Whānau

Whānau Rangatiratanga creates a powerful platform from which whānau can live in rangatira ways. This is about whānau taking control of their futures.

In New Zealand today, whānau live diverse realities, including those deeply and richly connected to their turangawaewae and those disconnected from it. Kaupapa Māori processes and tools enable whānau to build capacity and capability to successfully achieve Whānau Rangatiratanga.

Change for Māori must be led by Māori taking a Māori worldview in defining and working toward new futures. If government wants to make real improvements in outcomes for Māori whanau and children it needs to engage in real partnerships with Māori.

We need to support strong leadership within whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori communities by recognising such leaders at all levels. Government and regional and local government agencies can empower leaders within whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori communities by engaging in meaningful dialogue and exercising partnership principles in their policies and practises.

The reports and resources in this section will focus on strengths based approaches in working with whānau and describe and share successful kaupapa Maori based interventions with whānau.

What Works with Māori: What the people said

What works with Māori: What the people said draws together a significant body of work, undertaken by the Commission as part of its Whānau Rangatiratanga Work Programme: He Ara Whakamua
RESEARCH REPORTS
Thu 12 Sep, 2013
Download What works with Māori: What the people said (1.39 MB)
Families and Whānau Status Report 2013
Towards measuring the wellbeing of families and whānau

The Families and Whānau Status Report is the first in a series that aims to enrich our understanding of family and whānau wellbeing.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Mon 5 Aug, 2013
Download Families and Whānau Status Report 2013 (3.43 MB)
He Ara Whakamua – Whakatane
Whākapakari i te whānau / Parenting Education

Many New Zealanders remain unaware of the true value of Māori cultural knowledge as a source of innovation and creativity – this may be a legacy of a colonised past.
FORUM REPORTS
Thu 28 Mar, 2013
Download He Ara Whakamua Whakatane – Final report (281.99 KB)
He Ara Whakamua – New Plymouth
Taranaki – Wealthy Again. This time all of us.

The Families Commission joined with Taranaki Whānau to hold a wānanga as part of the He Ara Whakamua series. This wānanga addressed the kaupapa:
FORUM REPORTS
Mon 10 Dec, 2012
Download He Ara Whakamua New Plymouth – Final Report (658.87 KB)
Disabled parents
Diversity, experiences, and support needs

This resource shares knowledge about the needs and experiences of disabled parents, and can be used by government and service providers, as well as by parents.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Tue 27 Nov, 2012
Download Disabled parents – Diversity, experiences and support needs (913.1 KB)
Tūpuna – Ngā Kaitiaki Mokopuna
A resource for Māori grandparents

This resource explores the experiences of Māori grandparents in New Zealand. It describes the pleasures and pressures of grandparenting and the significant role grandparents play in the lives of whānau. This includes providing support, sharing resources, nurturing mokopuna, and teaching te reo, whakapapa, history and tikanga.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Thu 1 Nov, 2012
Download Tūpuna – Ngā Kaitiaki Mokopuna (986.75 KB)
Snapshot 14-12: The Early Years
Children aged 0-5 years

Greater investment is needed in supporting families and whānau with young children, in particular those experiencing hardship and vulnerability, to ensure they have access to the support they need
SNAPSHOTS
Mon 8 Oct, 2012
Download Snapshot 14-12: Early Years (256.71 KB)
He Ara Whakamua – Auckland
Working with vulnerable whānau, supporting vulnerable children

Many New Zealanders remain unaware of the true value of Māori cultural knowledge as a source of innovation and creativity – this may be a legacy of a colonised past.
FORUM REPORTS
Wed 28 Mar, 2012
Download Building pathways together to the future – final report (7.04 MB)
He Ara Whakamua – Wellington
The role of whānau, iwi, te reo Māori and literacy

Many New Zealanders remain unaware of the true value of Māori cultural knowledge as a source of innovation and creativity – this may be a legacy of a colonised past.
FORUM REPORTS
Wed 28 Mar, 2012
Download He Ara Whakamua – Wellington (825.68 KB)
Partnerships with Māori
He Waka Whānui

He Waka Whānui is the partnership model underpinning the Families Commission’s Whānau Strategic Framework.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Wed 28 Mar, 2012
Download Partnerships with Māori – He Waka Whānui (36.87 MB)

Social services

Most families and whānau require assistance during their life time and seek help first through their own support networks.

