Kia ora and welcome to The Couch – the Families Commission's online panel. We want to know what you think about the issues facing New Zealand families.


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What is The Couch?

The Couch is an easy way for you to tell us what you think about issues relating to family life. Knowing what you think will help us advocate for improved policies and services for families. Find out more

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Encourage your friends, family and whānau to join The Couch. Send them a link to this website so they too can have their say on the issues facing Kiwi families.

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Out and about with The Couch

Sole parent Mike Adams and his sons Jamie and Jordon show their support for The Couch at Wellington's Oriental Bay. Over 3,000 people have now joined up.

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Effects of the economic downturn results

We are told that New Zealand is currently experiencing an “economic downturn” – but what does this mean for New Zealand families?

We asked Couch members whether the economic downturn has affected them and their families, and what actions they are taking, if any, in response to these effects.

Do you think your family has been affected by the economic downturn (e.g. redundancy, less work, increased financial pressure)?
  • Yes, we have been affected [51%]
  • No, but I think we will be affected in the future [32%]
  • No, and I do not expect us to be affected in the future [16%]
  • Don’t know [1%]

83% of respondents reported either being affected by the downturn, or expecting to be affected in the future.

View the full results report

Latest poll

Watch this space!

We're working on our next poll. We'll email Couch members when it's available.

Latest questionnaire

Watch this space!

We're working on our next questionnaire. We'll email Couch members when it's available.