November 21, 2022
Gang mental health warning
A Māori clinical psychologist is calling mental health challenges and suicide amongst gang whānau a hidden contagion.
Armon Tamatea, who has worked in the field for more than 20 years, says gangs may well be some of the most vulnerable people in the community when it comes to mental health and self-harm.
He hopes the new Māori health authority Te Aka Whai Ora can help Māori clinicians and psychologists provide Māori-centric resources and access to care for those needing it.
“Just because something is Māori doesn’t mean it will fix gang issues. We know there have been many long-standing issues between gang whānau and iwi, for example, and vice versa. The issues are complex and at this stage it’s really about reducing barriers to access which is actually a huge part of the problem,” Dr Tamatea says
The overall aim is for safer and healthier communities.