Growing Up in New Zealand

It was a privilege for our Research Director Professor Sarah-Jane Paine to contribute to this week’s Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Research Symposium 2026 at Fale Pasifika.

Speaking as part of the Child, Youth and Women’s Health stream, Sarah-Jane shared insights from Growing Up in New Zealand and reflected on the value of longitudinal and life course evidence in helping to shape healthier futures for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities.

It was also wonderful to have members of our Cohort Relationship team at the symposium, connecting with Pacific health leaders and others working to strengthen health and wellbeing across Aotearoa and the Pacific.

The symposium theme, “Insights to Action,” strongly aligns with the purpose of Growing Up in New Zealand — ensuring evidence from the lives of young people and their families can inform decisions, policy and practice.

Ngā mihi to Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa for creating such an important space for connection, knowledge-sharing and action.

A valuable kōrero today with Dr Claire Achmad, Children’s Commissioner, and Sonya Marshall, Executive Director at .

Our Research Director Sarah-Jane Paine and Cohort Relationship Manager Karleen Edmonds welcomed the chance to connect, share insights and discuss the issues that matter to tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.

Ngā mihi for the warm welcome and valuable discussion. We look forward to continuing the conversation.

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