A 9-year-old Northland girl who thought she was dying when she got her first period is the inspiration for packs being given to young girls in Oranga Tamariki care.
The girl, now 13, has been named Aroha to help protect her real identity.
At the time, she was living in an Oranga Tamariki home, between schools, and had never been taught what a period was.
When it arrived, she felt terrified and alone, and didn’t tell anyone.
Oranga Tamariki psychologist Cindy Scholtz said Aroha is one of two Northland teenagers who recently revealed to her they thought they were dying when they got their first period at age 9.
“They were far from family and friends at the time, and that was one of the scariest things that ever happened to them.”
Scholtz said many social workers were unaware girls as young as 8 or 9 can get their periods.
A 2019 NZ Medical Journal paper found 6.3% of Kiwi girls have their first period before finishing primary school at about age 10.
New research also shows girls who experience trauma in childhood – including abuse, neglect or family instability – are more likely to enter puberty early, according to a 2025 Journal of Adolescent Health study.
When asked what she wished for at age 9, Aroha told Scholtz it would have helped if an adult had explained puberty and periods — and maybe given her some chocolate.
Her story prompted Scholtz and youth worker Gypsy Luck to act.
With support from the Bald Angels charity and Foster Hope Charitable Trust, they created packs for the 14 girls living in Oranga Tamariki homes around Whangārei.
“In the packs for the younger girls there are period undies, chocolate, books, heat packs, towels, face cloths, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, pads and hand sanitisers.
“The older girl packs have the same items but it also includes tampons,” Scholtz said.
The all-important chocolate bar includes a QR code linking online videos, where teenagers talk about periods and body changes.
The packs are named Mana Wahine Aroha Strength Packs, in honour of the girl who inspired them.
“Her courage in sharing her story and her thoughtful reflection has helped shape this work.
“Aroha’s experience has not only empowered her but is now helping shape a better, more compassionate response for others in care.”
Scholtz is distributing the packs to girls aged 9 to 13 in care homes near Whangārei, but hopes they will eventually be available nationwide. She is also working on creating suitable packs for boys in care.
With periods beginning as early as age 8, children need reliable, factual information about what will happen to their bodies when they go through puberty.
Health information website Healthify He Puna Waiora offers these top tips:
Visit healthify.nz for more information, videos and app links. Kotex also has videos at youtube.com/@kotex.
Kaz Cooke’s Girl Stuff 8–12 is a friendly, informative book for pre-teen girls, while Girl Stuff 13+ supports teenagers.
The Ministry of Education provides free period products in schools and also has a comic series to help parents talk with their tamariki.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.