This 1998 report is one of two related documents, both of which provide the basis for the strategic direction for child health services within New Zealand. The report draws together data from various sources to identify patterns and trends in the welfare of children's health in New Zealand. The authors examine child health from three perspectives: population, behavioural, and issue-based. Information is provided on the demographic and social circumstances, as well as the mortality, morbidity and health-related behavioural guides, of children. Where data is available, the report tries to highlight the inequalities among sub-groups in children. One of the chapters examines injuries. Data on unintentional injuries is provided in terms of mortality and morbidity, along with discussion on the changes over time of child injury deaths, international comparisons, and risk and protective factors. Mortality and morbidity data is also provided on abuse and violence, with discussion on community studies of physical abuse, corporal punishment, sexual abuse, and school bullying. There are also sections covering hospitalisation, police statistics, sexual offence convictions, risk factors, and international comparisons. A further chapter draws together the information presented in all sections of the report in relation to the health status of tamariki Maori.

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