When families and whānau do seek assistance outside their own support networks, they need services that take account of all their family circumstances and responsibilities, rather than the needs of individuals in isolation from thier families. A ‘whole family approach’ better integrates multiple services around the needs of families rather than families having to fit into what different, unconnected service providers provide.

In recent years research has explored principles of practice in highly innovative organisations that deliver positive outcomes for families and whānau through having communities and different social service sectors work together.

Reports and resources in this theme explore the social support needs for families and whānau and vulnerable families in particular, and describe innovative practice research that we have undertaken with schools and community groups.

National Drug Policy
Submission to the Ministry of Health

In this submission, the Families Commission provides evidence from three of its research studies which show that there needs to be more support for families living with addiction.
SUBMISSIONS
Fri 28 Feb, 2014
Download Submission on the National Drug Policy (265.85 KB)
Inquiry into engaging parents in the education of their children
Submission to the Education and Science Select Committee

The relationship and interactions between schools, families and communities can have a significant bearing on educational outcomes.
SUBMISSIONS
Thu 7 Nov, 2013
Download Submission to the Inquiry into engaging parents in the education of their children (381.41 KB)
Carers Strategy Action Plan 2013-2018
Submission to the Ministry of Social Development

The Carers Strategy dates from 2008. The Action Plan 2013-2018 is the second aimed at progressing it.
SUBMISSIONS
Fri 2 Aug, 2013
Download Submission on the Carers Strategy Action Plan (319.58 KB)
At the Heart
Families at the centre, communities leading

Video based resources to help you think about your work with families and communities.
FORUM REPORTS
Mon 25 Feb, 2013
Download At The Heart User Guide (686.7 KB)
Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill
Submission to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee

The Commission’s submission supports proposals to provide dispute resolution processes outside the court that promote early resolution for families.
SUBMISSIONS
Wed 13 Feb, 2013
Download Submission on the Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill (306.09 KB)
Disabled parents
Diversity, experiences, and support needs

This research looks at how Pacific families manage their finances. The information can be used by government and providers as they design future initiatives with Pacific families.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Sat 24 Nov, 2012
Download Pacific families and problem debt (1.3 MB)
Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill
Submission to the Social Services Select Committee

In this submission, the Families Commission supports the intention of the Bill to improve the lives of beneficiaries, and calls for a number of changes to the Social Security Act to do this more effectively.
SUBMISSIONS
Thu 1 Nov, 2012
Download Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill (456.5 KB)
Snapshot 17-12: Financial Hardship
Problem Debt

Problem debt is one symptom of financial hardship and is a significant barrier to families enjoying a meaningful, rewarding life. Families need to take action early before their debt spirals o
SNAPSHOTS
Mon 8 Oct, 2012
Download Snapshot 17-12: Financial Hardship (217.83 KB)
Snapshot 16-12: Teen Pregnancy and Parenting

Becoming a parent at a young age brings real challenges but with the right support teen parents can achieve good outcomes. We need to build more deliberate connections to make better use of cu
SNAPSHOTS
Mon 8 Oct, 2012
Download Snapshot 16-12: Teen Pregnancy and Parenting (217.09 KB)

Relationships

Family and whānau relationships – whether they nurture or harm – have a powerful effect on family and whānau wellbeing.

The quality of adult couple relationships can have a significant impact on their ability to cope with shocks and challenging life events and on children’s development, wellbeing and life outcomes. Building and maintaining positive family relationships is critical to avoiding negative outcomes for future generations. Most children and young people learn about relationships and develop the skills to manage their own by observing their parents and relatives. While they are intensely personal, family and whānau relationships are also influenced by societal, cultural and economic changes.

