This programme focuses on hapūtanga (pregnancy), pēpi (babies), and new parents, to achieve equitable health outcomes across generations. Together with our partners, we understand the importance of interdependence for whānau (families), pēpi and tamariki (children) wellbeing. We strive to incorporate the wider whānau in all that we do.

Guiding principles

The first 1000 days of a child’s life lay the foundations for their future.

  • We must act early. Evidence shows it is critical to invest in the first 1000 days so  every child gets the strongest start to life.
  • The time before conception is important. Securing the wellbeing of future parents  ensures that if a pregnancy does happen, the first 1000 days have the best chance of being positive for the parents and the child.
  • Becoming a parent can be a hopeful time for change. It can also bring stress, anxiety, and trauma. The wellbeing of children depends on the adults’ wellbeing.
  • Mātauranga Māori and other indigenous knowledge have much to offer Western science. These teach us about how early life experiences affect pēpi.
  • Reversing the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage takes a system-wide approach that focuses on growing culturally appropriate, community-focused solutions.
  • We can simplify complexity by focusing on what matters to whānau, trusting relationships and the process, and collectively learning.

Read about our mahi in our 2022/23 Summary of activity and achievement.

Our programme

Supporting communities and innovators

Communities know what they need. We believe that supporting community action in the early years is vital, because the people closest to the problem are often closest to the solution. 

Our Community Innovation Fund has supported locally-led initiatives that support māmā, pēpi, and whānau in the first 1000 days of a child’s life. These initiatives include activities that focus on maternal mental wellbeing, culturally relevant antenatal education, policy advice, or resources for whānau and the child wellbeing sector. Read more about grant recipients.

Supporting system transformation and leadership

To support our nationwide health system reform, we advocate and share research, advice, evaluations, and insights. We believe that mātauranga and lived experience are equal forms of evidence alongside policy and science. Our aim is to influence the health sector with evidence so that whānau, pēpi and Tamariki can thrive.

Kahu Taurima is the approach to maternity and early years (pre-conception to 5 years, or the First 2000 Days of life) for all whānau in Aotearoa. As a priority in Te Pae Tata, this programme will shift system settings, and redesign the model of care and service delivery models to ensure health is making its greatest contribution to intergenerational wellbeing.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and pre-pregnancy

Over recent years, we have shifted from messages aimed at individuals to supporting communities to develop solutions to reduce alcohol harm and improve maternal wellbeing. 

Alcohol.org.nz provides evidence and online learning opportunities about preventing FASD. Resources.alcohol.org.nz summarises the Aotearoa evidence about alcohol, pregnancy and FASD and links to resources for health professionals.

We have expanded our work to include a focus on equitable access to contraception. These are some of our projects in this area:

  • Ai, Let’s talk about sex is a digital video series featuring young, bilingual Māori discussing a wide range of topics about Māori sexual and reproductive health.
  • Whare Tangata is an online series where Māori women discuss their experiences, questions and use of contraception with obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Kasey Tawhara (Ngāti Raukawa) and Kahurangi Milne, founder of a private online community of more than 5,000 Māori mothers.

Maternal mental wellbeing

Mental wellbeing for all New Zealanders is a priority for us and maternal mental health is an area of focus for the First 1000 Days programme. Depression.org.nz contains information about navigating pregnancy, parenthood and mental health.

Other resources

Community resources, tools and initiatives help inform those working in the sector to drive change across the health system. There are also resources designed for whānau to use independently.