Mental Health Foundation launches youth mental health petition
Mental Health Foundation media release: 28th October 2025
The MHF has today released a petition calling for the Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey, to take urgent action to address children and young people’s poor mental health.
Over 25 percent of young people experience moderate to severe mental health challenges – rates which have nearly doubled over the past six years. Despite this, nearly one in five find it hard to access support.
“It’s beyond belief that young New Zealanders experience more mental health challenges than any other age group, but still wait the longest for support,” Shaun Robinson, the MHF’s chief executive, says.
“Multiple governments have failed to address this issue. Four months ago, I met with health officials and they admitted there is no plan for change. It’s simply not good enough – young people deserve to access mental health support, when they need it.”
The petition tells the story of Jamie - a fictional character backed by evidence and youth insights. Jamie experiences common hurdles to support including long wait times, workforce shortages, cost, stigma and inappropriate or harmful supports (such as young people being placed into adult services).
The story illustrates why - despite rising poor youth mental health rates - 3,842 fewer young people accessed specialist help over the past five years.
“Jamie’s story is far too common across New Zealand,” Mr Robinson says.
“75 percent of young people say mental health is one of the biggest issues facing their generation – and I believe them. We hear about the tragedies they and their loved ones experience every day.”
The petition's FAQs section details quick wins and longer-term recommendations for the Minister to take urgent action on. Its advice includes improving specialist services, intervening before young people reach crisis, promoting resilience and positive mental health in schools, preventing poor mental health and addressing inequities.
“We also want a commitment from the Minister to urgently deliver a child and youth mental health action plan – including putting significant investment behind that plan in Budget 2026,” Mr Robinson says.
“Mental illness cost our country more than $20 billion in 2023 – and most lifelong mental health conditions start before the age of 25. Investing in youth mental health now is both the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do in the long-term.”
Sign the Mental Health Foundation to support youth mental wellbeing.