The following nine principles reflect the values New Zealanders have said are important. They guide the development of the Strategy and its implementation.
These principles promote wellbeing and equity for all children and young people. They outline the importance of working together for real impact, and of developing strong relationships with tangata whenua and involving children and young people in decision making.
The nine principles are:
- Children and young people are taonga.
- Māori are tangata whenua and the Māori-Crown relationship is foundational.
- Children and young people’s rights need to be respected and upheld.
- All children and young people deserve to live a good life.
- Wellbeing needs holistic and comprehensive approaches.
- Children and young people’s wellbeing is interwoven with family and whānau wellbeing.
- Change requires action by all of us.
- Actions must deliver better life outcomes.
- Early support is needed.