On the steps of Parliament, something remarkable happened. For the first time ever, Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō took their kōrero to Parliament, shared their lived experiences and presented bold youth-led solutions to improve outcomes for tamariki with a parent in prison. They called for a new role, the Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau Navigator to help families navigate the criminal District Court. With powerful stories and unwavering mana, they planted seeds of change for generations to come.

When a parent goes to prison, there is no dedicated role to support the children left behind. But through their vision, Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō is reshaping what whānau support looks like in the justice system. Through the lived experience and advocacy of Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō, we are calling for a bold and compassionate solution.

The justice system is complex and can be overwhelming for children with a parent in prison. That’s why Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Youth Advisory Panel) are calling for change. Their vision? Kaiwhatu Kura Whānau: a dedicated role in the criminal courts to guide, support, and uplift tamariki through the system. Read our full kōrero to understand this role and why it is so impactful for future tamariki.