To co-create with rangatahi (young people) evidence-based eating and wellbeing guidelines for young people in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), informed by mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge).

Rangatahi collaborated with Māori and non-Māori experts to review existing health guidelines covering sustainable eating, physical activity, screen time, sleep and mental wellbeing and develop their own set of guidelines. Peer feedback on the draft guidelines was used to produce the final guidelines. The process integrated scientific evidence with mātauranga Māori, following tikanga Māori (Māori custom) to ensure a culturally centred process.

Wānanga (learning workshops) were held at a local marae (traditional meeting house), and feedback presentations were held in four secondary schools in Hawke’s Bay, NZ.

Seventeen rangatahi from four schools with high Māori student enrolment participated in the wānanga, and ninety-four students provided peer feedback through surveys.

The rangatahi created ten eating and ten wellbeing guideline messages. These messages were invitational (beginning ‘Let’s try to…’) acknowledging the challenging journey for many rangatahi from current to recommended behaviours. Only one quantification (8–10 h of sleep) was included. Three eating and three physical activity guidelines incorporated the concepts of ‘mauri’ (life force). The guidelines addressed contemporary issues including sustainable eating, ultra-processed foods, social dimensions of eating and physical activity, screen time and cyberbullying. They also emphasised respect, rights and responsibilities, concluding with a motivational whakatauki (proverb) about aspirations.

Innovative, relevant and contemporary eating and wellbeing guidelines have been successfully co-created by rangatahi Māori for all young people across NZ.