Plunket says more needs to be done to help children grow, develop and achieve in their early years.
The organisation backs a report issued on Sunday which ranked New Zealand as 28th out of 30 OECD nations for giving children a good start, based on measures such as overcrowding, infant mortality and youth suicide.
Plunket says putting support in for children in the first three years of life will mean better outcomes in the long-term.
Chief executive Jenny Prince says it means investing in an adequate family income, good housing, access to health services, educational opportunities and ensuring people are engaged in their communities.
