Growing Up in New Zealand is today releasing new findings from the ongoing longitudinal study of young New Zealanders.
“Now We Are Twelve” focuses on the lived experience of 12-year-olds and their families, covering topics identified as
key to the ongoing wellbeing and improvement of life here in Aotearoa such as: material wellbeing and identity (ethnic
and gender) (please see attached media releases).
Around 4,500 young people and their families contributed to “Now We Are Twelve”, encompassing a diverse group with a
variety of experiences. The study has been following the lives of these children since before they were born including
at significant milestones.
The findings are being released as a series of nine snapshots, covering nine topics developed by researchers alongside
key Government departments to respond to current policy priorities for children and young people.
The topics to be covered are:Ethnic and gender identityMaterial WellbeingHousing and homelessnessFood securityCOVID-19 impact on child and whānau wellbeingMental healthSchool engagementDisabilityRelationships
These will be released between early April and end of June for use by researchers and decision makers and for anyone
wanting to improve the lives of and understand the needs of young people and their families and in New Zealand.
The Children and Families Research Fund provides funding to use the Growing Up in New Zealand data to support research into aspects of young people’s lives across the motu and is regularly made available to
researcher and research institutions.
The study is conducted by the University of Auckland UniServices, funded by the NZ Government and administered by the
Ministry of Social Development.
See “Now We Are Twelve” here: https://growingup.co.nz/now-we-are-twelve