New Zealand
Working for New Zealanders
New Zealanders began supporting Save the Children's work soon after the organisation was founded in England by Eglantyne Jebb in 1919. The first New Zealand Branch of Save the Children was established in Christchurch by Minnie Havelaar in 1947. Now there are more than 29 autonomous branches and 17 sub branches nation-wide, supported by a national office in Wellington. Currently more than 6,000 Kiwi volunteers contribute to our work, and more than 20,000 New Zealanders donate to Save the Children each year.
New Zealand has a higher proportion of children than many other industrialised countries. Family structures are changing and we have been through extensive economic and social reforms since the mid 1980s.
Read our National Call to Action for children in New Zealand [Adobe PDF, 2024 Kb].
Much of our work in New Zealand is about raising awareness of children’s rights in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
To find out more about the convention:
-
try this easy to read summary of the UNCRC [Adobe PDF, 31 Kb], or
-
read the full convention here.
We're creating opportunities for young New Zealanders to participate in decisions that impact on their lives. We're also developing education materials for schools about the work we do and why our help is needed. Ultimately, we aim to advance the interests of Kiwi children across all ethnic groups, by working closely alongside community groups, family and whanau.
Putting Children First
To achieve best practise in our work, Save the Children New Zealand Programme applies eight key principles. These 8 principles guide our work which has three major components;projects, development education and advocacy.
1. Participation
We work on behalf of children and young people involving them and where appropriate their families and whanau, as closely as possible in all aspects of our work.
2. Developmental approach
We work in a developmental way. Rather than providing services ourselves, we work with and support other agencies or communities to adapt their services or develop new services of greater relevance to the needs of children.
3. Long-term change
Our work is designed to bring about long-term change. Save the Children concentrates on work that will have a positive impact on the situation of children.
4. Sustainable solutions
We work towards solutions that children and their communities can sustain.
5. Partnership
We work in partnership with voluntary and statutory agencies and communities.
6. Maximising impact
We use the experience gained from local initiatives to benefit others; to publish reports and use in training materials.
7. Global perspective
Our work contributes to and draws upon Save the Children initiatives throughout the world. This involves contributions to worldwide knowledge, the development of policy and practice, and sharing opportunities internationally.
8. Evaluation
Our work is regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure that it achieves the maximum benefit for children.