A study released today by Auckland Council on the profile of young Aucklanders reveals that Auckland’s cultural identity continues to change. More young Aucklanders identify as multi-ethnic, speak more than one language and were born outside of Auckland, with one in five families identifying as single-parent households.

Councilor Alf Filipaina, chair of Auckland Council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee, said the council is preparing for this change by understanding the profile of our children and young people and looking how to create a future Auckland that will allow them to thrive. .

“We know that Auckland is a diverse and multicultural city and this research confirms that in the future it will be even more so.”

The research also highlights concerns that the pandemic has impacted children and young people in areas such as mental health, wellbeing and unemployment. It also shows inequalities in South Auckland, where higher proportions of young Maori and Europeans leave school with little or no qualifications. Cr Filipaina adds: “Auckland needs to create a fairer future for its children in areas such as housing, additional support and resources for low-income households, mental health and wellbeing and education.

“Supporting our vulnerable communities and addressing inequality through Tāmaki Makaurau will be important in creating a better future for our children and youth.”

The information provided will contribute to a review of Auckland Council’s I Am Auckland Strategic Action Plan for Children and Young People, to report to a Board Committee. It sits alongside other research, including engaging with children and young people later this year to hear first-hand about their experiences living and growing up in Tāmaki Makaurau and what is important to them. .

key ideas

1. Auckland’s child and youth population continues to grow Driven by the city’s generally youthful age structure, high fertility rates of some populations, and migration from overseas and other parts of New Zealand.
2. Children and young people are increasingly ethnically diverse. The proportion of those who identify (or are identified as) European New Zealanders has declined compared to increasing proportions of Māori, Pacific and Asian children and youth. There is also an increase in the number of people identifying with multiple ethnicities.
3. One in five families with dependent children is a single-parent family. This is essential because single-parent families generally experience more disadvantages (such as housing conditions and socio-economic disadvantages) than those with two parents, which can affect the overall well-being of children. However, the number of single parent families in Auckland has decreased over time. Teenage birth rates are also declining over time.

The research, updated from a similar report carried out in 2016, uses a variety of data such as the census (2018), the quality of life survey and the youth survey19 to understand the main trends The demographics, education, employment, health, housing, safety, and poverty of Tāmaki Makaurau’s children and youth under 25 has changed during the pandemic.