Reports and resources in this section explore issues related to couple and young people relationships, parental separation, family formation, fathering, caring for children and other family members and the range of support provided for families in different setting such as school and the workplace.

Issues Paper 05:
Supporting parental and carer-couple relationships

Supporting all parenting adults is important but it is particularly important when families are in difficult situations; for example, where there is persistent poverty, conflict or violence, where
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Tue 11 Feb, 2014
Download Issues Paper: Supporting parental and carer-couple relationships (177.28 KB)
Families and Whānau Status Report 2013
Towards measuring the wellbeing of families and whānau

The Families and Whānau Status Report is the first in a series that aims to enrich our understanding of family and whānau wellbeing.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Mon 5 Aug, 2013
Download Families and Whānau Status Report 2013 (3.43 MB)
Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill
Submission to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee

This research looks at how Pacific families manage their finances. The information can be used by government and providers as they design future initiatives with Pacific families.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Sat 24 Nov, 2012
Download Pacific families and problem debt (1.3 MB)
Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill
Submission to the Government Administration Select Committee

The Bill removes the most significant remaining legislative discrimination against same-sex couples, and eases potential problems for children adopted by them.
SUBMISSIONS
Fri 26 Oct, 2012
Download Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill (235.5 KB)
Snapshot 16-12: Teen Pregnancy and Parenting

Parenting is one of the most important jobs in society today and the overwhelming majority of parents and caregivers provide a healthy and supportive environment, and are committed to the best poss
SNAPSHOTS
Mon 8 Oct, 2012
Download Snapshot 15-12: Parenting (240.32 KB)
Fact Sheet 01 – New Zealand Families Today
A brief demographic profile

This brief demographic profile presents a broad overview of the make-up of the New Zealand family in 2011 and identifies trends over the past few decades.
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Wed 8 Aug, 2012
Download New-Zealand-Families-Today.pdf (431.71 KB)
Submission on the Child Support Amendment Bill
Submission to the Social Services Select Committee

The Child Support Amendment Bill amends the formula for the financial support of children whose parents have separated so that it is based on the combined income of both parents, the age of the children and a more equitable shared care threshold.
SUBMISSIONS
Sat 30 Jun, 2012
Download Submission on the Child Support Amendment Bill (317.62 KB)

Parents and carers

Parents and carers have a critical influence on what children experience and on their future outcomes.

The quality of care affects children’s health, school achievement, self-esteem, attachment with others, future relationships and how they make friends and co-operate with others. Children who do not get enough care and nurturing may have difficulty as adults parenting their own children.

Parenting can be complicated; family life can be challenging and difficult and parents may need support at different stages of their children’s development. Time constraints, arranging childcare, employment, unemployment, housing, transport, and competing family responsibilities place significant pressures on parents. Additionally, financial stress is a continual feature of life for some families and whānau.

Reports and resources in this theme explore the challenges and opportunities of different parenting roles, such as sole mothers, fathering, grandparenting – and the wide range of issues facing parents in New Zealand today.

Families and Whānau Status Report 2013
Towards measuring the wellbeing of families and whānau

The Families and Whānau Status Report is the first in a series that aims to enrich our understanding of family and whānau wellbeing.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Mon 5 Aug, 2013
Download Families and Whānau Status Report 2013 (3.43 MB)
Carers Strategy Action Plan 2013-2018
Submission to the Ministry of Social Development

The Carers Strategy dates from 2008. The Action Plan 2013-2018 is the second aimed at progressing it.
SUBMISSIONS
Fri 2 Aug, 2013
Download Submission on the Carers Strategy Action Plan (319.58 KB)
Disabled parents
Diversity, experiences, and support needs

This research looks at how Pacific families manage their finances. The information can be used by government and providers as they design future initiatives with Pacific families.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Sat 24 Nov, 2012
Download Pacific families and problem debt (1.3 MB)
Evidence Brief 01 – Teen Births
Regional and national trends

This report looks at teenage birth rates over time, across regions and by age of mother, and includes data about a second or subsequent birth to a teenage mother.
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Thu 15 Nov, 2012
Download Teen Births evidence brief (464.96 KB)
Fact Sheet 02 – Teen Births
Regional and national trends

This Fact Sheet provides summary information from our research report on national and regional trends in teenage birth rates –
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Thu 15 Nov, 2012
Download Teen Births fact sheet (1.53 MB)
Paying family carers of disabled adult children
Submission to the Ministry of Health

In this submission, the Families Commission supports paying carers, and favours a scheme whereby the money goes first to the disabled person, allowing the disabled person to decide who will be their paid carer.
SUBMISSIONS
Thu 1 Nov, 2012
Download Paying family carers of disabled adult children (340.11 KB)
Tūpuna – Ngā Kaitiaki Mokopuna
A resource for Māori grandparents

This resource explores the experiences of Māori grandparents in New Zealand. It describes the pleasures and pressures of grandparenting and the significant role grandparents play in the lives of whānau. This includes providing support, sharing resources, nurturing mokopuna, and teaching te reo, whakapapa, history and tikanga.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Thu 1 Nov, 2012
Download Tūpuna – Ngā Kaitiaki Mokopuna (986.75 KB)
Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill
Submission to the Government Administration Select Committee

Pacific

Pacific people make up a significant and growing proportion of New Zealand’s population.

The majority of Pacific people are now New Zealand born, predominantly young and highly urbanised. The Pacific population in New Zealand is highly diverse, made up of many different ethnicities. Many Pacific families have strong family ties and support.

However, many Pacific families also face high levels of unemployment, are in low-paid jobs, live within large extended families, have low home ownership and can experience difficulty accessing credit at reasonable interest rates. Understanding these characteristics provides an important context for analysing the social and economic position of Pacific people.

Reports and resources in this section explore a range of issues facing Pacific families in New Zealand – the changing Pacific household compositions, Pacific family wellbeing, debt, parenting, the influence and importance of Pacific cultural values and the resilience of Pacific families and youth.

Pacific families and problem debt

This research looks at how Pacific families manage their finances. The information can be used by government and providers as they design future initiatives with Pacific families.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Sat 24 Nov, 2012
Download Pacific families and problem debt (1.3 MB)
Being a Single Mum
Pacific Island mothers’ positive experiences of parenting

This Families Commission report looked at a social environment in which families have priority and can flourish, enabling more families to achieve the successful outcomes they aspire to.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Fri 4 Jun, 2010
Download Being a Single Mum (1.01 MB)
Living the Tokelauan Way in New Zealand
Teenagers’ perspectives on extended-family living

This study aimed to understand how Tokelauan youth feel about living in extended-family households, and to describe their experiences of extended-family living and their understanding of its impact on their health and wellbeing.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Tue 3 Nov, 2009
Download living-the-tokelauan-way.pdf (633.76 KB)
Changing Pacific Households

This publication comprises two reports – Changing Pacific household composition and wellbeing 1981–2006 and A qualitative snapshot of household composition, wellbeing, parenting and economic decision-making among Pacific families in Auckland, 2008.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Tue 3 Nov, 2009
Download changing-pacific-households.pdf (845.07 KB)
Pasifika Youth in South Auckland
Family, gangs, community, culture, leadership and the future

The aim of this study funded by the Families Commission was to interview Pasifika youth from the suburbs of Māngere and Ōtara – including those who were involved in gangs and those who had ne
RESEARCH REPORTS
Tue 3 Nov, 2009
Download pasifika-youth.pdf (594.93 KB)
Diverse Forms of Pacific Families
and their financial decision-making approaches

Understanding Pacific peoples in the context of their families is crucial to working successfully with Pacific families and communities. During the past five years, the researchers have undertaken various research studies and community engagement projects which led them to believe that there is a need for better understanding of the nature of Pacific families in New Zealand and their decision-making processes.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Sat 1 Sep, 2007
Download BS-diverse forms-of-pacific-families.pdf (803.36 KB)

Family violence

Strong, well-functioning and non-violent relationships are the foundation of resilient families and whānau.

