LANGUAGES
New Zealand's population is growing, and becoming increasingly ethnically diverse. Language is an important aspect of cultural identity and connectedness for many children and young people. This indicator will look at the opportunity for children to speak and understand the language of their ethnic or cultural group.
New Zealand's population is growing, and becoming increasingly ethnically diverse. The ability to learn or retain the languages of their cultural group helps children and young people to develop an appreciation and understanding of their heritage.
While an official language of New Zealand, te reo Māori is not widely spoken by tamariki Māori. Improving access to te reo Māori, through initiatives like language revitalisation and improved capability in the education workforce to better integrate te reo Māori will recognise its status and improve the ability of tamariki and rangatahi Māori to connect with their heritage through their language. It will also improve respect for and correct use of te reo Māori by non-Māori.
This indicator looks specifically at the proportion of children and young people (aged 12-18 years) who, in everyday conversation, speak a second and/or third language.
This indicator relates to the 'accepted, respected and accepted' outcome.
How will we measure this?
- This indicator will be measured using data from the first Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey - 'WhatAboutMe?'
- Baseline data from the survey is expected in 2021.
- This indicator will also be supplemented by data from the Census.
For more information
- For more information about the Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey - 'WhatAboutMe?' visit: https://www.whataboutme.nz/