International Day of Families

International Day of Families History

International Day of Families honours the vital role that families play in fostering social cohesion, cultural diversity, and overall well-being within our global community. It provides an important opportunity for people in New Zealand and around the world to reiterate their commitment to strengthening family bonds and promoting policies that support stable, nurturing environments for children to grow and thrive.

Established by the United Nations in 1993, International Day of Families highlights the importance of nurturing healthy, resilient families as a cornerstone for sustainable development and social progress. Each year, the UN designates a specific theme that resonates with contemporary issues facing families, thereby providing a platform for international discourse and collaboration around shared interests and common goals. Such discussions emphasize the value of familial solidarity in fostering empathy, tolerance, and understanding.

In New Zealand, International Day of Families takes various forms, including workshops, seminars, and public awareness campaigns that showcase the importance of families in our lives. By taking part in or supporting these events, the people of New Zealand can contribute to the collective effort of building stronger and more resilient families that provide a solid foundation for our interconnected world. International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May each year.

International Day of Families facts

• The theme for International Day of Families in 2023 was Demographic Trends and Families.
  In 2022, the theme was Families and Urbanization.
• Many New Zealanders choose to live together in a de facto relationship before or instead of getting married. According to the 2018 census, around 40% of couples cohabited without being legally married.
• Families in New Zealand can take various forms, including nuclear families, extended families, single-parent families, same-sex parent families, and blended families. In 2018, 73% of families consisted of couples with children, while 24% were single-parent families.

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Day of Families

Top things to do in NZ for International Day of Families

• Spend time with your family. Go on vacation, visit an amusement park, find something that everyone in the family can enjoy.
• Watch a Documentary or Film to learn more about Families in New Zealand:
  1) Top Twins: Untouchable Girls - (2009): A documentary about lesbian twin sisters Jools and Linda Topp, who are famous musicians and political activists in New Zealand.
  2) Boy - (2010): Set on the east coast of New Zealand in 1984, the film follows an 11-year-old boy and his younger brother who reconnect with their estranged father.
• Spend a day at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: This museum in Wellington has excellent interactive displays and a great section for kids to explore the culture and history of the country.