A nationwide survey aiming to uncover what influences the wellbeing of New Zealand teenagers has launched, engaging over 6,000 young people in the country’s largest longitudinal study.

The 15-Year Check-In, part of the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) project, is the first survey conducted during participants’ teenage years.

Researchers hope to gain insights into the factors shaping adolescence in New Zealand, from social connections to mental health and external pressures like the cost of living.

Associate Professor Sarah-Jane Paine, GUiNZ Research Director at the University of Auckland, says the study will capture young people's experiences, aspirations, and challenges.

“Adolescence is a crucial stage of development, shaped by everything from sleep patterns and screen time to friendships, school life, cultural identity, and community connections,” says Associate Professor Paine.

“This is also a time when external pressures like the rising cost of living and stress on families can impact young people’s wellbeing. Understanding these influences is key to ensuring the right support is in place.”

The 15-Year Check-In builds on previous GUiNZ research, which has tracked the cohort’s early childhood development, schooling, and responses to significant events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and extreme weather disasters like the Auckland Anniversary Day floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.

One of the study’s key strengths is its ability to track how wellbeing evolves over time.

“Wellbeing isn’t just one moment in time, it’s shaped by a complex mix of peer relationships, school experiences, and mental and physical health,” says Associate Professor Paine.

“Because we’ve followed these families for nearly 16 years, we can track these interactions and identify what makes a real difference.”

The diverse backgrounds of participants—spanning ethnic, geographic, and economic groups—make the study a powerful tool for policymakers, educators, and youth programme designers.

“New Zealand is evolving, and it’s essential that decision-makers have accurate, representative data on the experiences of young people from all backgrounds,” she adds.

Families involved in GUiNZ are encouraged to participate to ensure their voices contribute to shaping future policies.

Findings from the 15-Year Check-In are expected to be released in early 2026.

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