Child and Teacher Wellbeing Under Pressure: ECE Policy in Aotearoa New Zealand (Commentary)

Across nation states, social work services have developed and implemented predictive assessment tools that utilize algorithms to calculate risk from large inter-linked databases. In this paper, we explore and compare the policy contexts for predictive tools in family and child protection services in England, Denmark and Aotearoa New Zealand. The development of predictive tools is part of a dynamic process of datafication triggering a range of political and professional conflicts involving political ideologies, policy orientations, ethical considerations, implementation techniques and tools for problem solving. Focusing especially on political and policy environments, we explore how predictive tools are discursively constructed and are promoted or challenged by key stakeholders. Claims-making regarding efficiency, accuracy, ethics, the role of the state and the causes of social problems play out differently in different policy contexts. Each case study provides insight into the processes assembling the use of predictive tools in child protection services. In Aotearoa New Zealand, key figures are embedded in central government and the public debates are closely tied to political actors and political ideologies. In comparison, in England and Denmark debates and actions are diffuse across levels of government and private and public sectors. In each case, some constant drivers closely linked to conceptions of the ideal state are identifiable.

INTRODUCTION: Recent directions in child and family policy in many Anglophone countries, including Aotearoa New Zealand, are underpinned by the adoption of prevention science which is used to justify state interventions into the lives of families deemed vulnerable or troubled.METHODS: We conducted an examination of trends, firstly examining recent child welfare and protection policy. We discuss the science that underpins significant changes in policy and explore how this use of the available science dovetails with the dogma of the Western neoliberal agenda. FINDINGS: The invocation of science in the struggle to reduce child maltreatment may be reassuring to politicians, policy developers and practitioners alike but a critical analysis is largely missing in the discourse in Aotearoa New Zealand.CONCLUSIONS: Neuroscience is adopted largely uncritically in social policy in relation to child welfare and child protection. It can contribute to policy but other knowledge from social science findings about contextual factors in child maltreatment such as poverty, racism and class-based assumptions about parenting norms must not be ignored in social work practice.

The present study conducted on 200 private and government school teachers working in Bhiwani district of Haryana. The purpose was to study the effect of work culture on well-being of teachers working in private and government school. Scale of work culture and mental Health Continuum short form was used for Collection of data. The data was analyzed to get mean, S.D. and t value. The results indicate that there exists a significant difference in all components of work culture which influences well-being of the teachers. The result indicates that there exists a significant difference in all components of subjective well-being of private and government school teachers. There is a positive correlation between work culture and subjective well-being. Happy teachers are creative, progressive, innovative, flexible in cognition, energetic, healthy and have good social relations.

INTRODUCTION: In the face of government austerity, service contract cuts, and changes to the Equal Pay Act in Aotearoa New Zealand, there is a need to consider the wellbeing of social workers to support, develop and retain this highly skilled workforce. However, little is known about the wellbeing and working experiences of social workers in the local context. METHOD: This article reports on a subset of quantitative Aotearoa New Zealand data gathered as part of a global study related to the wellbeing and workforce conditions of social workers (n = 136). The article focuses on exploring the role of collegiality, workloads and managerial support. FINDINGS: Peer and collegial support is more frequently accessed than support from line managers, and analysis highlights that, in contrast to international experience, workload demands are not as chronic as has been reported in other nations. However, the findings indicate there is still work to do to support social worker wellbeing in the workplace, with more nuanced data and further qualitative research needed to better understand social worker workplace conditions and wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, a broader strategic organisational approach that tackles improving team cohesion and collegiality, workloads and management support is needed to ensure wellbeing in the workplace is prioritised and does not rely on individual efforts.

Psychological wellbeing in teachers. Study in teachers of early childhood and primary education

Moe Kura is a longitudinal study focused on the role of sleep in the health and well-being of mothers and children in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). The leadership, design and conduct of the study is informed by Kaupapa Māori research principles and is positioned within a broader rights-based approach to health, recognising that inequities in health must be identified and understood to improve the health of wāhine Māori and tamariki. In late pregnancy 418 Māori women and 768 non-Māori women were recruited and data collected at four waves (35–37 weeks gestation, 4–6 weeks postpartum, 11–13 weeks postpartum and when the Moe Kura child was 3–4 years of age) with linkage to birth records and national administrative datasets and associated qualitative research. Findings demonstrate substantial inequities in sleep health, infant and maternal health, and maternal employment between Māori and non-Māori, along with the important role of sleep in perinatal health and maternal mental health outcomes. The research philosophy that underpins the study, the primary focus on women, and the detailed measurement of sleep during the childbearing years has provided new and important findings that contribute to intervention development and health policy for women and children in NZ.

