and uncle when he
turned 12. He was a part of a youth advisory group at 16 (Te Whānau Aroha) which
helped advise Ministers to overhaul Child Youth and Family (CYFs) into what is
now Oranga Tamariki.

For fun, Mana enjoys going to the gym, hiking around the world, and loves
playing squash with friends. He was appointed as Co Chair for VOYCE in 2020 and
is gratefully honoured to continue supporting the kaupapa of the organisation as
it has grown overtime.


×


ISAAC


BOARD MEMBER

Isaac joined the Board at the end of 2021 and was the first former VOYCE
Whakarongo Mai National Youth Council member to do so. He is currently studying
a Bachelor of Law (Hons) alongside a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Economics
and Genetics.

Isaac grew up with some degree of contact with the care system from the age of
six months old, before moving in with a permanent foster family at age eight.
Having experienced a relatively positive outcome from foster care, Isaac worked
for five years from 2017-2021 as a VWM National Youth Council member to try to
ensure more tamariki and rangatahi in care also have positive outcomes. He is
also a member of Te Roopu Pūmanawa, the youth consultant group to the
Ministerial Advisory Board to Oranga Tamariki that is overseeing the current
Oranga Tamariki reform.


×


RACHEL TUWHANGAI

BOARD MEMBER

Rachael is a descendant of the Tainui Waka and of Ngati Maniapoto. She is
Co-Director of MAPSS (Maori and Pasifika Support Services) which focuses on the
intersection between indigenous peoples and improving social outcomes.  She is a
former academic of the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Education; Education
Manager of the Auckland South Corrections Facility, and a former Secondary
School Teacher. Rachael also holds a number of directorships for government
organisations and charitable trusts.

Rachael is motivated to reduce the disparities that exist for Maori and Pasifika
people, and is particularly interested in addressing issues of cultural
alienation, language loss, educational under achievement, imprisonment and
vulnerable children. Rachael has experience as a caregiver to members of her
extended whanau.






×


MARY-LYNN


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Kia Ora. My name is Mary-Lynn. I came into care when I was 3-years old. Fast
forward to 21-years of age and I’ve graduated from AUT university with a degree
in Education Policy and Conflict Resolution. I currently work in online
education internationally, helping at-risk students. I love all things creative.
I am deeply passionate about helping people find their voice in dark places. I’m
excited to be part of the VOYCE National Youth Council, to represent and
advocate for those currently in care.


×


ALICE SCIASCIA

BOARD MEMBER

Alice has joined the VOYCE board with a passion for improving New Zealand’s
social systems so that every child and whānau have what they need.  The VOYCE
kaupapa is particularly close to her heart, having become a foster mum two years
ago.

Alice has spent the past 15 years in consulting and project roles, primarily
advising the government’s social sector and Māori organisations.  She is focused
on enabling citizen-centric design and fundamentally believes that empowering
community-led solutions is the key to New Zealand’s wellbeing.  Having spent
most of her career in the ivory towers that are the central government policy
shops, she has seen how necessary it is that the voice of the community is
elevated and at the forefront of decision-making.  There is nothing more
powerful than directly hearing the voices of lived experience, and advocacy
organisations such as VOYCE Whakarongo Mai are key to real transformation.

Alice loves to spend time with her husband Nick, son Kaha, her mum and dad,
brothers and sisters, and their children.  To keep her busy she coaches CrossFit
at CrossFit Central Wellington and is an ongoing learner of te reo Māori.






×


KELLIE ZHANG

BOARD MEMBER

Hello, my name is Kellie, and I am one of the young trustees on the board. I am
a banking and finance solicitor, specialising in property and acquisition
finance. I assist both lenders and borrowers with funding requirements in New
Zealand and abroad.

I am also deeply passionate about youth advocacy and supporting our older
children through transitioning into independence. It is my intention to
prioritise children’s well-being and consistently have children involved in each
and every decision we make. I am a firm believer in ‘your past doesn’t determine
your future’ and truly think that every child can succeed if given the right
support system/person.






