On Wednesday 28 June, four Kaunuku students went to meet Children's Commissioner Judge Beecroft, to talk about our ideas for the red zone.

A few weeks ago we got an invitation from Regenerate Christchurch to attend a hearing of some children's ideas for the red zone. The organizers also wanted to hear why the children thought they should be included in the decision. I immediately thought of a few of our creative and confident students; Skyla, Mila, Taku and Luke and asked them if they would like to be involved. 

We spent some time as a group talking about the needs of our area, what the land around the red zone was like and most importantly dreaming what the land could be used for! They had some really cool ideas! The four students then spent a good few hours coming up with ideas and formulating their presentation

The day came and we headed into town where we were welcomed in and the children sat around a giant boardroom style table with big leather chairs. Judge Beecroft talked to the kids about not giving up on your dreams and how it was important for him to step outside the Beehive in Wellington and got and hear the voices of the people his decisions affect. 

When it came our turn to present the akongā did so well! Mila welcomed everyone and talked about how children have the right to be heard, Skyla shared some cool ideas about building homeless shelters and making waterparks and Taku and Luke talked about how we could clean up the Avon river so children could swim in it! 

After the presentations the Judge gave everyone a certificate and a lollypop and the school got a new tree to plant!

It was filmed by two media companies so we will share the video once it is released. This link is a RadioNZ recording of the event.