Nearly one-quarter of young people in New Zealand reported high levels of psychological distress in the month preceding a recent survey by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Data from Te Hiringa Mahara indicates that 14 percent of the total population aged 15 and over—roughly 609,000 people—experienced high or very high psychological distress, a rate more than double that recorded a decade ago.
Why are youth mental health indicators worsening?
Te Hiringa Mahara chief executive Karen Orsborn attributes the rising distress among young people to modern environmental factors, specifically citing online harm and the broader global climate. According to the commission’s findings, young people face hospitalization for intentional self-harm at a rate of 370 per 100,000, nearly three times the national average. Despite this, specialized youth services remain limited, often forcing young patients into adult facilities that are not equipped to manage their specific developmental needs.
While specialist service access is struggling, primary care performance has improved. Government data confirms that 80 percent of primary care patients are now being seen within one week of referral, surpassing previous targets.
How does the current crisis impact specific demographic groups?
The burden of psychological distress is not distributed equally across the population. According to the commission, disabled people report the highest rates of distress at 35.5 percent. Pacific peoples (24 percent), young people (23 percent), and Māori (22.5 percent) also experience significantly higher rates compared to the national average. Despite these high unmet needs, the report highlights a lack of meaningful funding increases directed specifically toward services for Māori, prompting calls for a targeted action plan by 2027.
Will the use of seclusion in mental health facilities end?
The New Zealand government has set a long-term goal of eliminating seclusion—the practice of isolating patients—in mental health and addiction services. Currently, Māori in adult inpatient services are 6.6 times more likely to be secluded than non-Māori, a disparity that remains a point of concern. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey stated that the Mental Health Bill currently before Parliament seeks to prohibit the use of seclusion for individuals under 18. Health New Zealand has been tasked with publishing a national plan by 2027 to outline a pathway toward total elimination of the practice.
What is the outlook for the mental health workforce?
Workforce shortages, which hit a high of 11 percent in 2022, have begun to stabilize. Minister Doocey noted that vacancy rates dropped to eight percent by 2025. This recovery is supported by a growing pipeline of trainees; 514 people entered mental health and addiction training in 2025, a significant increase from fewer than 400 in 2023. While these staffing gains are positive, Te Hiringa Mahara warns that overall access to specialist services remains below pre-COVID-19 levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cause of rising distress in youth?
Te Hiringa Mahara identifies online harm and the current global environment as primary drivers of psychological distress for young people.
Are seclusion rates decreasing?
Yes, seclusion rates have decreased significantly since 2009, though the Ministry of Health acknowledges they remain too high, particularly for Māori patients.
When will better data on child and youth mental health be available?
The first Child and Youth Mental Health and Addiction Prevalence Study is scheduled for later this year, with results expected in late 2027.
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