The Strengths of the Data
The Strengths of the Growing Up in New Zealand Data
Growing Up in New Zealand leads the way in international longitudinal studies and is unique in a number of ways.
Here are some of the things that make the Growing Up in New Zealand study particularly valuable:
- It is the largest longitudinal study ever conducted in New Zealand.
- It measures aspects of the contemporary New Zealand environment (physical, social, cultural, policy etc) that are important in shaping the developmental trajectories of New Zealand children.
- The cohort reflects the ethnic diversity and the social-economic make-up of children born in New Zealand.
- Information has been collected from before the children's birth providing unique insights into the potential long-term impact of the perinatal period.
- Fathers (or the mother's partner) are included in the study and information has been collected since before birth and beyond.
- A wealth of data was collected in the first two years in order to provide as much detailed information about the crucial first 1,000 days as possible.
- The study has adequate explanatory power to consider most outcomes for children who identify as Māori, Pacific and Asian as well as for New Zealand European children.
- Linkage to routine data has been undertaken to add value to the longitudinal self-reported data, with appropriate participant informed consent.
- A long-term partnership with policy-makers means consultation has occurred at every stage of the project to ensure the collection of evidence will have policy relevance.
- Throughout the duration of the study, we have worked in partnership with Government policy-makers to turn research into real change.