×


MĀHERA MAIHI

BOARD MEMBER

Ko Hokianga me Kaipara ngā moana
Ko Ngātokimatawhāorua me Mahuhu-ki-te-rangi ngā waka
Ko Te Tārai o Rāhiri me Tokatoka ngā maunga

Ko Te Tārai o Rāhiri  me Otamatea ngā marae
Ko Mangakahia me Otamatea ngā awa
Ko Ngāpuhi me Ngāti Whātua ngā iwi
Ko Ngāti Toki me Te Uri o Hau ngā hapū
Ko Māhera Maihi tēnei

Māhera is a young dynamic Māori wahine whose life mission is to change the world
one Māori at a time. Raised in Tāmaki Makaurau (Otara, Manurewa and Papakura) as
a third-generation urban Māori she experienced life as a Māori in the city,
disconnected from her culture and history. Although gangs and poverty was a part
of her childhood experience, this was not going to define her future. Māhera
started her career in office mastering processes and systems when she finally
pivoted into her dream mahi which is working with young people in care to give
them tools to break the cycle for themselves.

She has spent eight years working in Social Services both in government and iwi
spaces in Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki and is currently studying a Masters of Māori
and Management. She is a very active member of her whānau, hapū and iwi as a
member on her marae board for Te Tārai o Rāhiri, Co-Director of Ngāpuhi ki
Tāmaki and founder of Mā Te Huruhuru Charitable Trust. Coming from a large
family of seven sisters and three brothers Māhera is determined to contribute to
improving Māori outcomes, restorative justice and creating a better future for
the many generations to come.






×


JEFF SANDERS

BOARD MEMBER

Jeff Sanders has experience as a senior manager and chief executive in the NGO
sector, working in organisations focused on providing services that make a
positive difference to people’s lives. These include IHC NZ, the Methodist
Church, Relationships Aotearoa, and Barnardos NZ, from which he retired as Chief
Executive in early 2019.

Through his career, Jeff has been connected to local community needs. This has
given him a desire and ability to seek out systemic change and ensure excellent
provision of services. He has strong relationships across the NGO and government
sector, and he has built effective leadership teams in the organisations he has
led.

Jeff has experience and understanding of how governance structures operate. He
also has a strategic understanding of what is required when new programmes of
work are implemented. He understands and is committed to the principles of the
Treaty of Waitangi.






×


SHAYNE WALKER


BOARD CO-CHAIR

Shanye Walker is a senior lecturer at the University of Otago in the Social and
Community Work Programme. In 2019 Shayne was made an Officer of the New Zealand
Order of Merit for services to fostering children and social work.

An orphan at age 13, he was put into state care after both of his parents died
in a matter of weeks. Later, Shayne went on through Maatua Whangai, an approved
iwi/Māori social service provider, to help foster 192 young people,
predominantly Māori and Pacific young men, over 12 years.

A staunch advocate for caregivers in New Zealand, Shayne puts his success as a
foster parent down to his ability to show love, build trust, and listen to
people’s stories. He is an unofficial kaumātua for Oranga Tamariki and a former
Chair of the Social Workers Registration Board. He has been a member of various
expert advisory bodies to take action against family and sexual violence. Shayne
is currently on the Family Violence Death Review Committee and has served on the
Child, Youth and Family Care and Protection Resources Panel.


×


SAPPHIRE


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Kia ora, my name is Sapphire and I’m 18 years old and I live in Christchurch.
I’m passionate about making a difference in the care system and enjoy being
involved in Tuhono events at VOYCE Whakarongo Mai. I am a member of the local
Fire Brigade and love the challenge of it. When I have downtime, which is rare,
I enjoy relaxing. As a member of the National Youth Council I want to make sure
all care experienced youth know their worth, and know that they are not alone.


×


RYLIE


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Kia Ora, my name is Rylie and I’m excited to be a part of the youth council to
help make some changes in the system. I enjoy making connections with people and
being creative.


