New charity raising awareness of child sexual exploitation

New Zealand-based charity the Saint Nicholas Children’s Trust was founded last year by Angela Francis, former chief executive of Nelson Bays Primary Health and the Asthma Foundation of New Zealand, and former executive director of the Federation of Primary Health.

She was inspired to create the charity after seeing first-hand the horrors of the child sex trade on her travels, and visiting the United Nations Headquarters in New York to learn more about the issue.

“We are here to speak out . . . We are here to spread the word . . . we are here to make a difference . . .” Ms Francis said.

Ms Francis is a parishioner at Our Lady of the Bays Parish in the Tasman District. Two of the three trustees are parishioners there. Funds raised from a Mission Day Fair at St Peter Chanel School in Motueka late last year were donated to the trust.

Sexual exploitation of children, both online and in person, is increasing. The Saint Nicholas Children’s Trust aims to shed light on the issue and to create a world where no child has to endure such suffering again.

Ms Francis said: “Child sexual exploitation is a scourge on our society. It is a concerning issue and one that must be prioritised at every level in society.”

To mark the launch, which coincided with Pope Francis’ “World day of prayer, reflection and action against human trafficking”, more than 40 supporters gathered at Nelson’s Trafalgar Square on February 8, where they took part in a silent march. Supporters wore masks to symbolise how children’s voices are diminished through this trade.

Among those at Trafalgar Park were Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, Nelson MP Rachel Boyack and Maungakiekie MP Greg Fleming.

Mr Fleming introduced the Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill to Parliament in 2024.

The bill, currently before Parliament’s Justice Select Committee, would strengthen New Zealand’s approach to human trafficking. It would increase the penalties for the offence of dealing in slaves and the offence of dealing in people under 18 for sexual exploitation, as well as the removal of body parts or engagement in forced labour.

Submissions on the bill closed on February 13.

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Launch of Saint Nicholas Children’s Trust – Saint Nicholas Children’s Trust St Nicholas Children’s Trust

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Our Lady of the Bays Parish