Whakarāpopototanga

Ngā wāhi hei arotahi | Areas to focus on

Across this guide we have no

Across this guide we have noted recommendations to improve the support available during middle childhood.

Below we highlight major, overarching recommendations, through our Te Whāriki lens.
These will not capture all the gaps in the structures currently working to empower five to
12-year-olds in New Zealand. However, we believe that it’s crucial that these areas of focus
are addressed to enable a holistic approach to development during middle childhood.

Click to download PDF to view in High Res

He aha muri? | What Next?

This report serves as one of the key pieces of work for 2023/24 for our portfolio focused on Children & Families.

Our aim was for this report to provide the fullest possible picture, in one place, of what is currently available to support middle childhood in New Zealand, as well as what is missing. By framing it as an easy-to-read guide with links to further information, we hope it will be of benefit to our members, the people they work alongside, and the wider community.

This work is also intended as a call to action, to generate interest, and spark collaboration. We feel strongly that middle childhood requires greater prioritisation and that by collaborating we can draw attention to this important developmental stage.

We are working towards an Aotearoa where middle childhood is understood and invested in. A country with a specialised workforce who deeply understand children’s needs during this period. Where children can access appropriate services in a timely manner to enable their thriving. An Aotearoa where middle childhood is prioritised within government policy, funding, and the wider social sector.

Strategic planning and action are needed now, to realise the potential of middle childhood in terms of children’s long-term outcomes.

If you’d like to be part of this important mahi, please get in touch.

Ko wai tātou | Who we are

The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) represents more than 230 member organisations providing a range of community, health, and social support services across Aotearoa.

These organisations include some of the most recognised and highly regarded names in social service provision, and all are world famous in their own rohe. Their mahi informs our deep
understanding of the everyday lives of New Zealand communities as we work towards achieving a just and compassionate society for all. We see this work as an extension of the mission of Jesus
Christ, which we seek to fulfil through our commitment to giving priority to the systematically disempowered, and to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

NZCCSS comprises six members: the Anglican Care Network, Baptist Churches of New Zealand, Catholic Social Services, Presbyterian Support and the Methodist and Salvation Army Churches. Nationally, the range and scope of our member networks is extensive. Around 230 separate
providers in 55 towns and cities throughout New Zealand deliver 37 types of services through 1,024 programmes. Members employ over 5,000 full-time staff, 7,000 part-time staff, and co-ordinate almost 16,000 volunteers.

Our work is focused in three policy areas – Equity and Inclusion, Children and Families, and Older People. For each area, we have a specialist working group made up of leaders of service organisations from across the country who provide up-to-date knowledge of experiences and need in their communities. We call these groups ‘Policy Groups’.

This knowledge, along with input from the representatives of Council’s six members, informs our mahi of providing research, representation, connection, good practice dissemination, policy advice/information and advocacy services for our members.

— nzccss.org.nz

Nga kupu whakatepe mai ō tātou rangatira| Closing words from our leaders

Most people would agree with the above whakataukī when it comes to supporting and raising children – but society often underestimates the significance of middle childhood (five to 12-years of age), focusing more on early childhood or adolescence. However, we believe that middle childhood is also a crucial time when tamariki further develop their personalities, interests, and values, which will shape them into the adults they will become.

NZCCSS recognises the immense value that children in middle childhood hold. Not only are they our future leaders and members of society, but they are also active participants in the present, deserving of attention, care, and support. This accessible guide provides insights into the various aspects of middle childhood in Aotearoa. We hope it will deepen understanding of this crucial stage of development, empowering all those who love children and who work with children to provide the best possible support throughout middle childhood.

NZCCSS exists to work towards a more just and compassionate society for all across Aotearoa. We do so as an expression of our faith, as an extension of the mission of Jesus Christ, and our commitment to honour the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

On behalf of NZCCSS, it is our pleasure to share this guide with you. We hope that you find it useful.

Dr. Bonnie Robinson MNZM
Co-President
Doctor of Professional Practice,
BA, BD, BApMan

Renee Rewi
Co-President
Ngāti Whare, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Whakaue,Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Tūwharetoa, Tainui, Ngāpuhi LLM, LLB Waikato
Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of NZ
Justice of the Peace (JP)

At NZCCSS we view all children as precious taonga, each with unique talents, dreams, and potential. This doesn’t pause between the ages of five and 12, disappearing from view. Even so, Aotearoa New Zealand has a well-established early childhood sector and a strong youth sector focussing on teenagers, but very little in between. Where is our middle childhood sector?

We created this guide because we frequently heard from our members that while there may be information available about middle childhood, it is often scattered and not easily accessible
to those working with children, let alone parents. Our research showed us that this information is generalised and lacks the local Aotearoa context that is vital for effective support for our tamariki. This gap is particularly evident in the training of professionals who work with children this age. They are not given many opportunities to learn the specific knowledge and skills needed to understand and address the unique challenges and opportunities of middle childhood.

We wanted to bridge these gaps by bringing together comprehensive information about middle childhood in one accessible resource. Our aim was to create a valuable tool for parents, educators, and caregivers. Our hope is that this guide will not only enhance our understanding of middle childhood, but also empower us to make a meaningful difference to the sector and to the lives of tamariki during this crucial stage of development.

Nikki Hurst
Kaiwhakahaere Matua | Executive Officer

Ngā Toronga | Bibliography

Click to downlaod the full bibliography as a PDF

Inoi Whakamutunga