Growing up in New Zealand, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by young individuals desperate for accessible, long-term mental health care. During my own battles, trying to access essential services felt like navigating a maze with no end, with barriers seemingly at every turn. This is a daunting reality not just for me, but for countless New Zealand youths grappling with mental health and addiction issues. It’s high time we address this pervasive problem with urgency and empathy.

Currently, New Zealand's mental health services are underfunded and overburdened, leaving many young people unable to receive the help they desperately need. Young people across Aotearoa are experiencing soaring rates of psychological distress, yet they face some of the longest wait times and steepest barriers to early intervention. The statistics are alarming: according to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, young people are at an especially high risk, with suicide remaining a leading cause of death for youth. We lack sufficient preventative measures and early intervention programmes that can make a real difference in these young lives.

While I acknowledge the framework provided by the national Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2026–2036) and its implementation plans, current timelines leave young people waiting too long for real-world changes. Mental health challenges predominantly emerge before the age of 25, and relying on existing health system reordering without transparent, dedicated funding risks leaving our most vulnerable youth behind.

I therefore urge the House of Representatives to take three decisive actions. First, accelerate the timeline for the co-design and implementation of the dedicated Youth Mental Health and Addiction Roadmap so that urgent support reaches schools and communities immediately. Second, ensure that this youth roadmap is backed by dedicated, transparent, and sustained financial investment rather than relying on existing, stretched health sector resources. Third, expand accessible, age-appropriate youth mental health services and community-based support hubs to catch distress before young people reach crisis points.

Sign this petition to call on the New Zealand government to fast-track and fully fund a dedicated youth mental health and addiction roadmap. Together, we can pave the way towards a healthier and more hopeful future for our youth.