Our Story
Kia whāngaia te rito, ka puāwaitia te harakeke.
When we nourish and foster the rito (the child), the harakeke (the whānau and community) will flourish.
This belief drives the Child Rich Communities project and inspires us every day.
About us
The Child Rich Communities project focuses on community-led development in support of child and whānau wellbeing.
The project is hosted by Inspiring Communities and backed by a collective of supporting organisations. Together, we share a common goal: to weave together the strengths of people, organisations and projects working in community-led ways to improve wellbeing for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and community.
We want to:
Learn more about local leaders and community-led activity making a positive difference for children and whānau across Aotearoa.
Profile, connect and support local leaders and their diverse approaches
Support and promote child and whānau - focused community-led action
Encourage more integrated social service and community building approaches.
Our Journey So Far
In 2015, Inspiring Communities, Plunket, UNICEF and Every Child Counts joined up to promote and further explore the concept of Child Rich Communities.
In 2016, the CRC project partners launched the Bright Spots Report which showcased 21 examples of local community initiatives that are making a positive difference to children and families.
S.K.I.P funding enabled a Bright Spots national hui that brought together key community leaders to connect, share and strategise on how to grow a Child Rich Communities approach in Aotearoa.
In 2018, S.K.I.P. funded an initial Child Rich Action plan which involved a range of capacity building activities - community workshops, webinars and peer-led practice groups. This work was well received, with an evaluation of the project’s key activities demonstrating value from the approach. Unfortunately, funding to enable 2019 activities did not progress as hoped.
In 2020, a new guiding group for CRC came together to begin working out the next steps to help advance our goal to raise awareness, deepen understanding and promote the role of community-led development in child and family wellbeing.
Where we’re at now: Growing the next phase of CRC
In 2022, we are all about reconnecting. Read our action plan here, and jump onto our what’s on page for online kōrero, network gatherings and upcoming hui both on and off-line.
We know that power lies in community - protecting, nurturing and empowering tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, and enabling them to reach their full potential.
We all know it takes a village. It takes people to create positive and lasting change. Sign up to our newsletter or connect with us via email to engage in our progress together.
