Child Protection Week 2024

In September, New Zealand celebrates Child Safety Week, a week that focuses on child welfare and addresses the growing threat of child sexual exploitation online.

Launched in 2021 by Nelson-based organisation Safeguarding Children, the week aims to raise awareness and encourage community vigilance.

Despite the dedicated efforts of customs, police and the Ministry of Interior, child sexual exploitation remains a pressing problem.

In 2023, New Zealand agencies received more than 18,000 referrals from the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding online crime.

“Child Protection Week reminds us that we must remain vigilant and protect our children from online dangers,” said Simon Peterson, Chief Customs Officer for the Child Exploitation Operations Team.

“As child abuse material becomes more prevalent, Customs, together with its international and local partners, is committed to protecting children.”

Tim Houston, manager of the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation Team, emphasizes the dual role of technology.

“While technology has benefited our daily lives, its misuse has led to an increase in child abuse material,” he notes.

“This week highlights the impact of such material on children and the importance of collective protection efforts.”

Task Force Ruru, a major initiative involving customs, police and the Ministry of the Interior, is an example of this collaboration.

The task force is working hard to identify victims and track down perpetrators.

Chief Inspector Kepal Richard of the New Zealand Police’s Online Child Exploitation Unit emphasises the importance of Child Protection Week.

“It is an important time to discuss online safety with young people and tackle the harm caused by online exploitation,” he says.

The Department of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also support child welfare under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, allowing them to share vital information to protect children.

“I want to commend all the investigators who are working tirelessly across agencies to keep children safe,” added Tim Houston.

For more information about Child Protection Week and the ongoing efforts of Safeguarding Children, visit childsafeguardingweek.org.nz