Neglectful, abusive and violent relationships are harmful to all family and whānau members. They destroy all levels of relationships and can have long-lasting effects on the quality of future relationships. Family violence affects everybody, particularly partners, children and the elderly; it damages our society and the economy.

Current levels of family violence in New Zealand are unacceptably high. A society that is intolerant of family violence will lead to a culture of change and reduction in violence. Families, social services and government agencies identify family violence as a pressing issue for New Zealand families and whānau. There needs to be a strong commitment to the development of a culture in New Zealand that does not tolerate violence. The It’s not OK campaign is one initiative that aims to change social attitudes towards family violence in New Zealand.

The reports and resources under this theme explore a conceptual model for future violence prevention, consider New Zealand’s family violence statistics, and issues related to elder abuse and neglect.

Superu funds the University of Auckland to operate the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse. The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse is the national centre for collating and disseminating information about domestic and family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Superu provides the lead for the White Ribbon Campaign in New Zealand to end violence against women, with the assistance of funding from the Ministry of Social Development and Te Puni Kōkiri. The campaign uses nationwide events (White Ribbon Ride, White Ribbon Ambassadors, Newspaper Pledges, Giant White Ribbon Project and the provision of resources such as ribbons, posters, temporary tattoos) and supports local events throughout New Zealand.

It’s not OK

New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse

White Ribbon

Family Violence Data Summaries
New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse has produced a number of data summaries on Family Violence, drawn from administrative, service and survey data.
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Fri 28 Jun, 2013
Policy and practice implications
Child maltreatment, intimate partner violence and parenting

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse’s fourth issues paper explores the system responses required to support children exposed to intimate partner viol
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Fri 19 Apr, 2013
Understanding connections and relationships
Child maltreatment, intimate partner violence and parenting

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse’s third issues paper reviews the evidence on the frequency with which intimate partner violence and child maltreatment co-occur.
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Fri 19 Apr, 2013
Measurement of family violence at a population level
What might be needed to develop reliable and valid family violence indicators?

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse’s second issues paper reviews some of the data sources on family violence, and assesses the strengths and limitations of these sources of data for measuring trends in family violence.
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Fri 29 Jun, 2012
Violence Against Women
New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse Data Summary 2

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse has produced a number of data summaries drawn from administrative and service data.
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Fri 25 May, 2012
Building collaborations to eliminate family violence
Facilitators, barriers and good practice

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse’s first issues paper focuses on facilitators and barriers to building collaborations to eliminate family violence.
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Wed 14 Mar, 2012
Submission on the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children

The Families Commission submission to the Green Paper says children are a taonga, a treasure and the Families Commission vision is for a country that has virtually eradicated child maltreatment.
SUBMISSIONS
Tue 28 Feb, 2012
Download Submission on the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children (388.7 KB)
Victims of Crime Reform Bill
Submission to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee

This submission supports the Victims of Crime Reform Bill, but asks for a number of significant amendments.
SUBMISSIONS
Sun 12 Feb, 2012
Download Submission on the Victims of Crime Reform Bill (403.95 KB)
Snapshot 09-11: Family violence
It’s not OK

Family violence is not okay, but it is okay to ask for help.
SNAPSHOTS
Thu 15 Sep, 2011
Download Family Violence: It’s not OK campaign (246.35 KB)
Submission on the Alcohol Reform Bill

This submission supports aspects of the Bill, and disagrees with others. It principally argues that New Zealand needs to change its drinking culture.
SUBMISSIONS
Tue 1 Feb, 2011
Download Submission on the Alcohol Reform Bill (289.06 KB)

Community and culture

Families and whānau do best when they live in safe, well connected and supportive communities.

