The Minister Responsible for Whanau Ora, Tariana Turia, is congratulating the New Zealand recipient of a prestigious UN Children’s Fund award, describing it as akin to receiving a gold medal.

Kiwi paediatrician and former Children’s Commissioner, Dr. Ian Hassall, received the UNICEF Aldo Farina Award in Korea at the weekend in recognition of his sustained contribution to child rights advocacy. The award is made only every second year.

Mrs Turia described the UNICEF award as an astounding tribute to Dr Hassall.

“I’m sure if this was in the sporting arena, the Gold Medal for the Children’s Hero would be creating front page news,” says Mrs Turia.

“Dr Hassall has put Aotearoa on the world map, for such achievements as establishing a ‘What’s Up’ helpline for children and young people; child safety initiatives such as cot death prevention and the fencing of swimming pools; and of course in his contribution to the debate around the amendments to Section 59 of the Crimes Act.

“I want to put on record, my great appreciation and congratulations to Dr Hassall for his investment in children as the foundation of our future.”

Read more about Dr. Hassall’s work for New Zealand children.

Read a sampling of congratulations from New Zealand-based, child-focused agencies.