Young People 1986–2006: Relationship change is the first of two reports that look at how young people’s transition to independence has changed between 1986 and 2006.
This report examines changes in the nature and timing of the key relationships of young people, aged between 15 and 24 years. The report identifies the age at which young people move from a relationship of dependency toward their own adult partnerships and family formation. It focuses on when young people leave their families of origin, and when and how they partner and enter parenthood.
Young people (aged between 15 and 24 years) comprised 14 percent of New Zealand’s population in 2006. They are important members of families and communities, and make a considerable contribution to the nation’s cultural, economic, and social environment.
Building knowledge about the key events that affect young people is particularly important in the current climate, as they navigate a period of great economic and social change. These key events stem from the life-stage that characterises their group – the transition from dependency within a family nucleus to independent adulthood. It is crucial to understand whether key events occur earlier or later in young people’s lives, as these changes may impact on the future opportunities of young people, as well as the lives and futures of their families and communities.
The second report – Young People 1986–2006: Study, work, and income – was published in May 2010. It examines how and when young people participate in study and the labour force, as well as their sources and levels of personal income.
Both reports use life course events derived from census variables to measure when young people move toward adult independence.
Geoff Bascand
Government Statistician
Reproduction of material
Material in this report may be reproduced and published, provided that it does not purport to be published under government authority and that acknowledgement is made of this source.
Citation
Statistics New Zealand (2009). Young people 1986–2006: Relationship change.
Wellington: Statistics New Zealand
Published in December 2009 by
Statistics New Zealand
Tatauranga Aotearoa
Wellington, New Zealand
ISBN 978-0-478-35372-3 (online)
This report was prepared by Michelle Basham of the Social Conditions Business Unit of Statistics New Zealand.