New Zealand’s communities are changing, with increasing ethnic, cultural and faith-based diversity. There is mounting evidence of an association between family or whānau connection to strong and cohesive communities and desirable outcomes for children:

better physical and mental health
improved social and emotional development
reduced parental stress and enhanced positive parenting
higher school retention and increased educational achievement
higher levels of employment and income
less social exclusion and isolation.
reduced crime
Family and whānau should be at the heart of thinking and planning for local neighbourhood development and the way in which support and services are provided within communities.

Reports and resources in this section explore issues around family-centred, community-led development and the changing nature of communities, the importance of a whole-of-community response, and ways of working together to grow strong, thriving communities, and settlement experiences in New Zealand.

Inquiry into engaging parents in the education of their children
Submission to the Education and Science Select Committee

The relationship and interactions between schools, families and communities can have a significant bearing on educational outcomes.
SUBMISSIONS
Thu 7 Nov, 2013
Download Submission to the Inquiry into engaging parents in the education of their children (381.41 KB)
Families and Whānau Status Report 2013
Towards measuring the wellbeing of families and whānau

The Families and Whānau Status Report is the first in a series that aims to enrich our understanding of family and whānau wellbeing.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Mon 5 Aug, 2013
Download Families and Whānau Status Report 2013 (3.43 MB)
Proposed gambling venue policies
Submission to Auckland Council

The Families Commission supports Auckland Council’s proposals for a cap on the number of standalone TAB venues, and a sinking lid on gaming machine venues and numbers.
SUBMISSIONS
Mon 25 Feb, 2013
Download Submission to Auckland Council on proposed gambling venue policies (254.02 KB)
At the Heart
Families at the centre, communities leading

Video based resources to help you think about your work with families and communities.
FORUM REPORTS
Mon 25 Feb, 2013
Download At The Heart User Guide (686.7 KB)
Disabled parents
Diversity, experiences, and support needs

This research looks at how Pacific families manage their finances. The information can be used by government and providers as they design future initiatives with Pacific families.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Sat 24 Nov, 2012
Download Pacific families and problem debt (1.3 MB)
Tūpuna – Ngā Kaitiaki Mokopuna
A resource for Māori grandparents

This resource explores the experiences of Māori grandparents in New Zealand. It describes the pleasures and pressures of grandparenting and the significant role grandparents play in the lives of whānau. This includes providing support, sharing resources, nurturing mokopuna, and teaching te reo, whakapapa, history and tikanga.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Thu 1 Nov, 2012
Download Tūpuna – Ngā Kaitiaki Mokopuna (986.75 KB)
Family-centred communities
The role of local government

In 2009 the Families Commission and Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) recognised the key role local government has in influencing and enhancing outcomes for families’ wellbeing in their com
RESEARCH REPORTS
Tue 30 Oct, 2012
Download Family-centred communities: the role of local government (3.39 MB)
Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill
Submission to the Local Government and Environment Committee

The Families Commission supported the general principle in this Amendment Bill that local authorities should be fiscally responsible, but opposed the proposal to delete references to community well
SUBMISSIONS
Thu 26 Jul, 2012
Download Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (275.46 KB)
Work Experiences of Asian Immigrants
Impact on family wellbeing

This research study explores the work experiences of immigrants of Asian origin living in the greater Auckland region, New Zealand.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Mon 19 Dec, 2011
Download Work experiences of Asian immigrants (433.89 KB)

Knowledge Centre themes

Children and youth

Children and young people are our future. We all have a role to play in keeping them safe and strong.

Ensuring New Zealand children and young people have positive wellbeing experiences, will determine what sort of adults they become, how they parent and how they participate in society. The reports and resources in this theme explore a wide range of issues affecting children, young people and their family and whānau; focusing on the early years, education, child discipline, and young people’s relationships.