×


ZERAN


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Kia ora, my name is Zeran. I am very excited to start on my first year at the
Youth Council doing leadership development. I am extremely passionate about
being able to express my voice through the NYC. Outside of the Youth Council I
work on a Youth Development and sail training ship called the R Tucker Thompson.
In my own time I enjoy sailing and mau rakau.


×


JENNIFER


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Sawasdee Ka! My name is Jennifer and I have been in care my whole life, both in
state care and family friend care. I am a part of VOYCE because I am passionate
in ensuring that we as care experienced youth are equipped to succeed and are
NOT overlooked any longer. Fun fact: I stream online in my free time because I
enjoy creating a safe space for people and making them life at my terrible video
game playing.


×


NATALIA


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Kia ora. My name is Natalia. I want to be involved in making change for children
in Care, which is why I’m a part of this council. I was placed in care when I
was 12 years old – I was in two placements before my forever home. I didn’t have
good experiences of social workers with the exception of one. Kids in care now
should have a better experience than this.


×


TERINA


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Kia orana my name is Terina. I have come here to VOYCE WKM NYC to develop skills
and to understand more about the youth bc that is something I am passionate
about. Outside of the YC I am studying at MIT in my first year of degree in
social work. Also being an amazing role model for my son to look up to me and
think “damn, my Mum is amazing”.


×


EBONY


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)

Kia ora my friend. I’m Ebony. I’m in my first year of the VOYCE Whakarongo Mai
National Youth Council. I live in Auckland with my partner Mac and fur baby
Ezra. I’m studying a Bachelor of Social Work with aspirations to work in the
health sector. I feel like there is so much out there to help people but it can
be tricky to find that stuff when you are in a challenging space. I want to be a
resource to help people get what they need, and empower those tangata to
navigate through their journey.


×


KARAH


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Kia ora my name is Karah. I currently study psychology and religion at Otago
University and work with primary school children through various OSCAR programs.
I am passionate about creating nurturing an open environment for our future
rangatahi.


×


ALBIE


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Hi, I’m Albie! I came into care at 16 and I’m extremely passionate about making
changes in the system. I especially want to support and foster community to
support youth like me with autism and mental health needs. I love aquarium fish
and plants and in my free time I make cards for kids in care. After I finish
high school I plan to be an academic psychologist or an early childhood
educator.


×


HAMISH


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Kia ora. My name is Hamish and I live in Palmerston North. I joined the national
youth council to help advocate for kids in care. I specifically want to help
youth justice involved youth because of my experience being one. This is an area
I am passionate about. I am also a father to a handsome 5 year old boy. I enjoy
playing volleyball, touch rugby and taking my son to the river.


×


KHRYSTIAN


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER (FIRST YEAR)


Malo e lelei My name is Khrystian. I grew up most of my life in Tonga on a small
island called Niua. I am 17 years of age and I live in Mangere, Auckland. I like
to meet new people and to help others. I am an artist. I like to draw, I enjoy
doing lettering and font work. I also enjoy sports, including soccer and
cricket. I joined the national youth council because I want to support the
voices of young people to be heard. I have high hopes to make if far in my life.


×


FATIMA


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER

Hi, my name is Fatima. I come from Syria and in 2005 I settled in Auckland with
my family. I experienced care for the first time a few years later. The
experience of care for me is something I don’t wish upon anyone else. Fast
forward five years, I am currently doing NCEA level 2 and still living in care.
I am passionate about makeup artistry and enjoy getting involved in sport.

Being a part of the VOYCE National Youth Council for me means achieving better
care experiences for young people who come after me. I believe I am the strong,
confident woman I am today due to the adversities I have faced in care. Despite
what I have been through, family is still the most important thing to me. Being
in care has taught me that no one else gets to define me, I get to choose who I
want to be.


×


ABBIE REYNOLDS

BOARD MEMBER

Abbie has cared about the environment and equity since she was young and she
feels driven to help create a world where nature and people flourish. In 2019
she received a Women of Influence award for her work on sustainability and
climate change.

Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Council until December 2019 and
previously the Head of Sustainability and Vodafone Foundation at Vodafone New
Zealand Abbie has been involved in VOYCE-Whakarongo Mai from the beginning. As
one of four philanthropists collaborating to support the establishment of VOYCE
Whakarongo Mai Abbie was part of the advocacy design and establishment of the
organisation and has been a Trustee since 2017.


×


AMANDA


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER

Kia Ora, Talofa lava, Bula Vanaka and Kia Orana. My name is Amanda, I’m 23 years
old and I come from Wellington. I work in administration as a receptionist for
Ora Toa Poneke. Ora Toa is a Ngati Toa founded and owned organisation. I work
within their area that provides health services to Maori. I’m proud to work for
them as they hold values that align with my own. I strongly stand for tika and
pono, integrity and honesty. Whaanau is very important to me, I love spending
time with my nieces and nephews. Cooking for others is also something I enjoy
doing in my spare time.

I recently worked at Oranga Tamariki for six months under a supported employment
internship. It taught me that the voice I have is important and valued. I wanted
to join the VOYCE National Youth Council because I want all young people in care
to know that their voices are also important, valued and heard. Within my role
on the VOYCE National Youth Council I strive to uphold tika and pono by doing
what I say I will do and following through.


×


JACOB


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER

My name is Jacob. I am one of the founding members of the original Youth
Council. I have six siblings, and I was lucky to grow up with many of them, even
looking after a few of them for quite a long time. Life was very unstable with
no friends and lots of different schools. I eventually went into foster care and
to a loving, safe, stable home with a lovely foster mum. I got to start being
who I was, and learn what my values and identity were. My care experience
involves having a life without the right support when younger – and then getting
the right access and services later in life. I have experienced the positive
difference that being in care can bring. My home now is Whangaparoa –my
community involves Church, school, and home.

I never thought I was a leader, but other people saw my potential. I am an
excellent communicator and relate well to people. Being a part of the VOYCE
National Youth Council has given me the drive to help others. I believe that no
matter what you’ve been through, whatever your ability, that you can achieve
success and make the most of life. Recently I’ve been proud of attending Outward
Bound. I had no expectations and the outcome was life-changing. It really taught
me that you really can do anything.  My passions are helping young people and
trying to make a positive impact on young people’s lives through mental health
adversities in NZ. I’m going to be a primary school teacher, and I love being an
advocate for other young people.


×


KATARINA


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER

Kia ora, my name is Katarina and I’m from Christchurch. I whakapapa to Nga Puhi
and Tu Whare Toa.  I’m a Year 13 at Kaiapoi High School and I live out in
Oxford. Currently I be making that money at Maccas. My dream is to study Maori
Indigenous Studies and Social Work at UC. I’m a pretty shy person. I used to be
really out there. But once I get to know you, I’ll never forget you.

When I was 11 years old, my mum got sick and my dad was an alcoholic. I couldn’t
live with them and I put myself into care. I regretted it. Disappointing times
in care for me included not being fully accepted by my foster siblings. Being
told you don’t belong sucks. I’ve met a lot of people through care. It hasn’t
been all bad, I’ve seen lots of places and had lots of opportunities that I
wouldn’t have had if I wasn’t in care. Being in care has such a bad stigma. I
want to change this. People don’t understand, they don’t know what it’s like.
It’s not like I want to be in care! I’ve put myself forward to be in the  VOYCE
National Youth Council because I want to make a change to ensure kids in the
future don’t have to go through what I went through. To make sure that the next
generation are heard while they go through care.


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JAVAUGHN


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER

My name is Javaughn but I go by my preferred name “Jay.” I was born as a
premature baby on the 19th of September 1998, along with my twin brother
Richard.  I am focused on my future, and new life changing experiences, such as
completing an Outward Bound Course, joining my local football club and being on
the VOYCE National Youth Council. A fun fact that not many people know about me
is I love acting, I was born an introvert but for some unknown reason I love
acting as different characters, even if it’s on camera!

