Listen Now: 
October 27, 2023
Tamariki mental health on the minds of mātua
Gideon Porter
Posted On October 27, 2023
Download AudioA parenting expert says he’s not sure why Māori parents seem more concerned about their children’s mental health – or why Māori are twice as likely to use telephone services for health advice.
These are some of the findings of the 5th annual NIB survey of over 1,200 Kiwi parents.
NIB Resident Parenting Expert and Neuroscience Educator, Nathan Wallis, says it could be tougher economic times, or issues among peer pressure groups – but the important thing is recognising that there is an issue that needs addressing.
“Um, like 57% of Maori parents are worried about their children’s mental health. I think in 2020 in contrast, less than a third of parents were worried about that. So, you know, it’s creeping up there, it seems to be more and more on people’s minds,” he says.
Meanwhile Nathan Wallis, says he’s unsure, but the reasons Maori use tele-health services more – could be to do with cost, access, the convenience and time-saving benefits of a phone call versus in-person visits.
RELATED NEWS
