Our children are the future
Every child should have the best possible start in life. To achieve this A Better Start researchers are creating the tools and methods to predict, prevent and intervene early so children have a healthy weight, are successful learners and teenagers can access the tools they need to look after their mental health.
A Better Start is the National Science Challenge working to help children, teenagers, their whanau and family achieve the best possible start in life. Our job is to find practical, evidence-based solutions that make a measurable difference for tamariki.
We can do that only when we work with communities, draw together indigenous and Western approaches to knowledge and bring the best researchers from different disciplines here and overseas to take a holistic approach rather than address health, wellbeing and learning issues in isolation.
About
Improving the potential for all young New Zealanders to lead healthy and successful lives
The Science
Collaborative research and science excellence
News
Updates and events.
News and events
Daughters’ weight and height affected by mothers who smoke
Director of A Better Start E Tipu e Rea Professor Wayne Cutfield and Senior Research Fellow at the Liggins Institute Dr José Derraik are part of a new study which highlights another reason for women to avoid tobacco during pregnancy. The new international Liggins...
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A time to connect with whānau and friends
From all of us at A Better Start E Tipu e Rea, our heart goes out to the Muslim community and those affected by the tragic shootings in Christchurch on March 15, 2019.
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Responding to Pasifika needs
A passionate group of researchers gathered in Auckland at a Pasifika fono to discuss potential projects within the National Science Challenge A Better Start E Tipu e Rea during the next three to five years.
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Child obesity prevalence across communities in New Zealand: 2010-2016
New Zealand has high levels of childhood overweight and obesity, and it remains a significant public health concern. It is associated with later obesity and a range of poor health outcomes. A group of researchers from A Better Start E Tipu e Rea has published a report...
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E Tipu e Rea
Grow and Branch Forth
E Tipu e Rea is A Better Start’s Māori name.
In 1949, shortly before his death, Māori leader and scholar Sir Āpirana Turupa Ngata of Ngāti Porou wrote into the autograph book of schoolgirl Rangi Bennett a passage about his vision for Māori youth.
E tipu e rea mō ngā rā o tō ao
Ko tō ringa ki ngā rākau a te Pākehā
Hei ora mō te tinana
Ko tō ngākau ki ngā tāonga a ō tīpuna Māori
Hei tikitiki mō tō māhuna
Ko tō wairua ki tō atua
Nānā nei ngā mea katoa.
Grow and branch forth for the days destined to you
Your hands to the tools of the Pākehā
For the welfare of your body
Your heart to the treasures of your ancestors
adornments for your brow
Your spirit to god
Who made all things.
