Story: City children and youth

No place for kids

In the early 20th century inner-city living came to be viewed as detrimental to children’s health and welfare. Children playing in city streets – rather than in spacious suburban backyards or playgrounds – became a symbol of urban decay. Scenes of inner-city street play are used to promote the need for suburban state housing in this clip from the 1946 film Housing in New Zealand.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Housing in New Zealand. National Film Unit, 1946

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How to cite this page:

Ben Schrader, 'City children and youth - City, suburbs and recreation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/21957/no-place-for-kids (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Ben Schrader, published 11 Mar 2010