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July 30, 2025
#mentalhealth: how and why we need to do more to support rangatahi
Dale Husband
Posted On July 30, 2025
Download AudioA new research initiative led by youth charity WĀHI with support from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi will investigate how best to support the mental health and wellbeing of rangatahi Māori living in rural and remote communities.
According to the 2021/22 New Zealand Health Survey, 23.6% of youth aged 15-24 experienced high or very high psychological distress; more than double the 11% rate from 2020. Over half of that age group now report symptoms of anxiety or depression, with unmet treatment need rising by 77% since 2016/17. Youthline’s 2023 “State of the Generation” report found 82% of rangatahi consider mental health (anxiety, depression, stress) the most pressing issue, with demand for support rising rapidly.
Rangatahi Māori report much higher rates of distress: depressive symptoms rose from 14% in 2012 to 28% in 2019; suicide attempts in the past year climbed from 6% to 13%. Māori youth have greater likelihood of hospitalisation for intentional self-harm and higher substance use rates than Pākehā. Pacific rangatahi show similar worsening trends: depressive symptoms rose from 14% to 25%, and suicide attempts from 7% to 12%.
Young people identifying as rainbow, disabled, Asian, or having intersecting minority identities face significantly elevated risks, though inclusive environments (e.g. rainbow‑friendly schools) offer protective benefits
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