Associate Professor Dr. Sione Vaka from the University of Waikato has raised urgent concerns regarding the mental health of Pacific communities in New Zealand, citing persistent barriers to accessing care. Dr. Vaka, an expert in Pacific health and the Associate Dean of Pacific Studies, emphasized the ongoing challenges in the mental health system, especially for Pacific peoples, following the release of the latest data by Te Hiringa Mahara-Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.
Lack of Ethnic-Specific Data
Dr. Vaka expressed concern over the lack of detailed, ethnic-specific data in the latest mental health report, noting that while the report highlights general trends, it fails to adequately address the needs of Pacific populations. “If this data reflects the general population, there is no clear indication of how Pacific peoples are faring specifically,” Dr. Vaka stated. “Previous research has shown that Pacific people have historically had lower access to mental health services.”
The report, which covers a four-year period, reveals a significant drop in the number of individuals accessing specialist mental health services, with 16,000 fewer people seeking help in the last four years. The data also highlights a concerning decline in the number of young people under 25 receiving specialist care, with 10,000 fewer accessing services since 2020/21.
Growing Psychological Distress Among Pacific Communities
Recent data from the New Zealand Health Survey indicates a rise in psychological distress across the population, with 13% of New Zealanders reporting elevated distress in 2023/24. The rates are notably higher among Pacific people (20%), young people (22.9%), and Māori (19.5%).
Dr. Vaka emphasized that addressing mental health disparities for Pacific communities requires a more culturally responsive approach. “It’s critical to acknowledge the diverse ethnic backgrounds within Pacific populations and integrate cultural values into mental health services,” he said. “Currently, the mental health system does not accommodate Pacific worldviews and healing practices, which can be a barrier to seeking help.”
Barriers to Accessing Care
Te Hiringa Mahara’s Chief Executive, Karen Osbourne, described the current situation as a “mixed picture,” noting the complexity of factors contributing to the decline in mental health service access. These include increased distress following the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages, and the growing complexity of mental health needs.
“Rates of distress among young people have been rising since before the pandemic, and the situation has worsened since COVID,” Osbourne said. “We’re seeing more people accessing primary and community-based mental health services, but barriers remain for those seeking specialist care, particularly for those with higher needs.”
Osbourne also pointed to the challenges faced by the mental health workforce, including high vacancy rates and the departure of experienced professionals. This has created additional strain on the system, forcing remaining staff to handle larger caseloads, often with less supervision for newer workers.
Cultural Appropriateness in Mental Health Services
Dr. Vaka stressed that the current mental health model, which relies heavily on biomedical and clinical approaches, does not align with Pacific cultural understandings of mental illness and healing. “Pacific peoples often encounter stigma and discrimination when accessing services, and the clinical, impersonal nature of many mental health facilities can deter them from seeking help,” he explained. “A more culturally integrated approach, which incorporates spirituality and Pacific healing practices, would likely increase engagement.”
When asked if the government is doing enough to address these disparities, Dr. Vaka was clear in his response: “They are making efforts, but it is not enough.”
The Need for Systemic Change
Both Dr. Vaka and Osbourne agree that more needs to be done to address the growing mental health crisis, particularly among youth. Osbourne called for greater focus on improving access to specialist services, especially for rangatahi (young people), who have seen a significant drop in service usage.
“The right people need to be at the table to drive change, including specialists, service providers, and young people themselves,” Osbourne said. “A focused, collaborative effort is essential to tackle these issues.”
Leadership Challenges in the Health Sector
With recent leadership changes in New Zealand’s health sector, including the appointment of a new Health Minister and senior resignations at Te Whatu Ora, Osbourne acknowledged the challenges posed by these transitions. “These are complex problems, and leadership is crucial to driving meaningful change,” she said. “Addressing these issues requires sustained effort and leadership.”
Dr. Vaka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that systemic change is necessary to make mental health services more accessible and culturally relevant for Pacific communities. “The system is not evolving fast enough to meet our needs. We need a complete overhaul of the current approach,” he said.
Successful Pacific Models of Care
Dr. Vaka highlighted the success of Pacific-specific mental health initiatives, such as the Pacific Dementia Māngalo programme, which provides tailored support for Pacific dementia patients and their families. He believes these types of culturally responsive services should serve as models for broader mental health care.
Looking Ahead
Te Hiringa Mahara plans to release further reports on mental health services in the coming months. Osbourne emphasized the importance of keeping the human impact of mental health issues at the forefront of policy discussions.
“We must remember that behind every statistic is a person experiencing distress,” she said. “Our goal should be to address these challenges in a timely and effective manner.”
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