Being part of a family is a universal experience that is the most significant socialising influence in a person’s life. The well-being of families is fundamental to the well-being of individuals and of the societies in which they live.

This is the fourth in a series of annual reports on the well-being of families and whānau in New Zealand. In 2016, Speru focused on ethnic differences in how families are faring, a greater understanding of what Māori describe as ‘whānau’ and how different cultures define ‘family’. ...