Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Youth, Hon Peeni Henare were special guests at VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai’s Christmas and end of year celebration in Mount Eden earlier this month.
Around 50 tamariki and Rangatahi enjoyed a fun day of activities including a bouncy castle, photobooth, face-painting station, and a number of different games and activities to promote connection and having fun.
The event, held at the VOYCE premises in Mount Eden, was co-designed and led by young people in care, for young people in care, and was a huge success.
A group of star performers, all care experienced children from Dingwall Trust, delivered an amazing performance, with spectacular dancing, waiata, and a rousing haka.
Alongside the awesome tamariki and Rangatahi were their caregivers, friends, VOYCE Youth Council, Voyce board, staff and Technical Reference Group.
John McCarthy, Tindall Foundation Manager and Voyce board member said, ” It was a privilege to have the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern at the party showing her continued support for care experienced children and young people. The children were delighted to see her and didn’t let her leave without getting a photo with her in the photo booth. She was wonderful with the kids had a lot of fun. We are grateful and delighted to have so much of her time given how busy she is.”