In recent years there has been increased focus on supporting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with disability. This paper reports on a study that asked children and young people with disability and adults who work with them about practices that support their wellbeing and safety, including barriers and enablers to ethical practice. We used the theory of practice architectures to unpack the practices. Findings point to a range of practices that both young people and adults regarded as important in creating the cultural conditions for young people to feel happy, safe and well, albeit placing different emphases on particular practices. Several tensions within and between these practices and the evolving requirements of disability and safeguarding policy environments were also apparent. While often not well articulated, the inherent tensions have implications when considering what children and young people need, particularly those with higher support needs. Findings suggest closer attention needs to be given to the intersection between individual and systemic factors in shaping ethical practice aimed at supporting the wellbeing and safety of children and young people with disability.

The incarceration of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, mirroring a global picture, has seen a large and disproportionate increase compared with increases in men’s prison populations. Although it is widely accepted that prisons and prison experiences are gendered, prison literature has continued to be overly focused on men’s prisons. The first section of this chapter will explore shifting trends and discourses in women’s imprisonment in Aotearoa New Zealand through a summary of the extant historical literature from the early years of colonisation to the post-war era. The second section will trace shifting themes and discourses in selected documents from the 1960s to the 2000s. This chapter will provide an overview of how developments in both policy and in understandings of crime and gender have impacted on women in Aotearoa New Zealand prisons. Moreover, the chapter will elucidate the ways in which women’s prisons in Aotearoa New Zealand are gender-making institutions, disciplining women to produce specific embodied outcomes. The desired outcomes for the women under the control of corrections have evolved in line with shifting institutional discourses and idealised gender norms.

Social and political change is occurring in Aotearoa New Zealand and tikanga, mātauranga, te reo Māori (the Māori language) and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) are increasingly being recognised in diverse political and legal contexts. This article explores whether the political science discipline is keeping pace with these political changes, whether research and course content is adequately reflecting these new realities, and if students are appropriately equipped to participate. In particular, we examine the state of university politics programs and outline the form and quantity of Māori politics in the teaching and research of these programs. From the assessment of the current state of politics programs, we make some observations about what changes may be required to ensure politics programs, their students and academics are fully equipped to work in the unique political and legal landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand. Approximately 1% of political science lecturers are Māori, 1% of content taught can be classified as Māori politics and approximately 1% of publications in the New Zealand Political Science journal can be classified as kaupapa Māori politics. This 1–1–1 crisis provides a bleak picture of the existing arrangements in politics programs in Aotearoa New Zealand and must change.

A study of children's wellbeing during the 2020 COVID-19 Lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand. This graphic novel shares the results from a nationwide online survey with children that sought to understand their neighbourhood perceptions and experiences during the COVID-19 Lockdowns in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020 with a focus on child wellbeing.

Background: Proteins are one of the strong pillars of sound physical health and cognitive abilities. Protein and micronutrient deficiency can hamper the health and growth of many children globally, delaying their physical and mental improvement and increase proneness to infections. The current research depicts the efficacy and safety of the children’s health supplement with micronutrient fortification to promote growth, health, and wellbeing in children. A multicenter randomized controlled trial. Material and Methods: Two centers one being a teaching institute with a hospital and the second one private hospital. Total 105 subjects visiting the out patient department (OPD) section participated of which 100 completed the trial with five being dropped out as lost to follow-up. Children’s health supplement (NRL/2019/5PNK) contains essential vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts together with a blend of whey, soy, pea, rice proteins, and milk solids. It was consumed as 90 days’ treatment in a dose of 10 g daily with 150 mL milk. Children’s health supplements improved anthropometric parameters and growth of children indicated by height-to-age and weight-to-age z-scores defined by world health organization (WHO). Results: There was a 45.70% increased physical endurance by children’s health supplement. Enhanced immunity status indicated by reduced illness episodes and missed school days. Children’s health supplements improved child’s eating behavior and cognitive performance better than the marketed product. It was found better in improving digestive behavior in children. Conclusion: Children’s health supplement found safe and effective in promoting growth, health, and wellbeing in healthy children.

