Child champ' Hewitt visits to hear debate | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Former All Black Norm Hewitt will visit Wanganui today to encourage debate about child welfare in New Zealand.

The visit is part of a nationwide tour to promote submissions to the Government's Green Paper on Vulnerable Children.

Hewitt is a "children's champion" and will be at Sport Wanganui from 11am to 1pm today where people are invited to listen and talk with the former hooker.

Once one of rugby's tough men, Hewitt is today an advocate for vulnerable children.

Wanganui Community Taskforce on Youth Wellbeing co-chairs Jay Rerekura and Cr Philippa Baker-Hogan hope for good numbers.

Hewitt said the Green Paper was inspiring.

"It's about time someone drew a line in the sand and said 'it's up to us' because the Government does not have all the answers. We need to have that conversation nationwide and I am very excited and honoured to be part of it."

Cr Philippa Baker-Hogan agreed it was an excellent opportunity to come together.

"This is Wanganui's chance to not only get a better understanding of the Green Paper, but also take advantage of a positive opportunity to consolidate our aspirations for our future of making our city and community a safe place for all children and their families."

The Green Paper for Vulnerable Children is a way of testing ideas, giving people and communities the chance to have their say before the Government makes decisions.

The document was released for public discussion in late July 2011 and people have until February 28 to make submissions.

Norm Hewitt will be at Sport Wanganui Resource Room, 40 Maria Place Extension, from 11am to 1pm.