On‐going inequities in rates of fatal and non‐fatal injury between tamariki Māori (Indigenous children) and non‐Māori children in Aotearoa (New Zealand) are unacceptable and highlight breaches by the Crown in their obligations to Māori, outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). Safekids Aotearoa, a national organisation tasked with reducing unintentional injuries to children (0–14 years), is shifting the focus of its programmes and resources to better align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to honour Māori knowledge, ideas and principles to eliminate inequity and support the pursuit of Pae Ora: Māori health aspirations for flourishing whānau (families) and tamariki. We provide an overview of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to child injury prevention and the Te Tiriti‐led response by Safekids Aotearoa, particularly around approaches to developing values and strengths‐based safety messages. In doing so, we challenge and counter pervasive barriers to achieving equity and Pae Ora and describe how identifying and incorporating shared Māori values in a Te Tiriti‐led agenda supports the work, ethos, programmes and relationships of Safekids Aotearoa in its journey toward equitable outcomes and Pae Ora for all. We highlight the importance of embedding prevention efforts and advocacy within a holistic framework of tamariki and whānau well‐being embracing capability and strengths‐based approaches.

Objectives(1) To explore the relationship between regionally implemented dog control strategies and dog bite injuries (DBIs) and (2) to evaluate current implementation of dog control strategies.MethodsObservational study using a nationwide online survey of territorial authorities (TAs). Domains of interest included complaints for attacks on people, dog population, primary and secondary prevention strategies, resourcing and perspectives of current strategies. Quantitative variables were compared with DBI Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) claims by region from 2014 to 2018.ResultsTwo-thirds of TAs (70%; n=47/67) responded to the survey. No clear relationship was observed between DBIs and: registered dog population, proportion sterilisations or microchipping, classifications due to dog behaviour, or existing limited resourcing. Legislated breeds and infringements for failure to control a dog or non-registration were higher in areas with greater DBIs. Educational messages varied widely and were predominantly victim directed (67%; n=71/106). Complaints for dog attacks on people were lower than DBIs in most areas, with no formal cross-agency notification policies. Few prosecutions or dog destruction orders were made.ConclusionsRegional inequity in DBIs could not be explained by differences in the registered dog population or dog control strategies. Minimal and inequitable resourcing exists to implement current dog control strategies and provide owner-directed education. Gaps in legislation include environmental barrier requirements for all dogs (leash/muzzle use, adequate fencing), notification of incidents and child protection. Partnership with the Indigenous community (Māori) and other community groups will be required to implement these measures successfully.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of the New Zealand child injury prevention workforce and the organisations they represent.Methods: Representatives of organisations on the Safekids Aotearoa database were invited to complete an online survey. The standardised questionnaire asked for information about injury prevention focus and expertise, communication preferences and information access.Results: Of 196 respondents, the majority were female and identified as New Zealand European. For only a small proportion of respondents, child injury prevention is the main focus of their role. The key sources of child injury data and injury prevention information identified was Safekids Aotearoa, followed by the Ministry of Health. Respondents indicated that they would like to receive information on new research, training opportunities and upcoming events, and information from other organisations.Conclusions: Males and people of Pacific and Asian ethnicity are under-represented in the New Zealand child injury prevention workforce in New Zealand. The low engagement of the sector with Māori authorities is of concern, given the inequities in rates of child injury that exist. Implications for public health:There is a need to conduct a wider and more regular audit of the child injury prevention sector to determine its composition and identify areas of concern.