Rangatahi to challenge political leaders in youth-led care experience debate

Aotearoa’s political leaders are set to face a unique challenge on Monday, October 19, as rangatahi with lived experience of the state care system take charge of a pre-election debate. The event, organized by youth advocacy organization VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, aims to put the voices of care-experienced young people at the heart of the national conversation ahead of the November 7 general election. Breaking from traditional debate formats, the online panel will see rangatahi developing and delivering their own questions to party representatives. The discussion will center on VOYCE’s "6 Promises," a framework designed alongside young people to establish essential standards for care, including safety, being listened to, and maintaining vital whānau connections. Confirmed participants for the panel include ACT’s Karen Chhour, Labour’s Willow-Jean Prime, National’s Dana Kirkpatrick, the Green Party’s Kahurangi Carter, New Zealand First’s Kym McDonald, and The Opportunities Party’s Jessica Hammond. According to VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai Chief Executive Tracie Shipton, the event is a necessary step because young people in care are too often excluded from political discussions regarding the systems that shape their lives. A significant focus of the debate will be how different parties intend to reform the care and youth justice systems, particularly for Māori tamariki and rangatahi. For Māori, wellbeing in the state system is deeply tied to whakapapa, identity, and language. The panel offers a platform for politicians to explain how they will ensure the system protects children while strengthening their ties to whānau, hapū, and iwi. Shipton noted that while the participation of political representatives is encouraging, the rangatahi involved will be seeking meaningful answers and clear, long-term commitments to their wellbeing.