Supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau wellbeing through community-led development
Child Rich Communities was a collaborative project hosted by Inspiring Communities, highlighting the positive impact that place-based, community-led development can have on child, youth and whānau wellbeing. While the project has now concluded, the stories, resources and learning gathered over more than a decade remain available to inspire and support communities creating places where tamariki, rangatahi and whānau can thrive. Explore the resources below to continue the journey.
Kia whāngaia te rito, ka puāwaitia te harakeke.
When we nourish and foster the rito (the child), the harakeke (the whānau and community) will flourish.
Pictured right: Tamariki playing at The Hughes Place Community Garden, Taneātua, Eastern Bay of Plenty
Child Rich Communities’ Learning Cluster 2025-2026
Over 18 months, we walked alongside four community initiatives, each with a shared passion for creating positive, place-based change for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. Through regular connection, shared reflection and collective learning, the Learning Cluster explored child-rich approaches in action, including the successes, challenges and practical insights that shape meaningful community-led practice.
Together with our online kōrero, pānui and refreshed Child Rich Communities Practices, this learning has contributed to a growing body of knowledge about how community-led development can strengthen the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities.
Child Rich Community Practices
Building on insights from the 2018 Bright Spots report, more than a decade of Child Rich Communities learning, and most recently the experiences of our 2025–2026 Learning Cluster communities, the Child Rich Communities Practices have been refreshed to reflect what we’ve learned about creating places where tamariki, rangatahi and whānau can thrive.
These practices are designed as a practical resource for anyone working in and alongside communities. Updated in 2026 alongside our Learning Cluster communities and key stakeholders, they reflect more than a decade of Child Rich Communities learning and highlight the approaches that consistently emerged throughout the journey. Together, they continue to support community-led action across Aotearoa.
Engage With, Not Do-To
Tamariki, rangatahi and whānau should be active partners in shaping their communities and the decisions that affect them. They are not problems to be solved or recipients of services. They are leaders, contributors, and experts in their own lives.
Build on Strengths and Potential
Every child, young person, whānau and community has strengths. Child-rich communities focus on growing strengths, nurturing potential, and creating opportunities for people to succeed.
Strengthen Relationships, Connection and Belonging
Healthy relationships grounded in whanaungatanga are at the heart of thriving child-rich communities. Honest caring relationships with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. Tamariki, Rangatahi and Whānau feel heard, safe, valued, and supported.
Create Systems that Support Whānau Healing
Whānau wellbeing is essential to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. Many whānau experience barriers created by trauma, colonisation, poverty, discrimination, and fragmented systems. Child-rich communities work to create systems that support healing rather than create further harm.
Work Together for Collective Impact
Creating a child-rich community is everyone’s responsibility. Meaningful change happens when whānau, hapū, iwi, schools, organisations, businesses and communities work together.
Think and Act for Long-Term Wellbeing
The wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities is interconnected. Child-rich communities take a long-term view and focus on creating the conditions for future generations to thrive.
Pictured left: Tamariki Toa, Nelson Central School, performing at Te Mana Kuratahi 2019
Our Story
In 2015, Inspiring Communities, Plunket, UNICEF and Every Child Counts joined up to promote and further explore the concept of Child Rich Communities.
In 2016, the CRC project partners launched the Bright Spots Report which showcased 21 examples of local community initiatives that are making a positive difference to children and families.
S.K.I.P funding enabled a Bright Spots national hui that brought together key community leaders to connect, share and strategise on how to grow a Child Rich Communities approach in Aotearoa.
In 2018, S.K.I.P. funded an initial Child Rich Action plan which involved a range of capacity building activities – community workshops, webinars and peer-led practice groups. This work was well received, with an evaluation of the project’s key activities demonstrating value from the approach. Unfortunately, funding to enable 2019 activities did not progress as hoped.
In 2020, a new guiding group for CRC came together to begin working out the next steps to help advance our goal to raise awareness, deepen understanding and promote the role of community-led development in child and family wellbeing.
In 2022, we were all about reconnecting with communities around the motu, and those working in the child wellbeing space. Throughout 2022-4, we hosted bi-monthly online kōrero with various child and youth focused topics, hosted regional Child Rich Community hui’s and built a network of interested people.
From 2025–2026, our Learning Cluster brought together four communities from around the motu to learn what continues to work in creating child-rich communities. Together with our online kōrero and pānui, this learning has deepened our understanding of how community-led development can positively influence the wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities.
Although the Child Rich Communities programme has now concluded, the updated Child Rich Communities Practices, Learning Cluster stories and other resources remain available to support and inspire community-led action across Aotearoa.
Core Supporters
