Aims:

-	To provide support to grandparents who are primary caregivers
-	To provide opportunities for the grandchildren to meet others in the same situation
-	To raise awareness as to the role of the grandparents in the primary caregiving role
-	To undertake research to establish the depth of grandparents in the primary caregiver role in New Zealand and respond accordingly
-	To facilitate change in the legal and child custody systems

Our History:
When in 1997, Diane Vivian took over the care of her small, traumatised grandchildren, she could not believe the stress she encountered.

Setting about to discover what help or support was available in 1999, she found there was none! She decided there must be many others in her position and put an ad in the paper. The phone did not stop ringing. A need had been identified. In consultation with Jill Nerheny, the Birkenhead /Northcote Community Co-ordinator, a support group was set up under the controller of the Community Facilities Trust. A public meeting was held and they knew they had a tiger by the tail. As the group grew they spent many months venting, weeping, sharing and building trust. The group set the objectives and a vision statement which now form the founding document and guiding principles of all the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Groups.

Today there are over 45 support groups throughout the country, reaching from Dargaville in the north to Invercargill in the South. Membership grows daily. Groups actively lobby parliament, network with other communities and speak to many community organizations.

They strive to make a difference for all grandchildren and grandparents who care about them.

The organisation salutes all Grandparents who have taken in Grandchildren and put the needs of those precious ones before their own. You are indeed doing angels' work here on earth. Together we have made a difference in a child's life.