1. Speak up if you’re worried about a child or young person
If a mokopuna is in immediate danger, call 111.
For other concerns about a child or young person’s safety or wellbeing, contact Oranga Tamariki on 0508 326 459.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, talk to someone. You can contact a community organisation or your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
2. Keep the conversation going
Talk about child safety with friends, whānau, and colleagues. Help build a culture where keeping mokopuna safe is everyone’s business.
3. Learn the signs of abuse and neglect
Know what to look for — changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, withdrawal, or fear. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. The resources below can help you recognise the signs of harm, abuse, and neglect.
4. Check in with families and whānau
A quick chat or kind gesture can make a big difference. Connection helps reduce stress and isolation. Parenting and caregiving can be challenging. Simple acts of support can make a real difference.
5. Offer practical help
Drop off a meal, share a hot drink, or lend a hand to a whānau that is struggling. Small acts of care help build safer communities.
6. Support parents and caregivers
Parenting and caregiving can be tough at times. Encourage, listen, and connect families to local support services when needed.
7. Be a safe adult
Listen without judgement, believe what children tell you, and take their worries seriously. If you think a child is being harmed, take action. If a child discloses abuse or harm, support them to action the help they need.
8. Get involved in your community
Volunteer with a local school, club, marae, community organisation or children’s charity — positive adult role models help mokopuna thrive.
9. Promote child safety where you work or volunteer
Support new and ongoing child protection and safeguarding training, advocate for policies that prioritise children’s safety, and model respectful behaviour at all times.
10. Learn more about children’s rights
Explore the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and our resources to understand how to make every child’s right to safety a reality.