Lay summary
Migration to Aotearoa New Zealand is increasing with migrants currently making up over a quarter of the total population. Migrants and refugees can experience barriers to accessing preventive health services during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood. Moreover, it is important that services are culturally appropriate and also incorporate how migrants’ transnational ties influence their health perceptions and behaviours. Suboptimal engagement with these services can have short- and long-term impacts on the health and wellbeing of women and children of migrant and refugee backgrounds thereby creating inequities. We aim to establish a research network that spans across sectors, including academia and health services, and develop a prioritised research agenda. By identifying key research questions and areas for change, we will draft funding applications to undertake the research and translate evidence to drive maximal impact to improve the health and wellbeing of migrant and refugee women and children in Aotearoa.