Research highlights ethnic differences in the wellbeing of Kiwi families

Superu has just released its latest Families and Whānau Status Report, which explores the wellbeing of New Zealand’s families and whānau.

This year’s research focuses on ethnic differences in how our families are faring, a greater understanding of who Mäori describe as their ‘whānau’ and how different cultures define ‘family’.

Clare Ward, Superu’s chief executive, says that this research is important because families and whānau are the building blocks of our society.

"Families and whānau are the most significant socialising influence in our lives, so their wellbeing is important," says Ms Ward. "Our findings have implications for social development, housing, education, health, Māori development and economic development."

Key findings

Our wellbeing indicators suggest that:

-Mäori, Pacific and Asian two-parent families with younger children are more likely to face financial and housing difficulties when compared to similar families nationally. Asian families are also more likely to experience discrimination than other similar families.

-Single parent families with younger children face financial and psychological stresses and struggle with employment and skills.

-Couples with adult children have fair results overall, however Pacific families appear to be facing health and economic difficulties.

-Single-parent families with adult children are doing relatively well economically but have poorer health outcomes when compared to similar families nationally.

-Younger European couples (both aged under 50 years) are faring reasonably well but similar Mäori and Pacific couples are less likely to have a post-secondary qualification. This raises concerns about their ability to improve their income levels over time. Younger Asian couples were more likely to face high housing costs, live in less well-off neighbourhoods and feel less able to express their identity when compared to similar families.

-Most older couples (one or both aged over 50 years) are at a life stage where they have become financially secure but health issues are a concern.

Our research also draws on Te Kupenga (the Mäori Social Survey) to give us a greater understanding of who Māori describe as their ‘whānau’. The analysis reaffirms the pre-eminence of whakapapa (genealogical) relations as the foundation of whānau.

And our research looked at how different cultures describe ‘family’ and how family functions, such as providing care and support and managing family resources, are interpreted.

"Non-western cultures tend to focus more on the wants and needs of the group, and relationships and obligations between family members," says Ms Ward. "These differences need to be explored further when developing policies and programmes for families from diverse cultural backgrounds."

Ms Ward says that policies are needed to strengthen the wellbeing of young families.

"They should focus on economic security and housing. For young single-parent families in particular, on psychological health. For young Māori and Pacific families, on education, knowledge and skills. And for young Asian two-parent families, on fostering a sense of social inclusion.

"This research will help social sector agencies make better decisions to improve the lives of New Zealand’s families, whānau and their communities," says Ms Ward.

This is the fourth Families and Whānau Status Report, published in accordance with the Families Commission Amendment Act 2014. The full report and associated publications can be found on Superu’s website: superu.govt.nz/statusreport

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