Navigating Fatherhood: The Challenges and Joys of Teen Dads in New Zealand

Understanding Teen Fatherhood in New Zealand

In New Zealand, one in every 34 babies is born to parents under 20 years old, often highlighting discussions focused primarily on mothers and babies.

Introducing Dadolescence

A new series, Dadolescence, explores the experiences and challenges faced by five teenage fathers in Aotearoa. Directors Johnny and Azita Agnew discuss the significance of this perspective.

Watch the new series Dadolescence on TVNZ+ now.

A Catalyst for Conversation

The project was inspired by a conversation following a friend’s distressing call about his 16-year-old cousin who just learned his girlfriend was pregnant. Suddenly, everyday teenage concerns gave way to serious discussions on abortion, adoption, or marriage.

Such moments spark vital questions: Had he considered fatherhood before? What support is accessible for boys in his shoes?

The Journey of Teenage Fatherhood

These conversations led to Dadolescence, a six-part documentary series that captures the raw, tumultuous, and aspiring paths of five teenage boys navigating fatherhood.

Becoming a parent poses challenges at any age, but the pressures are magnified for teen boys. They often bear the brunt of societal blame for unexpected pregnancies while the focus remains on the mother and child.

Many young fathers find themselves overlooked—excluded from birth certificates, overwhelmed by stress, or distancing themselves from their children when circumstances change.

Discovering Identity

Amidst this, they’re also on a journey of self-discovery. Adolescence is a period of significant personal change, and taking on fatherhood compounds the urgency of their circumstances.

They must quickly adapt to new responsibilities: caring for a baby, maintaining a relationship with the mother, and managing both emotional and financial demands—often while still in school with little support.

The Need for Support

Despite the pressures, many teenage fathers feel a strong commitment to their children. However, without the right support systems, they struggle to find their footing, facing barriers in education, employment, and housing.

Support that recognizes their roles and equips them with necessary skills is crucial for helping these individuals become engaged fathers.

Insights from the Series

The experiences of the five teenage fathers featured in Dadolescence shed light on the complexities of young fatherhood in Aotearoa while emphasizing the essential support they need.

“Once we found out she was pregnant, we were freaking out. It was shocking, I didn’t really know who to talk to.” – Devalin, teen dad.

“I wasn’t ready to be a dad… It took me a while to accept I was going to be a father.” – Maini, teen dad-to-be.

“I’ve been working in this space for over 30 years, and one thing I’ve noticed consistently is dads don’t always get treated as well as they should be.” – Joanne Teina, educator and former midwife.

“Life is moving too fast, and I was only just a kid a couple of years ago, now I’m growing into an adult. I’ve got a kid.” – Cayden, teen dad.

“Things that most young people don’t have to navigate, our students do. Things like applying for houses or getting a part-time job.” – Mikala Triggs, Director, Whakatipuria Teen Parenting Unit (TPU).

“It sunk in the last few months of the pregnancy that I’m going to be a dad. I knew nothing about raising a child at all.” – Elijah, teen dad.

“I’m going to provide, even if that means I have to work 14, 15-hour shifts, seven days a week.” – Lincoln, teen dad-to-be.

“I don’t think there’s much difference between a father and a mother. We do our chores and comfort the kids. They’re your mind, soul, blood, and heart.” – Elijah, teen dad.

Watch the new series Dadolescence on TVNZ+ now.

Dadolescence is made possible with the support of NZ On Air.