In Bhutan, recent increases in annual teacher attrition rates, particularly in rural areas, pose significant challenges for the government and concerned agencies in terms of retaining qualified teachers and reducing teacher attrition rates and turnover. This article, partly based on a field study exploring the quality of work life (QWL) and well-being of school teachers in rural Bhutan, explores the possible reasons why such teachers might seek to resign. Using mixed methodology, the study reveals poor QWL and well-being of teachers, caused by a variety of factors. In view of such findings, the Ministry of Education and the government need to ensure better all-round protection for teachers to avoid the risk of large-scale resignations.

BackgroundThe co-occurrence of domestic violence with alcohol and other drugs significantly increases the severity of abuse and violence experienced by family members. Longitudinal studies indicate that substance use is one of few predictors of men’s continued use of, or desistance from, violence. Recent developments in men’s behaviour change programs have focused on men’s attitudes and behaviour towards their children, and the exploration of interventions that address the needs of all family members. However, the research evidence is limited on the most effective elements of men’s behaviour change programs in promoting the safety and wellbeing of child and women victim survivors.This study aims to build on the existing evidence by trialling the KODY program which addresses harmful substance use by men who also perpetrate domestic violence; the safety and wellbeing of women and children; the needs of children in their own right, as well as in relationship with their mothers; and the development of an ‘all-of-family’ service response. The evaluation of these innovations, and the ramifications for policy development to support less fragmented service system responses, provide the rationale for the study.Methods/DesignA quasi-experimental design will be used to assess the primary outcomes of improving the safety and wellbeing of mothers and children whose (ex)partners and fathers respectively participate in KODY (the trial program), when compared with ‘Caring Dads standard’ (the comparison group). Psychometric tests will be administered to fathers and mothers at baseline, post-program and at 3-month follow up. Data collection will occur over three years.DiscussionBy building the evidence base about responses to co-occurring domestic violence and substance use, this study aims to develop knowledge about improving safety outcomes for women and children, and to better understand appropriate support for children in families living at the intersection of domestic violence and substance use. It is anticipated that study findings will point to the ramifications for policy development to support less fragmented service system responses.Trial registrationAn application for registration with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (https://www.anzctr.org.au/) was lodged on 20 December 2021 (Request number: 383206)—prospectively registered.

To develop processes for the development of decentralised clinical trial methodology for Aotearoa New Zealand, focussing on equity of access to cancer clinical trials for Māori, Pacific people, vulnerable communities and those in rural settings. A national steering committee supported by Te Aho o Te Kahu - Cancer Control Agency was formed to: guide the adaptation and implementation of overseas decentralised clinical trial models to suit the needs of Aotearoa New Zealand with an equity focus; provide high-level oversight and expertise for direction and development of policies, procedures and infrastructure compliant with ICH GCP R2; and implement a national strategy. Twelve standard operating procedures were developed, as well as a supervision plan and a glossary. These were made freely available on the New Zealand Association of Clinical Research website. Decentralised clinical trials offer a novel method of trial conduct that is patient- and whānau-centred. The model allows patients to remain in their local area with whānau and support networks, and their local treating team, increasing clinical trial accessibility and quality of care. This methodology has the potential to support improvement in research capabilities nationally and be utilised beyond oncology. It would benefit from significant investment in national clinical trial infrastructure.

Public Research Organisations (PROs) are integral to the Science, Innovation and Technology (SI&T) sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, as mission-led organisations tied to research areas of significant national importance. Early career staff and students (ECS) make substantial contributions to delivering science impact within PROs, but face unique challenges, particularly amid prolonged sector-wide change. This manuscript is authored by the members of the Science New Zealand Early Career Member Group (ECMG), a cross-organisational body representing ECS from each of the PROs. As such, we are well-positioned to provide insight into the impacts of ongoing uncertainty for the PRO early career workforce. Drawing on data from a survey of early career staff and students across PROs conducted in December 2024, we highlight the impacts of the evolving SI&T landscape. Three key challenges emerged: ECS retention and career development, underrepresentation of Māori and Kaupapa Māori, and inequities in the current SI\&T funding system. We discuss these challenges and offer solutions aimed at strengthening career pathways, supporting the growth and leadership of Māori ECS, and improving funding equity, which combined can enhance ECS success. Our ultimate goal is to help retain, develop, and empower the current and future early career cohort to thrive in their fields, delivering meaningful science impact for Aotearoa New Zealand.