One in every 34 babies born in New Zealand are to parents under 20-years-old, but conversations about teen parenthood have largely focussed on mother and baby. The new series Dadolescence shines a light on the experiences, struggles, and loves of five teen fathers in Aotearoa. The series directors share why this important. 

Watch the new series Dadolescence now on TVNZ+. 

It came completely out of the blue. We got a panicked call from a close friend as his 16-year-old cousin had just found out his girlfriend was pregnant. The teen was terrified and desperate for guidance from adults he trusted. A few weeks earlier his biggest worry was saving for Fortnite skins, and now he was dealing with conversations about abortion, adoption, or marriage. 

Had he ever thought about having children? Where to next? What kind of support existed for boys in his position? 

That difficult discussion sparked what was to become Dadolescence, a six-part documentary series that follows the messy, fragile, and determined first steps of five teenage boys stumbling into fatherhood without a map. 

Parenthood can be challenging at any age, but for teenage boys the pressure stacks up fast. Blame often lands on them for an unexpected pregnancy, while support and care are directed towards the mother and baby. Many slip through the cracks - left off birth certificates, crushed by stress, or fading from their children’s lives when relationships or family support collapse. 

At the same time, teenage fathers are still figuring out who they are. Adolescence is already a time of huge transformation - working out values, identity, and independence. Stepping into fatherhood on top of that is a game changer, with urgent, practical demands.  

They must quickly learn how to care for a baby, sustain a relationship with the child’s mother, and provide emotional and financial support - often while still at school, with no income or life skills to draw on. Isolation can set in with mates moving on, and adults who don’t see them as real parents. 

Despite all the issues, many teen dads love their kids and are eager to be involved. However, without proper assistance, they struggle to keep up. They often face barriers in education, employment, housing, and family dynamics that push them to the sidelines. What makes a difference is support that recognises their role, gives them the tools to grow, and reminds them they belong in the story of their child’s life. 

The journeys of the five teen dads featured in the series offer insight into the complicated experience of teen fatherhood in Aotearoa, and highlights the gaps in assistance necessary to help them be the best dads they can be.  

“Once we found out she was pregnant, we were freaking out. It was shocking, I didn't really know who to talk to, who to tell, but something had to happen. We couldn't just let it be.” - Devalin, teen dad. 

“I wasn't ready to be a dad. When she called me that day, I knew straight away what it was. At first, I took it to heart, saying, ah, fuck, I'm fucked. 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, or included.” - 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. I definitely miss my family a lot.” - Cayden, teen dad. 

“Things that most young people don't have to navigate, our students do. Things like applying for houses, tenancy agreements, getting a part-time job, filling out early childhood forms.” - Mikala Triggs, Director, Whakatipuria Teen Parenting Unit. 

“It sunk in the last few months of the pregnancy that I'm going to be a dad. What am I going to do? How am I going to do it? 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. If that’s what it takes, that’s what it takes.” - Lincoln, teen dad-to-be. 

“I don't think there's much difference between a father and a mother. We do our chores, comfort the kids, play with them. They're your mind, soul, blood and heart. If you don’t know how to comfort your kids, you should spend more time with them.” - Elijah, teen dad. 

Photography by Azita Agnew.

Watch the new series Dadolescence now on TVNZ+. 

Made with the support of NZ On Air.