National Drug Policy
Submission to the Ministry of Health

The relationship and interactions between schools, families and communities can have a significant bearing on educational outcomes.
SUBMISSIONS
Thu 7 Nov, 2013
Download Submission to the Inquiry into engaging parents in the education of their children (381.41 KB)
Vulnerable Children’s Bill 2013
Submission to the Social Services Select Committee

This Bill introduces a range of measures aimed at providing greater protection for vulnerable children. In the submission, the Families Commission examines research evidence in relation to th
SUBMISSIONS
Wed 30 Oct, 2013
Download Submission on the Vulnerable Children’s Bill 2013 (280.47 KB)
Families and Whānau Status Report 2013
Towards measuring the wellbeing of families and whānau

The Families and Whānau Status Report is the first in a series that aims to enrich our understanding of family and whānau wellbeing.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Mon 5 Aug, 2013
Download Families and Whānau Status Report 2013 (3.43 MB)
Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill
Submission to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee

The Commission’s submission supports proposals to provide dispute resolution processes outside the court that promote early resolution for families.
SUBMISSIONS
Wed 13 Feb, 2013
Download Submission on the Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill (306.09 KB)
Evidence Brief 01 – Teen Births
Regional and national trends

This Fact Sheet provides summary information from our research report on national and regional trends in teenage birth rates –
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Thu 15 Nov, 2012
Download Teen Births fact sheet (1.53 MB)
Tūpuna – Ngā Kaitiaki Mokopuna
A resource for Māori grandparents

Greater investment is needed in supporting families and whānau with young children, in particular those experiencing hardship and vulnerability, to ensure they have access to the support they need
SNAPSHOTS
Mon 8 Oct, 2012
Download Snapshot 14-12: Early Years (256.71 KB)
Proposed amendments to guidelines on surrogacy and donations of eggs or sperm

This submission comments on proposed changes to the Guidelines on Assisted Reproductive Technology. These changes would allow single men or male couples, in certain circumstances, to use these technologies to produce children.
SUBMISSIONS
Wed 12 Sep, 2012
Download Submission on surrogacy and donations (222.59 KB)

Publications

All publications arising from our research topics past and present.

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Theme

GUiNZ Vulnerability report
Growing Up in New Zealand

Vulnerability Report 1: Exploring the Definition of Vulnerability for Children in their First 1000 Days
Mon 21 Jul, 2014
Download GUiNZ Vulnerability Report 1 (2.54 MB)
NZFVC Data Summaries

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse has released an update of its Data Summaries.
Tue 8 Jul, 2014
Families and Whānau Status Report 2014
Towards measuring the wellbeing of families and whānau

The Families and Whānau Status Report is the second in a series that aims to enrich our understanding of family and whānau wellbeing.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Mon 30 Jun, 2014
Download Families and Whanau Status Report 2014 (4.03 MB)
Now We Are Two: Describing our first 1000 days

This report is the third report from the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) Study, which is contract managed by the Families Commission.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Wed 18 Jun, 2014
Assessment of the Design and Implementation of the Children’s Teams
to January 2014

The Children’s Teams model is an integrated services response to address the complex issue of protecting and supporting vulnerable children.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Fri 6 Jun, 2014
Download Assessment-of-the-design-and-implementation-of-childrens-teams (1.72 MB)
Kaupapa Māori Wellbeing Framework
The basis for whānau violence prevention and intervention

This sixth Issues Paper from the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse provides an overview of current frameworks and literature around preventing and intervening in whānau violence.
BRIEFS AND STATISTICS
Thu 1 May, 2014
Addressing the Challenges of Stepfamily Life

This exploratory study sought to identify the major challenges of stepfamily life and the strategies that families use to address these challenges.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Wed 30 Apr, 2014
Download Addressing Challenges of Stepfamily Life (1.33 MB)
Effective Parenting Programmes
A review of the effectiveness of parenting programmes for parents of vulnerable children

This report reviews the evidence on the effectiveness of parenting programmes, as a way of reducing the risk of maltreatment of vulnerable children aged 0-6 years.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Mon 14 Apr, 2014
Download Effective Parenting Programmes Summary Report (1.06 MB)
Family Violence Indicators
Can national administrative data sets be used to measure trends in family violence in New Zealand?

