R E S O U R C E   K I T Have you thought about what the impact of your decision making could be upon children and what their perspective might be? Visit the Kid's Tool Box to find out more...

Our Goal

That Christchurch will be known as the city that is good for children, young people and their families.

How the Children's Strategy started

In 1995, the then Christchurch Mayor Vicki Buck expressed her concern for children in the city. Increasing numbers appeared to be falling through the gaps caused by a complexity of social issues including poor housing in poor neighbourhoods, persistent low income, criminality, dysfunctional family relationships, long term unemployment, poor parenting, attitudes and preferences and the impact of governmental policies.

The safety net, which the community expected to provide, appeared full of gaping holes and the smallest, most vulnerable members of our community were falling through first. The situation in Christchurch was further complicated by the fact that elected leaders had no reliable, up-to-date information on how well children were doing.

In 1995 Vicki Buck initiated the Children's Strategy Research

In 1995, a large scale consultation took place, involving almost 900 primary aged children (9 - 12 years) 100 parents and 100 service providers to find out how children (0 - 12 years) felt about their city. They were asked about:

• the city's physical design and layout
• leisure and recreation
• safety and welfare
• their environment and their future

The results were recorded according to ward and metropolitan areas. This resulted in information based upon the reality of children's experiences, rather than the perception of adults. View the Children's Strategy Research Report.

Key changes took place following the Children's Strategy Research Report

• In 1996 a Children's Advocate was appointed to ensure the recommendations of the study were implemented.
• Political buy in through agreement on a Children's Policy adopted by the Council in 1998.
• The CCC has committed itself to the idea that a city, which cares for values and nurtures its children, will be good for all citizens.

Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore, elected in 1998, has hands on experience in community development, and a commitment to smart networking, strategic partnerships, genuine community consultation and governance which recognises the value which stable, happy families bring to our city.

His leadership has continued an involvement by this Council in social initiatives, which recognise that a healthy city is more than 'nuts, bolts, lanes and drains'. It is about people, their welfare and well-being.