Media release

From:

1. This is the first nationwide study in Aotearoa New Zealand to look specifically at the environments of tamariki (aged 0–14 years) and rangatahi (15–24 years) Māori.
2. There are more rangatahi who live in health-constraining environments and environments classed as neither health-promoting nor health-constraining when compared with tamariki.
3. When compared with Māori, non-Māori/non-Pacific children and youth live further from fruit and vegetable stores, greenspace, bluespace and dairies, but closer to supermarkets, physical activity facilities, fast-food outlets, takeaway shops, alcohol outlets, and gaming venues.
4. A high proportion of tamariki and rangatahi Māori live in small urban areas and rural areas. While living further away from major urban areas means an increase in availability of natural features considered positive for health, such as greenspace and bluespace, it is important to recognise that the usability of such environmental features may differ by context.

The environment plays a crucial role in shaping the health and social outcomes of children and youth. This is particularly important for tamariki (children, 0–14 years) and rangatahi (youth, 15–24 years) Māori who face persistent inequities and have an integral connection to the land. This research examined associations between environmental features and populations of children and youth in Aotearoa New Zealand with a specific focus on tamariki and rangatahi Māori. Findings show that tamariki and rangatahi Māori have good access to greenspace, bluespace, fruit and vegetable stores, and dairies. The study’s findings allow for a better understanding of the environments of tamariki and rangatahi Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand, providing an opportunity for structural change that can help reduce health and social inequities and improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities.