2022 Public Celebration

Published on 4th of November, 2022

Our 2022 Public Celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the work of our organisation of the last year. We were delighted to have Children's Commissioner, Judge Frances Eivers, as our Keynote Speaker, giving her first address in Christchurch since taking up the role of Commissioner. Her address focused on child poverty, reflecting on what bold change looks like and steps that need to be taken to reverse impacts of colonisation and damage caused by widening inequality.

“Despite the efforts of successive Governments, poverty for our mokopuna remains severe and persistent. Inadequate housing and a sharply rising cost of living is placing even more pressure on whānau. We need to be brave and change our approach to combating poverty and inequity" says Judge Eivers.

CMM Executive Director Jill Hawkey says the privilege of hosting Judge Eivers cannot be overstated. “We were delighted Judge Eivers accepted our invitation to speak on this important topic. Much of the day-today work carried out by housing staff and social workers of the Christchurch Methodist Mission is helping alleviate the effects of child poverty in whānau, and so we hope to work more closely with her office in the future.”

To find out more about CMM's work over the last year, you can view our 2022 Annual Report by clicking here or email laurat@mmsi.org.nz for a hard copy.