Skylight's submission on:
The Suicide Prevention Action Plan (pdf download)
We agree that suicide is “not solely a health issue”. We therefore welcome the Draft Plan’s Cross-Government approach to suicide prevention and postvention but think it can go further. The responsibility must sit with all-of-government in collaboration with all sectors, public and private, including communities and non-governmental organisations such as ourselves.
The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (pdf download)
Skylight Trust firmly opposes the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and regards the Bill as unnecessary, in breach of numerous human rights, children’s rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
Safety measures for the use of puberty blockers in young people with gender-related health needs (pdf download)
Skylight does not support more restrictive regulation for access to puberty blockers for non cisgender individuals, as this is discriminatory. Access should be guided by medical practitioners, informed consent and guidelines as it is now.
Consultation on Childhood Palliative Care Models (pdf download)
It is time to act. We support moving to the four-hub model to produce equal outcomes across the country cost effectively and most importantly, to enable tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to live (and die) with dignity and with professional support, as close to home as is possible.
Skylight wants to support the mental and physical health of the many tamariki and rangatahi (and their whānau) accessing palliative care. If the four-hub model is not pursued, we favour the two hub model over the status quo
Feedback on Oranga Tamariki's Long-Term Insights Briefing (pdf download)
Skylight's response emphasises the critical need for a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach to child protection. Success by 2040 hinges on prevention, early intervention, robust support systems, and strong community collaboration.
Key changes required include increased funding, better integration of services, and addressing systemic issues such as healthcare access and housing instability. Leveraging existing initiatives and enhancing digital support can further strengthen these efforts. Ultimately, achieving a high economic welfare and social cohesion scenario will require sustained commitment and a unified approach across all sectors.
While there are many opportunities and challenges presented by the future, there is much that can be done now.