Te Tai Tokerau is rich in culture, identity, and whakapapa, with strong Māori leadership and community connection shaping how wellbeing is understood and supported. At the same time, the region continues to face complex challenges, and the wellbeing of tamariki is under increasing pressure, with rising poverty, exposure to violence, and higher levels of risk and youth offending contributing to poorer outcomes for many children and whānau. While participation in early childhood education remains strong and teenage motherhood is declining, educational achievement is worsening — particularly for Māori — alongside growing demand from parents and whānau seeking support and guidance for worsening youth mental health.

It is important to note that the data presented in this report follows the Regional Council classification of Northland / Te Tai Tokerau. This approach has been taken because it is the most consistent and comprehensive way in which data is currently collected, reported, and made available across agencies. While this classification may not fully reflect the diversity and nuance of smaller communities and iwi boundaries within the rohe, it provides a practical framework for analysis and comparison over time.

The purpose of this Children’s Chapter is not simply to describe conditions, but to support meaningful action. It is intended for a wide range of readers—including iwi leaders, community organisations, service providers, policymakers, educators, and whānau—who are working to improve outcomes for children and young people.

This report may be used to:

• Inform decision-making: Supporting evidence-based planning at local, regional, and national levels.

• Guide investment: Helping identify priorities for funding, services, and interventions that will have the greatest impact on children’s wellbeing.

• Strengthen advocacy: Providing credible, region-specific insights that can be used to advocate for equitable resources and policy change.

• Support collaboration: Encouraging shared understanding across agencies and sectors, fostering coordinated responses to complex challenges.

• Track progress: Establishing a baseline for monitoring changes in children’s wellbeing over time.

Above all, this publication is a call to collective responsibility. Improving outcomes for children in Te Tai Tokerau requires partnership—between government, iwi, community organisations, and whānau themselves. It requires listening to children’s voices, recognising their mana, and ensuring that systems and services are shaped around their needs and aspirations.

We acknowledge the many individuals and organisations who contribute data, insights, and lived experience to inform this work. If you have feedback or questions please email jude.hughes@tttp.co.nz.

Our hope is that this Children’s Chapter not only informs, but also inspires action—so that every child in Te Tai Tokerau can thrive, belong, and reach their full potential.

William Kaipo, (Chief Executive, Tai TimuTai Pari Limited)