Guidance

This guidance sits alongside other Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) information that applies to people of any age, as well as content specifically for adults. You may also find this information helpful:

Understanding gender

Gender affirming surgery and speech language therapy

Mental health and wellbeing support

Accessing healthcare and support

When and how to access a healthcare provider or additional support for tamariki, rangatahi, and their family and whānau.

Healthcare and support options

Gender affirming healthcare supports the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi and may include social, psychological, or medical support, alongside other supports for them and their family and whānau.

Supporting children and young people

Family and whānau support is one of the most important factors in the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. This support is especially important for transgender and gender diverse children and young people, and for those who are exploring their gender.

Gender expression in children and young people

Children and young people express who they are in different ways. Gender expression describes how someone shows their gender in everyday life. This can look different for each child or young person and may change over time. Gender expression can be shaped by many factors, including family and whānau, culture, faith, and community.

Gender expression can be seen in everyday ways, such as:

  • clothing — the clothes or styles a child or young person wears
  • hairstyles — how they wear or style their hair
  • toys and activities — the toys, games, or activities they enjoy
  • creative interests — such as art, storytelling, performance, or play
  • roles and responsibilities — including duties at home and cultural expectations within families and communities. These can be particularly important for Māori and Pacific families and whānau.

These are all normal ways children and young people may express themselves. If you are supporting a child or young person, listening and creating safe spaces for them to express themselves can make a positive difference.