Spark the Dream thriving children and flourishing families

Looking after kids can be hard; even though we want to do the best for our kids sometimes family relationships can go wrong, parents can lose their way and kids get hurt.

Jigsaw is a not-for-profit organisation focused on the wellbeing of all New Zealand children and their families. The diverse group of independent, community-based social service agencies that make up the Jigsaw network advocate against all forms of child abuse, neglect, and family violence, and provide support to families so they can raise their children in safe and nurturing ways.

Jigsaw supports Police zero tolerance policy towards domestic violence
(media release 15 April 2013)

The Salvation Army report She'll be Right: State of the Nation 2013 (released 13 February 2013) calls for effective leadership and vision to address New Zealand's areas of serious social need and to create a better society for our children and grandchildren.

Read our Annual Report Our Annual Report for the period to 30 June 2012 is available as a pdf download (4.2 MB).

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Our latest eNews is out - read the April edition and previous eNews. To sign up to receive future editions, just email info@jigsaw.org.nz with 'Subscribe' in the subject line.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, or are worried about a child or young person, you can call these numbers anytime:

Child, Youth and Family Freephone: 0508 326 459
Family Violence Information Line: 0800 456 450

Our campaigns

Seeds of change planted in Thames, Whangarei

Communities inspired to support families to raise children safely ... read more

Viewpoint

Food in Schools debate 

The front line organisations in Jigsaw’s network know firsthand the realities of families struggling to put food on the table for their children.

The Government’s announcement to expand the KickStart breakfast programme is seen as a positive step towards alleviating some of that stress.

It is sad though that the debate has turned so ugly and that some people choose to judge and blame other parents so harshly.

Regardless of whether or not you agree that schools should be feeding children, there is evidence that shows that if we have properly nourished children there are definite benefits and savings in the health, education, and social sectors as children grow into adults.

Jigsaw encourages you to read the recent working paper released by Children’s Commissioner Russell Wills – A Framework for Food in Schools Programmes - which sets out the arguments well.

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