Access a selection of research findings, reports, and media articles about families led by one person in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Birthright New Zealand believes that services and policies impacting families, particularly those led by one person, should be evidence-based. We rely on the voices of the families themselves, our expert advisors, as well as social work best-practice and robust research from related disciplines.
Many agencies and organisations are doing research and analysis around families. We will continue to highlight findings from this work as it emerges.
Latest research around single-parent families
Taking action on equitable outcomes for single-parent whānau
We have been exploring the systemic barriers facing single parent whānau. We believe a collective response needs to be taken to address these systemic barriers. Read more about what we have learnt.
Prolonged loneliness in New Zealand before, during, and after lockdown
Published August 2020 - This report by Loneliness New Zealand examines the negative effects of COVID-19 increasing the risk of loneliness. The impact of prolonged loneliness upon New Zealanders is the focus of this report as social connection is one of the top three primary drivers of wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Relationship Status and the welfare system in Aotearoa New Zealand
Published May 2019 - This Child Poverty Action Group report demonstrates that the current welfare system in New Zealand does not treat single-parent families equitably with two-parent families. Outdated rules excluding single parents need to be altered to reflect the reality of family life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The state of wellbeing and equality for disabled people, their families, and whānau
Published December 2019 - Wellbeing and equality for disabled people and their whānau is the main issue highlighted in this report by CSS Disability Action. Greater financial support for disabled people and their families will improve their sense of wellbeing. Improved support services must foster inclusion and reduce poverty overall.
Single-mother led families with disabled children in Aotearoa New Zealand
Published 2019 - This thesis by Jane Lee explores the experiences of single-mother led families with a disabled child/children in Aotearoa New Zealand. Approximately 30% of New Zealand’s disabled children live in single-parent families, most of which are led by women. Reconsideration of societal perceptions towards single mothers and disabled children is seen as being necessary.
Understanding disadvantages and vulnerabilities
Multiple disadvantage among sole parents in New Zealand
Published June 2018 - This study by The Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit finds that young mothers belonging to a Māori or Pacific family with infant children are more likely to face multiple disadvantages. Income and availability of good quality, affordable housing are two areas where single parents face significant challenges.
Children in sole parent households
Published 2014 - This report by the South Island Alliance examines the correlations between parental relationship breakdown and multiple associated adversities, including poverty. Not all children experience the negative impact of these consequences, most adjust to their new situation after a period of instability.
Published July 2010 - In this report, The Ministry of Social Development seeks to improve understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by single-parent families. Measures to reduce disadvantage are set out through evidence-based understanding of vulnerabilities. A broad focus is necessary to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable single-parent families.
Lifecourse factors associated with time spent receiving main benefits in young adulthood
Published July 2010 - This study from the Ministry of Social Development finds that childhood adversity is a correlating factor associated with extended time spent receiving a benefit. Women who received a benefit for an extended period of time were most often receiving support as a single parent.
Policy reform needed to support single-parent families
Restructuring opportunities for one-parent families and their children in Aotearoa New Zealand
Published 2018 - This report from The Workshop tackles the structural changes needed to improve the lives of single-parent families. Single-parent families in New Zealand struggle inside of a system that limits their choices. Single mothers and their children must repeatedly show resilience in the face of barriers and a systemic lack of support.
Mums need to be supported, not punished
Published August 2016 - This report by the Child Poverty Action Group demonstrates how the government could offer better support to single mothers by acknowledging parenting as an important role. Policies around paid work should only be implemented where there is a financial advantage to the family.
Understanding subgroups of sole parents receiving main benefits
Published July 2010 - This study by the Centre for Social Research and Evaluation aims to better support disadvantaged subgroups of single parents by informing government policy and service development through robust research. Subgroups of sole parents must be understood in order to best represent their needs as an overall group of families led by one person.
Discrimination and families
Myths and facts: sole parents and the DPB
Published March 2013 - In this report, the Child Poverty Action Group aims to dispel harmful myths that isolate and cause societal divisions for single parents receiving a benefit. The authors argue for a child-centred approach to shift legislation and policy development towards inclusion and away from discrimination.