New Zealand Youth Mental Health Crisis Sparks Nationwide Petition

A nationwide petition launched by the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation (MHF) is calling on Minister of Mental Health Matt Doocey to urgently address the escalating crisis in youth mental health. The initiative comes after significant concerns were raised over the lack of a comprehensive child and youth mental health plan in the country, where rates of mental health challenges among young people have nearly doubled in six years.

The petition highlights the personal struggles of young individuals like Ella Sage, who faced severe anxiety and depression during her high school years in Hokitika, a town of just 2,000 residents. Sage spent six months isolated from school and friends, unaware that help was available. “I didn’t have access to the knowledge or resources I needed at the time to get out of the slump that my mental health was causing me,” Sage stated. Her experience reflects a broader issue, as many youths in similar small communities lack access to mental health services.

Growing Mental Health Crisis Among Youth

According to MHF, over 25% of young people in New Zealand encounter moderate to severe mental health challenges. Alarmingly, children under 18 years old face the longest waiting times for specialist mental health and addiction services. The foundation also reported that New Zealand has less than half of the recommended number of child and adolescent psychiatrists, exacerbating the crisis.

MHF Chief Executive Shaun Robinson expressed frustration at the lack of action, stating, “Four months ago, I met with health officials, and they admitted there is no plan for change… It’s appalling.” Robinson emphasized the growing desperation among young people and their families, noting that many are giving up in their search for support.

During the Covid pandemic, 17-year-old Lola Fisher, who grew up in a small community in Wanganui, also struggled to access mental health resources. Although she acknowledged the government’s appointment of a mental health minister as a positive step, she argued that much more is needed. “There’s definitely not enough support, wait times are really long, and services are under-resourced,” Fisher said.

Call for Comprehensive Action

The MHF’s petition outlines several critical changes, including increasing the number of wellbeing support workers in schools, expanding youth one-stop shops, and enhancing support for individuals aged 18 to 25 who find themselves in a gap between youth and adult services. The foundation is also urging the government to commit to a dedicated child and youth mental health action plan and to allocate significant investment in the 2026 Budget.

Minister Doocey acknowledged the need for improved access to mental health support for young people. He detailed initiatives already in place, including funding for Gumboot Friday, efforts to address workforce shortages, and investments in early intervention and mental health targets. “I’ve just received the petition and will carefully consider its proposals,” Doocey remarked.

Sage, now 19, eventually sought help from a general practitioner in Christchurch while attending university. She described her experience as “privileged” compared to what many others face. Sage is advocating for a more transparent and accessible mental health system, ensuring that young individuals do not have to endure years without the necessary support.

The MHF’s petition underscores an urgent need for systemic changes to tackle the growing mental health crisis among New Zealand’s youth, emphasizing the importance of providing timely and accessible mental health resources to those who need them most.