Photo: Rangatahi with Ngatini Torea and Raven Torea, Whānau Voice kaimahi
“We’re aware. We just need more support.”
That was the clear message from rangatahi and whānau who engaged with our Whānau Voice kaimahi at the inaugural Te Mokotini ki Tainui and Tainui Secondary School Kapa Haka regionals over the weekend. Alongside thousands gathered to celebrate te ao Māori, haka excellence, and hāpori, our Te Tiratū stand was part of a ‘Hauora Hub’ inside the doors of Claudelands Event Centre. The whare was humming with conversation — and concern. From rangatahi to kaumātua, whānau shared openly about their health journeys, what’s working, and what’s failing them.
What Our Rangatahi Are Saying
Across two days, rangatahi spoke frankly about what they’re facing. They’re switched on and vocal about the lack of mental health and sexual health education in schools — especially around hauora hinengaro. Many shared they learn more from social media than from the classroom. They know mental distress is a problem among their peers but feel unsupported by the current system. They want more—more kōrero, more guidance, and more honest talk in safe spaces. One rangatahi said it best: “We talk about it on TikTok, but not in class. That’s not right.”
Vaping: From “Cool” to “Can’t Stop”
We were alarmed by how widespread vaping is among rangatahi, particularly those aged 12 to 17. Nearly all told us they had easy access — either through shops not checking ID or older siblings buying on their behalf. What began as something “cool” quickly became something they couldn’t stop. Many now feel addicted. They want to quit, but said it’s hard — and support is scarce.
Their message was clear: restrictions aren’t enough. They believe a total ban is the only way to truly protect rangatahi. Importantly, they also called for earlier education, aimed at tamariki aged 10–12, before peer pressure kicks in and the dreaded addiction cycle begins.
Vaccination? Yes. Understanding It? Not So Much.
While most rangatahi had received their HPV vaccination at school, nearly none knew what it was for. One said: “I just signed the form. I didn’t even know what it was.”
This shows a huge gap in informed consent and health literacy. Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to know what’s going into their tinana and why.
Primary Care: Cost, Wait Times & Whānau Avoiding Help
Whānau told us loud and clear: “If it’s not for the tamariki, we just don’t go.” The reasons are simple — long wait times and unaffordable costs. Standard GP visits range from $60 to $80, and after-hours care can be as high as $180. Many are turning to emergency departments by default, not because it’s ideal, but because it’s faster and more accessible. For some, the choice between paying rent or seeing a doctor isn’t really a choice — it’s about survival. While telehealth works for a few, unclear pricing has left others feeling misled — one whānau member was shocked when their father’s online consult cost more than an in-person visit.
Cancer Screening: Awareness Growing, But Gaps Remain
Many whānau had been screened for breast, cervical, or bowel cancer, but few had completed all three — and most had to initiate the process themselves, with little guidance from GPs or nurses. A registered nurse told us that while reminders appear in patient files, many health professionals simply overlook them. For wāhine, the screening experience was often described as cold and clinical, lacking cultural safety, with many feeling whakamā — exposed, undignified, and unlikely to return. There was positive feedback too, particularly around cervical screening reminders, which were clear and helpful, and the fast, reassuring turnaround times for breast screening results. However, follow-up care was inconsistent, and whānau made it clear they want more community-based education and engagement — they want to understand what to expect, why it matters, and how to access care before it becomes urgent.
Thank you For Your Truths
We’re deeply grateful to every whānau member and rangatahi who stopped by to share a laugh, a selfie, and a story — your voices are shaping the future of our hauora. Every kōrero is being carried forward in our regular reporting and meetings with Te Whatu Ora. We’re listening, and we thank you for trusting us with your truths.