We are delighted to invite you to attend the upcoming 10^th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, to be held in Wellington, New Zealand from 14-16 February 2006. The conference provides a fantastic opportunity for us all to come together to talk about what works to prevent child abuse and neglect and how we can work together more effectively so that all children and young people can reach their potential.

This is the first time this conference will be held in New Zealand and it is fitting that Wellington city, our arts and cultural capital, has been chosen as the venue for our conference. The conference theme is Kia Puawai Ngā Tamariki, Blossoming of Our Children - Resilience, Rights, Responsibilities. The programme features an exciting range of presentations from international, New Zealand and Pacific speakers, including several keynote addresses from young people.

The conference programme will also include workshops, exhibitions, time for discussion and networking, and opportunities for everyone to participate. Key themes for the conference include the discipline and guidance of children, child abuse in the context of family violence, the research and practice connection, and children's voices.

We warmly invite young people and all those involved with the care and protection of children, including practitioners, policy makers, researchers, parents and community groups, to come together to share your knowledge and experiences.

We look forward to welcoming you to Wellington in February 2006.

Peter Hughes Chief Executive Ministry of Social Development		Paula Tyler Chief Executive Department of Child, Youth and Family Services		Dr Cindy Kiro Children's Commissioner