Leaders Back Generational 2050 Plan to Put Tamariki Māori at the Centre of National Policy

A collective of more than 100 children, iwi leaders, business representatives, and community supporters gathered at Parliament on Thursday, 17 September 2026, to challenge Aotearoa’s politicians to adopt a long-term vision for the nation’s youth. The call, led by Barnardos Aotearoa, urges political parties to support a Generational Plan for children that extends to 2050, ensuring that national strategy for tamariki remains consistent regardless of changes in government. Helmut Karewa Modlik, Tumu Whakarae CEO and a vocal supporter of the proposal, has emphasised that tamariki and mokopuna Māori must be at the very heart of this kaupapa. The initiative seeks to move beyond short-term planning and address interconnected issues such as housing, poverty, and health through a unified, child-first lens. The proposal suggests that every major government decision—from tax and welfare to climate change—should be put through a test to determine its long-term impact on the generations to come. Support for the plan has reached a significant milestone, with Barnardos reporting that over 100 leaders from iwi, academia, and philanthropy have joined formal discussions. At a recent Barnardos Foundation Gala Dinner, more than 460 people stood in support of the proposal. The goal is to spend 2027 developing the detailed plan alongside whānau, iwi, and NGOs to create a shared national direction. Advocates argue that for Māori, a generational approach is particularly vital as current inequities in health and education often span multiple generations. By establishing a plan that lasts through 2050, the coalition aims to ensure that children born today inherit a country where every child has the opportunity to thrive. The kaupapa invites all political parties heading into Election 2026 to commit to this 25-year vision, creating a legacy that outlasts the traditional three-year parliamentary term.