Event celebrates the heroes behind Growing Up in New Zealand

The Our Meeting Point event held on the 11th of April 2026 at Eden Park brought together the Growing Up in New Zealand community at Eden Park for a special evening celebrating the people who have made the study possible over the past 17 years.

Nearly 600 cohort members from the study, supporters and distinguished guests gathered at Auckland’s iconic Eden Park to reflect on the study's journey so far and the opportunities ahead. Together, Growing Up in New Zealand participants have contributed more than 100 million pieces of information, creating one of Aotearoa New Zealand's richest sources of evidence about the lives of children and young people.  Hundreds more joined via a live stream of the event.

Research Director Professor Sarah-Jane Paine reflected on the generosity and commitment of the families and young people who have chosen to share their stories with the study over many years. She described participants as the true heroes of Growing Up in New Zealand, recognising that every piece of data represents a gift that helps build knowledge for the benefit of future generations.

The evening featured reflections from Professor Frank Bloomfield, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, and Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, alongside a powerful rangatahi-led performance by Toi Matarua. Stacey Morrison served as MC, with tikanga led by Michael Kaumoana Steedman.

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening, including our participants and whānau, speakers, performers, partners and supporters. We are also grateful to Eden Park, Daylight Creative, and the many Growing Up in New Zealand and University of Auckland staff whose work helped bring the event to life.

If you weren't able to join us, or would like to revisit the evening, you can:

• Watch the full livestream of the event, see how the night unfolded. ‍
• View the official event video, setting the scene for the event.‍
• Watch the Te Ao with Moana documentary, which explores the event and the impact of Growing Up in New Zealand through the voices of participants and those connected to the study.

‍