“You need to get in early, as soon as you see people struggling”: Understanding the life-course journey

This report captures the voices of children and young people who shared what’s important to them, what gets in the way, and what helps - at different stages of their life journey from babies through to young adults.

Their insights and perspectives were sought primarily to inform the review of the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy, which sets out a shared understanding of what’s important for children and young people, and what is needed to create an environment where they can all thrive.

Find the Government's refreshed Child and Youth Strategy here.

In keeping with the life-course focus of the Strategy review, we asked mokopuna, regardless of their current age, to reflect on what’s important as they grow up, from early childhood to young adulthood. This included exploring:

• What kinds of things matter/ed most at different stages?
• What gets in the way of feeling and doing well at different stages?
• What support/things/people help, or might have helped you?
• What is the most important thing adults should focus on to help children and young people to thrive?

We are grateful to the mokopuna who participated in this project for their time, wisdom, and insights, as well as the community connectors and partners who went above and beyond to support us to deliver these engagements.

The report findings highlight the crucial need to understand mokopuna in the context of their homes, families, whānau, schools and communities, and to consider their rights, best interests and wellbeing within those contexts.

They also provide us with a roadmap to better support the lives of mokopuna in all communities and hapori throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. We urge that their voices are prioritised and held at the absolute centre, to guide and inform all decision-making that impacts their lives, everyday.