I have a lot of hobbies, and sports would probably have to be the main one for
me. I’m literally one of those guys who would play out any sport even if I had
no experience in it whatsoever, I love keeping active. I’m currently training
for a triathlon, I get a huge rush of the pain that I go through in the moment
which I’m able to push myself through and test my limits. I also love the
tactical aspect of triathlons, especially the fast-paced transitions from race
to race – which gives it that little extra excitement – this is why I love
triathlons so much!


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LAKIESHA


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER

Kia Ora everybody, my name is Lakiesha, at the ‘old’ age of 18, I have
experienced a lot of life!

I was put into care at  6 weeks old. Little did I know that I was going to be
lucky enough to get a home for life.  I had a loving, stable family, two older
siblings that I have always looked up to and parents who worked so hard to make
sure we had the best life possible. My mum worked as a foster parent, she is
such a powerful force in my life still to this day.

Between the ages of 13-16, I lost a lot of myself. I turned to a world of bad
relationships, drugs and alcohol because that felt to be the only thing that was
keeping me alive. I went back into state care, which changed my life again,
forever. I got moved from house to house until I met my current amazing
caregivers. Since I turned 16 I’ve learned many different skills and values. My
dad passed away in 2018 and that also taught me a lot of things, and since then
I have gained my certificate in mental health and addiction support work and got
my NCEA level 3 credits. I am currently studying social work at Northtech
University, and will then go on to get my masters. I am a care experienced
rangatahi and I’m proud of being on the VOYCE National Youth Council and of how
far I have come.


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ALCHIMAE


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER

My  name is Alchimae and I am 17 years old. Because my parents were really young
when they had me, they didn’t quite know everything they needed to and so I
spent 3 different times in my childhood in care. Even though I was just a child,
I feel like I was never asked about my thoughts and feelings. Going through the
care system was really hard, and hearing the experiences of my foster siblings
and other care experienced young people made me realise that lots of assumptions
are made by Oranga Tamariki when it comes to judging families. Due to be being
care experienced, I’ve had opportunities to learn and give back to others, which
is not to say the end justified the means!

Today I go to Sancta Maria College, and my parents were able to be the people I
needed them to so I could become the person I am today. I want to be a
psychologist when I am older – I was inspired by the people I met along my care
journey. I hope I can continue to use my care experience to make positive
impacts on others.


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OLLIE


VOYCE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBER

Hello everyone, my name is Oliver and I am 19 years old and from Auckland.  I
had a challenging care experience that changed when I got a very caring, loving
and understanding carer.  They want the best for me and give me a place to call
home so that I can pursue my life dreams. I’m a part-time labourer and recently
got my driver’s license.  I am studying building and architecture at Skills
Update Training Institute in South Auckland and I am half-way through my
studies. I am a very hands-on learner which has enabled me to be a self-taught
artist who likes to play guitar and drums. I am honest, caring, reliable and
down to earth.  My strong values help me stay on track to be the best I can be.

I wanted to join the National Youth Council to make a difference in the care
system and stand up for the rights of children and young people in care.  I want
to help children find themselves and inspire others to make positive life
changes based off of my experiences.


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TRACIE SHIPTON

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Mother, foster mother, social worker and Chief Executive. Tracie is a leading
protagonist for getting the voice of children in care to be heard in the system
and reflected in practice. Having spent most of her working life in the social
services and foster care sector, Tracie has been profoundly affected by the
disenfranchisement of the children in the care system in New Zealand.

Tracie was actively involved in lobbying for change and achieving an independent
organisation for children in care. She has been involved in VOYCE-Whakarongo Mai
since its inception as an idea. One of her greatest pleasures was co-designing,
with young people, what this advocacy agency for young people with care
experience would look like.

Tracie’s work in this sector has been about advocacy on behalf of, with, and for
children. The need to have the young people’s voice influencing the care system
has been a major driver for her. With a career history in social services,
Tracie has a long relationship with foster care, and is pleased to now continue
this work as Chief Executive of VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai.






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