Kia puāwai ngā tamariki (the blossoming of our children) Many whakatāuki speak about the importance of our tamariki, yet what is the reality for Māori children growing up in New Zealand today? Dr Kiro will review the evidence around what is happening for our tamariki and how we can improve what is happening for them. Also what implications exist for Māori in high profile positions that raise important issues around Māori in mainstream society? Associate Professor Kiro was the former Children’s Commissioner for New Zealand for over five years and a founding member of the global network for Children’s Ombudsmen. She is of Ngā Puhi descent and has worked in the health sector, health research, social policy and social work for almost 30 years. She is based in the new School of Public Health at Massey University.