Good quality, reliable outcome indicators can be used to monitor trends, identify emerging problems, create awareness, guide legislative and policy reforms, and ensure adequate provision of services.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Wed 5 Mar, 2014
Download Family Violence Indicators (1.25 MB)
National Drug Policy
Submission to the Ministry of Health

Media Releases

Knowledge Exchange Forums
Superu periodically holds Knowledge Exchange Forums (KEFs) on priority social issues.

Fri 28 Nov, 2014
Intimate partner violence and the workplace
This Issues Paper, by the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, aims to raise awareness of intimate partner violence (IPV) as a matter that has serious implications for the workplace.
Tue 25 Nov, 2014
Services and support for families and whānau in Christchurch
This report seeks to understand what services, support and information Christchurch families and whānau need to build resilience and aid in their psychosocial recovery from the earthquakes.

Mon 17 Nov, 2014
We’re now called Superu
From 1 December 2014, the Families Commission started operating as the Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit, or Superu for short.

Mon 10 Nov, 2014
Briefing to the Incoming Minister
The Families Commission has released its briefing to the Incoming Minister.

Mon 10 Nov, 2014
Multiple factors at play in family violence
The Families Commission welcomes the release of the report ‘Measuring the Economic Costs of Child Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence in New Zealand’ as another opportunity to highlight

Tue 28 Oct, 2014
Interim Families Commissioner appointed
Social Development Minister Anne Tolley today announced that Jo-anne Wilkinson has been appointed as interim Families Commissioner and Chair of the Families Commission Board.

Mon 21 Jul, 2014
GUiNZ Vulnerability Report
Early identification of vulnerable children: Growing Up in New Zealand Report exploring vulnerability
Mon 30 Jun, 2014
Building a better understanding of how families and whānau are faring in New Zealand
The Families Commission/SuPERU is consulting on draft frameworks to measure and monitor family and whānau wellbeing to see how they are faring over time.

Media releases
Tue 17 Jun, 2014
Growing Up in New Zealand Report provides unique insights into contemporary NZ families
The Families Commission welcomes the latest Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) report released today which provides a unique insight into the critical first 1000 days of approximately 7,000 c

Growing Up in New Zealand Report provides unique insights into contemporary NZ families
The Families Commission welcomes the latest Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) report released today which provides a unique insight into the critical first 1000 days of approximately 7,000 c

Media releases
Mon 16 Jun, 2014
Meaningful action needed on child abuse and domestic violence
Families Commissioner Belinda Milnes says the People’s Report released today confirms what we already know about the impacts of domestic violence.

Media releases
Fri 6 Jun, 2014
Appointment to the Families Commission
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today announced the appointment of Mr Haami Piripi to the board of the Families Commission.

Media releases
Thu 5 Jun, 2014
Focus on evidence in social decision-making – Symposium
Some of the world’s leading international experts on using evidence in social decision-making will be discussing the latest innovations to help policymakers, practitioners and funders make mo

Media releases
Fri 16 May, 2014
Families Commissioner welcomes Budget support for families and vulnerable children
The Families Commissioner Belinda Milnes is welcoming new spending of $500 million in today’s Budget to support the wellbeing of young families and vulnerable children.

Media releases
Thu 15 May, 2014
Valuing families, the heart of our communities, on International Day of Families
Families are the heart of our communities and our country and its important to acknowledge the important role they play especially on International Day of Families (Thursday 15 May).

Media releases
Tue 6 May, 2014
New home for White Ribbon
From today the Families Commission is transferring responsibility for the delivery and management of the annual White Ribbon Campaign to the White Ribbon Campaign Trust Board.

Media releases
Mon 14 Apr, 2014
Effective parenting programmes can reduce risk of child maltreatment
A comprehensive report released by the Families Commission finds effective parenting programmes are a key way to reduce the risk of maltreatment of vulnerable children.

Media releases
Wed 2 Apr, 2014
New family violence research welcomed
The Families Commission welcomes new research that estimates the cost of domestic violence to New Zealand employers at $368 million this year.

Media releases
Wed 26 Mar, 2014
Minister of Social Development: Families Commission Board Appointments
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announced today the appointment of two new members to the Board of the Families Commission.