Charity Launches Initiative to Boost Mental Health for Young Māori

A new research initiative by youth charity WĀHI aims to enhance mental health support for young Māori in the rural areas of the Bay of Plenty. This three-year project, funded through a partnership with the Clare Foundation and supported by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, will engage with local schools, including Whakatāne High School, Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui, and Tarawera High School. It will explore how Māori philosophies and values can inform effective mental health promotion strategies.

The project will be spearheaded by Luke Gray, founder of WĀHI and a trained occupational therapist. Gray has already made significant strides in supporting youth mental health through the PETRA Programme, an activities-based initiative that has reached thousands of rangatahi in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. He acknowledges the difficulty many young people face in expressing their struggles, particularly in rural settings where access to mental health services is limited.

Gray emphasizes the need for proactive engagement with young people before they encounter crisis situations. “In our rural setting, it’s often a challenge for whānau to travel long distances for a short counselling session,” he said. “Our approach with WĀHI is to reach out to families rather than wait for them to come to us.”

The inception of the PETRA Programme was deeply personal for Gray. Growing up in Australia, he witnessed his sister’s struggle with mental health after their family relocated to Aotearoa when she was just 16. Her challenges culminated in a hospital emergency linked to an overdose, a moment that profoundly impacted Gray. “I didn’t know how to ask the right questions,” he recalled. “That experience drove my desire to create a supportive environment for others.”

In honour of his sister, whose name is Petra, Gray named the PETRA Programme—Preventative Education and Training for Resilient Adolescents. He hopes the current project will equip rangatahi with tools to understand and manage their emotions, while also encouraging them to support their peers.

Gray notes that while young people are increasingly aware of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety—often influenced by social media—they may lack access to necessary support services. “Over 90 percent of the youth I engage with recognize these terms, but many do not know where to seek help,” he explained. “Rural areas are often underserved in this regard.”

This research project aims to gather insights directly from rangatahi, ensuring their voices are heard. “It’s crucial to understand what young people need to improve their wellbeing and overcome challenges,” Gray stated. “Sometimes, the quieter voices are the ones we need to listen to the most.”

Collaborating with Gray on this initiative is his wife, who is also an occupational therapist and will serve as a researcher for the project. He encourages any young person facing mental health difficulties to reach out for support. “There are people who care and want to help you thrive.”

For immediate support, individuals are urged to contact emergency services if they or someone they know is in crisis.