Research Projects Using Growing Up Data
Moving for good? Patterns of early childhood residential mobility, unmet healthcare needs, and child health in Aotearoa New Zealand
This study highlights the significant residential mobility experienced by children in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly from the age of 24 months, where over 70% had moved at least once. By 54 months, mobility rates increased further, with most children having moved two or more times, and some experiencing extreme instability, moving three or more times without remaining in the same house between waves. This high mobility contrasts with more stable patterns where movement occurs gradually over time. Understanding these different trajectories is crucial, as frequent relocations during early childhood have been linked to unmet healthcare needs and potential long-term health inequalities.
Residential mobility was found to correlate with socioeconomic factors. Lower mobility was associated with advantages such as homeownership, higher maternal education, two-parent households, and greater income stability. In contrast, children in the most highly mobile trajectory were more likely to have younger mothers, mothers with disabilities, or mothers without secondary school qualifications. They were also significantly more likely to live in private or public rental housing and experience changes in family structure. While not statistically significant, Māori mothers were more likely to have children in this highly mobile group, suggesting potential disparities in housing stability. These findings reinforce the importance of addressing housing and social policies to mitigate the negative impacts of high residential mobility on child health and well-being.
Citation
Whitehead, J., Prickett, K. C., Paine, S. J., & Carr, P. A. Moving for good? Patterns of early childhood residential mobility, unmet healthcare needs, and child health in Aotearoa New Zealand. Ministry of Social Development. https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/research/children-and-families-research-fund/moving-for-good-patterns-of-early-childhood-residential-mobility-unmet-healthcare-needs-and-child-health-in-aotearoa-new-zealand.pdf