Every day is children's day: Tariana Turia

“Children's day is every day” said Tariana Turia, whanau ora spokesperson for the Maori Party, speaking in advance of Children's Day (Sunday 1 March 2009).

”Every child must grow in a loving, caring nurturing environment”.

“Our children are the hope of our future; they are our investment in a strong nation. He taonga nui a tatou tamariki” said Mrs Turia.

"We must value mokopuna as the sacred seeds from Rangiatea. My mokopuna sings with great gusto and joy, I am a seed born of greatness.

”And so it is for every child”.

“The theme for the 2009 Children’s Day, is listening and talking” said Mrs Turia. “This is a perfect opportunity to listen and to talk with children about the essence of who we are”.

“We owe it to them, to share the korero that is fundamental to our identity; and we must be willing to hear their voice in response”.

“As the song ‘the Greatest Love of All’ reminds us, “let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be”.