Transformational decisions are being made about the future of our cities, in response to issues such as climate change, new technologies, and land use. The government has also signalled a much-needed transition away from car-dependence in cities towards public and active transport. Up until now, decisions about city planning and transport have tended to build in privilege and injustice, and in the end contribute to unequal wellbeing outcomes by income and ethnicity. It is critical that future decisions undo these injustices in a proactive way. This is particularly important for the young people who already experience disadvantage and health disparities.

Shaping Cities for Youth is a qualitative study that explored how place and transport impact on the wellbeing of marginalised rangatahi/youth in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland and Ōtautahi/Christchurch. We listened to young people who had experienced a time when they couldn’t access education, employment, or training (NEET: Not in Education, Employment, or Training) as they talked about their current and future access needs. We also engaged with adult ‘influencers’ including parents, educators, employers, and youth agencies.

February 2020