The document summarizes key findings from the 2013 Te Kupenga survey conducted by Statistics New Zealand about Māori whānau and well-being. The survey focused on measuring whānau rather than just households, recognizing that whānau extend beyond single households. It found that the median whānau size is 11 people, compared to the average household size of 2.3. While most Māori feel their whānau are doing well, the traditional concept of whānau as larger than just household members is important to capture the full scope of whānau support networks.

1. WHĀNAU & WHĀNAU WELL- BEING IN AOTEAROA
Results of Te Kupenga Survey 2013
Atawhai Tibble, Te Kupenga Project Manager, Statistics NZ

2. The main statistical approach in whānau measurement is
NOT to measure the whānau, but rather,
to FOCUS ON THE household.

3. Butthere are limits to this approach…
1. Many whānau and families DO NOT live in the
same household.
2. When you focus on a household, you constrain
the size of the whānau to only those occupants.

4. In 2013, Statistics NZ surveyed a representative
sample of Māori 15y+ about their whānau,
regardless of the household they live in.

5. Key Findings
The median size of whānau is 11, compared to the
average household size of 2.3.
10% have more than 48 people in their whānau.
Two fifths include cousins, and grandparents in their
whānau, while 12% include friends.
99% of Māori have whānau who live in another
household.
(Source: Statistics NZ, Te Kupenga 2013)

6. Reference
83% felt that their whānau were doing
well or extremely well – only 6% said
their whānau was doing badly or very
badly.
84% felt that their whānau got along
well or very well - only 3 .0 percent of
Māori said that their whānau got along
badly or very badly.
(Source: Statistics NZ, Te Kupenga 2013)
Key Findings

7. In conclusion….
Whānau is more than a household dwelling…

8. References
King, A. J, and T. Turia. He korowai oranga: the Māori health strategy. Wellington:
Ministry of Health, 2002.
Metge, Joan. New growth from old: the whanau in the modern world. Wellington:
Victoria University Press, 1995.
Walker, T. W. ‘An exploration of the evolution and application of the notion of whānau.’
PhD thesis, Victoria University of Wellington, 2010.
Walker, T. W. Whānau is whānau, Wellington: Families Commission, 2006