NZ Health Survey 2024/2025 mental health and substance use data summary

This data summary brings together key adult mental health and substance use findings from the New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) 2024/2025 focusing on our legislated priority groups.

The purpose of this summary is to provide a synthesis of key mental health and substance use findings from the NZ Health Survey. We want to maximise available evidence to drive improved decision making. Our aim is for this information to be used for planning and investment, and to direct resources where they are most needed to improve mental health and addiction outcomes.

In 2024/2025:

• 14.3% of adults (about 619,000 people) experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the four weeks prior to the survey.  
• High or very high psychological distress among adults has significantly increased compared to the last five years and last 10 years.
• 22.9% of young adults (15–24 years old) experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the four weeks prior to the survey. This was the highest percentage of any age group.
• 23.8% of Pacific adults (about 69,000 people) and 22.5% of Māori adults (about 147,000 people) experienced high or very high psychological distress.
• Both Pacific and Māori were significantly more likely to have high or very high psychological distress than non-Pacific and non-Māori respectively (after adjusting for age and gender)
• 10.5% of adults (about 456,000 adults) wanted professional help at some time in the past 12 months for mental health or substance use but did not receive it.
• Younger adults continue to be more likely to seek help for mental health.