This report grows our collective understanding of the systems and determinants that affect rangatahi Māori and young people’s wellbeing, which in turn, influences mental health. It elevates the voices of young people and draws from their experiences and expertise.
Four common themes of barriers to wellbeing have been identified by young people between 2018 and 2022 relating to uncertain futures, racism and discrimination, social media and online harms, and challenges to whānau wellbeing and intergenerational connections. While this report does not cover all the issues faced by rangatahi Māori and young people, it reflects the expressed concerns of young people over the last five years.
To lift rangatahi Māori and young peoples’ wellbeing, we need to address the barriers they have identified, with the participation of rangatahi Māori and young people in all decisions that affect them. This is the heart of our call to action. Rangatahi Māori and young people must have a seat at every decision-making table where they can shape their own futures and their voices and perspectives are heard.
This report also shows: