Key facts about New Zealand children
New Zealand sits at the bottom of the OECD for its rankings on child wellbeing and our investment in children is also
among the lowest.
The first 1000 days/ 3 years of a child’s life are when the most important physical, mental and social development
occurs. It is during those days that the foundation is laid for the child to develop into a mature, socially engaged and
productive adult member of society. The first 1000 days represents the greatest chance politicians have to get it right
now and for the future.
At present —
About 22 percent of children (230,000) live in relative poverty – this means going without doctor’s visits, shoes, wet
weather clothing, spots and other recreational opportunities. Poverty has a lasting impact with estimates suggested the
poor outcomes associated with poverty cost the nation 3 percent of GDP/ $6bn per annum.
Māori and Pasifika children are more likely to live in poverty, leading to a disproportionate number of Māori children
being hospitalised for abuse, neglect or maltreatment and a disproportionate number of Pasifika children being
hospitalised for infectious diseases.
About 160,000 children are considered vulnerable at any one time.
New Zealand has a rheumatic fever rate that is 14 times the OECD average. The risk of rheumatic fever is nearly 28times
higher for a Māori child and nearly 54 times higher for a Pasifika child when compared to a European child.
Over 13,000 children are admitted to hospital with conditions that could have been avoided.
Children in the most deprived areas were hospitalised 5.6 times more often than those in the least deprived areas.
31 percent of New Zealand children live in over-crowded conditions.
There are around 21,000 confirmed cases of abuse and neglect every year.
More than 47,000 children in homes with family violence.
More than 7,000 children leave school without qualifications each year.
There are clear benefits from participation in quality early childhood education. The return on investment is
significant – anything up to $16 return for every $1 spent.
Youth unemployment is currently at 23.4 percent. The Māori youth unemployment rate is 25.7 percent. The Pasifika youth
unemployment rate is 29.6 percent.
There is currently a significant subset of children who miss out on the support they need. Support for these children in
their early years, and their families, represents a cost effective social investment.
In 12 years, there will be many more old people than young. Outcomes for today’s children will be critical to their
productivity, employability and ability to contribute fully to their communities.
*Every Child Counts is a coalition led by Barnardos, Plunket, UNICEF, Save the Children and Te Kahui Mana Ririki working to increase the
status and wellbeing of New Zealand children.
ENDS