Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad has welcomed the Government’s announcement of new youth mental health and suicide prevention services in Te Tai Tokerau, saying the investment comes at a critical time for taitamariki and whānau across the region.
The new services are aimed at improving access to culturally grounded mental health support for young people, particularly in communities facing high levels of distress, isolation and suicide risk.
Dr Achmad says Te Tai Tokerau has long faced significant challenges in youth mental health, with many rangatahi struggling to access timely and appropriate support close to home. Concerns have also been raised nationally about growing demand for mental health services and pressure on frontline providers.
The Children’s Commissioner says the new investment has the potential to address longstanding gaps in the system, particularly for Māori youth and rural communities where services are often limited or difficult to access.
A key focus of the new approach will be ensuring services are designed alongside young people, whānau and local communities so support reflects the realities and lived experiences of taitamariki in Te Tai Tokerau.
Dr Achmad says community-led and culturally informed services are essential to building trust and improving outcomes for rangatahi, especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as mental wellbeing, trauma and suicide prevention.
The Government says the initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen youth wellbeing services across Aotearoa and reduce inequities in mental health outcomes.
Advocates hope the investment will lead to earlier intervention, stronger whānau support and improved long-term wellbeing for young people throughout Te Tai Tokerau.
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