Children at core of council policy
Children will be at the heart of decisions made in the future by Porirua City Council.
The Children’s Priority policy, unveiled last week, would have far- reaching consequences, Porirua mayor Nick Leggett said.
The interests of young people in the city would be measured against all policy and funding decisions, Leggett said.
It was one of the best ways to build a thriving city.
‘‘Councils traditionally consider the economic and environmental implications – and this won’t change,’’ he said.
‘‘But, with the Children’s Priority policy, we will give the same weight to the impact of every council decision on young people.’’
Leggett said recreational and cultural events and facilities, wi-fi and other council considerations would be made with young people in Porirua in mind.
Monitoring and advocacy to the government would also be part of the policy, which could include the Shine initiative and the Kids Partners and Youth2Work programmes.
‘‘We will be the voice for kids. When we need the government and others to get involved, we will advocate.
‘‘The plan will aim to achieve lower rates of skin infections, rheumatic fever, and avoidable hospitalisation through consist- ent lobbying and service monitoring.’’
When launching the policy at Titahi Bay School last Tuesday, Leggett said surveys and consultation with children, via schools, would be used to give children the best possible start.