History

In 2004 Kids Friendly, a new ministry to the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand, invited churches to participate in the process of Becoming a Kids Friendly Church. Opting to become a Kids Friendly church involved a Presbyterian/Uniting church reviewing their children’s ministry using the Kids Friendly best practice resource: The Kids Friendly Self-Review. Becoming Kids Friendly was not regarded as a ‘destination’, but about fostering a culture within the church that welcomed, nurtured and empowered children.

In 2020, the Kids Friendly Self-Review tool was reviewed, it was agreed the backbone of the tool was valuable, but it was noted there had been some key changes in legislation and practices that have taken place within the church, and that it would be valuable to broaden the scope to include young people and their families. And to reflect these changes, the Whānau Friendly Process: Growing Together in ministry to children, young people and their families has been birthed.