Every child deserves to thrive

25 February 2026

Children’s Day on 1 March is a chance to celebrate the joy and potential in all our pēpi and tamariki – and at Whānau Āwhina Plunket we are privileged to do that every day.

We see 80% of all new babies across Aotearoa New Zealand, including more than half of all Māori pēpi. Our nationwide Well Child Tamariki Ora services supported 270,817 tamariki aged 0-5 in 2024-25.

Well Child focuses on those first 2,000 days of life because they are critical: this is when a child’s brain, body and sense of safety are built, creating the foundation for their lifelong health, learning and wellbeing.

The service provides free developmental check-ins during this time, tracking a child’s growth, learning and wellbeing. They are an opportunity for parents/caregivers to talk to their Plunket Nurse about anything that’s top of mind – and new parents often have a list of questions! We cover everything from adjusting to parenting to breastfeeding and sleep issues, introducing solids, developmental milestones and much more.

Alongside the practical support and advice, this is a time for building trust and connection. For all its joys, parenting can be challenging and whānau often say that support and reassurance from a Plunket nurse, Community Karitāne or Kaiāwhina made all the difference – and some cases provided a lifeline.

Our kaimahi will identify if a whānau need extra support from other services and ensure that support is accessed.

The reality in the current cost-of-living crisis is that funds are getting tighter and the needs of whānau are greater and more complex. Our kaimahi often see whānau who are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table or suffering from anxiety and other mental health challenges.

Often a listening ear or a friendly chat can be a game-changer, particularly for a first-time parent. As one māmā said recently: “Plunket isn’t just about check-ups, it’s about people who truly care, who make new mums feel supported and never alone”.

In 2024-25 we made 417,489 clinical contacts with whānau, a 6% increase or 15,000 more than last year.

Recent news reports about new entrants starting school without the basic skills is also concerning. The B4 School Check is the last of the Well Child appointments and designed to give tamariki the best possible start at school.

It is a comprehensive assessment of a child's language, development, growth, behaviour, social and emotional development, and oral health.  Hearing and vision checks are also an important part of school readiness and we work alongside Te Whatu Ora to deliver this. As well as the assessments, we also provide lots of advice and simple tips on ways to ensure your child is ready for school.

Ideally, we would see tamariki soon after their fourth birthday, as this gives plenty of time for any support needed to be put in place before they start school – giving them the best chance to thrive.

Equity of service is a priority for us and our B4 School Check team achieved 101% of targets for services to Māori and Pacific whānau in 2024-25.

We encourage all parents/caregivers to raise any concerns they may have with their Plunket Nurse, Community Karitāne or Kaiāwhina, they are here to support you.

Our free health information line PlunketLine is also available 24/7 on 0800 933 922 for any advice and support about parenting or your child's health, wellbeing and development. You do not have to be enrolled with Plunket to use this service.

Read more about Well Child appointments and the B4 School Check.