Te Mātātaki - survey results of children in care

Te Tohu o te Ora is a regular survey that helps us to understand what it is like for tamariki and rangatahi in care.

Together with regular reporting, Te Tohu o te Ora and Te Mātātaki help track progress and inform ongoing improvements.

Survey approach

The survey is designed with input from tamariki and rangatahi. It is focused on aspects of care that are important to their wellbeing.

We will continue to use Te Tohu o te Ora to hear directly from tamariki and rangatahi, and to understand how experiences in care change over time.

Te Mātātaki 2026

Te Mātātaki 2026 presents the findings from year 3 of Te Tohu o te Ora.

This year’s survey contained new questions on identity, safety and support to achieve goals. At their request, tamariki and rangatahi were also given opportunities to share their experiences in their own words through open-ended questions. 

Over 900 tamariki and rangatahi took part in year 3 of the survey.

For Te Mātātaki 2026, the report has been written with a general audience in mind. It focuses on high-level results and key themes rather than technical detail, so the findings are easier to understand and more accessible.

Alternate formats (Easy Read, New Zealand Sign Language video, and Braille Ready Format file) of Te Tohu o te Ora findings are available.

Transition Support Services are a range of services for young people between 15 to 25 years old. They support transition from care or custody into adult life.

Read more about these services or call the free helpline on 0800 55 89 89 to see how they can help.