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Social Justice Aotearoa CEO Jackie Foster has had written confirmation from National party

leader, Christopher Luxon, that a National elected government will reinstate a children’s

commissioner immediately.

Foster wrote to the National Party leader, Christopher Luxon, earlier this month, asking him

directly if this labour government removes the role of Children’s Commissioner, would a

National elected government reinstate the commissioner role? “Simply the direct answer

was yes” Jackie said.

When asked why would a lobby group that focuses on mainly corrections and policing issues

would be concerned about the role of children’s commissioner, Foster replied “Social Justice

Aotearoa is a lobby group for all New Zealanders and the wellbeing of our children is vital to

the future of our nation. Our Children’s Commissioner plays a vital role in the upbring and

support of our children and works tirelessly to assure that children who have troubled starts

in life get the help and assistance they need to get back on track and not end up as just

another statistic”.

Last week Jackie met with the Hon Louise Upston, who has also been very vocal on the

Children’s Commissioner issue and was given reassurance that National will not back down

in its opposition to the removal of such a vital role.

In closing, Foster said “Social Justice Aotearoa leads a protest to parliament in August to

present a petition opposing the removal of the commissioner and we reiterate that we will

not back down either."