Growing Up in New Zealand

We’re pleased to support this Moana Talks webinar with Moana Connect, exploring insights from the Growing Up in New Zealand study and what they tell us about the wellbeing, strengths and aspirations of Pacific young people, families and communities.

Join the kōrero and hear from researchers as they share how longitudinal evidence can help inform better outcomes for future generations!

Join us for an insightful Moana Talks webinar exploring key findings from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal study, and what they reveal about the wellbeing, development, strengths, and aspirations of Pacific communities in Aotearoa.

Hear from researchers as they unpack how evidence over time can help shape better outcomes for Pacific children, families, and future generations.

To register, simply scan the QR code or head to the link in our bio

Ngā mihi nui to Moana Maniapoto, Cameron Bennett and the wider team at Whakaata Māori for the beautiful story on Growing Up in New Zealand, featured on Te Ao with Moana last night.

The piece captured so much of the magic from our Our Meeting Point event at Eden Park, while also sharing the wider purpose, commitment and impact of the study.

In a world of short-form, clip-based reporting, it felt really special to see this story given such time, care and thoughtfulness. Most importantly, it created space for the voices of rangatahi and their caregivers to be heard, alongside those leading and working alongside the study.

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to share the heart of Growing Up in New Zealand with a wider audience.

https://www.maoriplus.co.nz/show/te-ao-with-moana/season-8/episode-7/play

Bullying can start much earlier than many people think.

Growing Up in New Zealand has followed thousands of young people across Aotearoa since before they were born.

Our findings show that bullying can begin early, continue through childhood, and affect young people’s mental wellbeing.

- By age 2, around 1 in 10 children had been regularly picked on or bullied.
- By age 4, around 1 in 3 had experienced being picked on or bullied.
- At age 8, more than a third of children reported being bullied in the past year.
- By age 12, being bullied was associated with higher depression and anxiety symptoms.

The data also shows what can help. Strong relationships with parents, caregivers and friends are linked with better mental wellbeing, even when bullying is part of a young person’s experience.

For Pink Shirt Day, we’re sharing what the evidence tells us: kindness matters, and so do early support, safe relationships and inclusive places for all children and young people.

Explore more findings from the study at growing up.co.nz