New Zealand should be a place where all children and young people are able to develop and flourish. Children and young people have valuable ideas based on their everyday experiences and hopes for the future. The authors of this report explored the meaning of wellbeing for New Zealand children and young people. They undertook this work so that their views can inform the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy, designed to drive government action on child wellbeing, but could also be used to inform practitioners and communities who want to make a difference for children and young people.

Key findings:

1. Change is needed - The majority of children and young people are doing well, but some are facing significant challenges. Almost everyone who shared their views could point to something that needed to change if all children and young people are to have a good life.

2. Family and whānau are crucial - In order for children to be well, their families must be well and involved in making things better.

3. Providing the basics is important, but not enough on its own - Children and young people want more than just a minimum standard of living. Things such as feeling accepted, valued and respected are just as important.

4. Children and young people have valuable insights - Listening to children and young people’s views regularly and meaningfully is the best way to respond to their needs, wants and aspirations. Findings suggest that efforts to support children and young people need to focus on more than just what services are needed. Support systems need to accept children and young people for who they are, respect their critical relationships and support the people they care about to also be well.