Photo: Rangatahi Mokoia Hamiora-Houghton, the Kaitautoko/Kaitiaki of students from Rototuna High School attending the Kapa Haka and a Taiohi forum organised at Claudelands by Te Puna Wananga o Wairere.
Our rangatahi aren’t just open to kōrero—they’re confident, articulate and have important whakaaro that health leaders must listen too. In June, 96 chose to share their views through Whānau Voice surveys gathered both online and face-to-face. Combined with broader findings from our Community Health Plan, first Monitoring Report, and engagement activities between March and June, their voices offer powerful and direct insights into the health and wellbeing issues they care about most.
While many rangatahi were unfamiliar with some medical terms—particularly questions around the HPV vaccine—they showed curiosity and deep interest in learning more once questions were explained in plain language. What followed was a series of straight-up reflections that reveal the aspirations and challenges our young people face every day.
Mental health emerged as the number one concern. A third of all respondents saying they want more support and information in this space. Sexual health was another key area, especially among rangatahi worried about teen pregnancy and gaps in knowledge. Nutrition, the rising cost of healthy food, the dangers of vaping, and curiosity about rongoā Māori also featured strongly.
Here’s some of what they said:
- “Mental health & the dangers of vaping.”
- “As there’s so much teens who are hapū I feel like there needs to be more health info regarding sexual health and pregnancy.”
- “Nutrition info, particularly considering veggies and fruit are so expensive.”
- “More info about mirimiri in general would be awesome.”
What would help rangatahi stop – or not start – vaping? A lot of rangatahi told us they had tried vaping or were still vaping, even those as young as 12–17. They’re worried about how easy it is to access vapes, and many felt there should be tighter rules – like bans, stricter age checks, less advertising and more support.
Some of their whakaaro:
- “Ban vaping”
- “More restrictions, not advertising, and explaining the danger”
- “Need ID to purchase. There are places you don’t need it”
- “Give out methanol mints to encourage them to stop vaping”
Almost one in four said vaping should be banned or more tightly restricted. They also pointed to peer pressure as a key driver, and many said more mental health support and access to alternative activities—like sport, music, or creative outlets—would make a real difference.
“It’s the popularity of it, if mates do it others will too,” one rangatahi said.
Do rangatahi know about the HPV vaccine? Just over half had heard of the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine. But nearly a third hadn’t, and some weren’t sure. It highlighted a mixed picture around the HPV vaccine. A significant number weren’t sure if they’d even been offered the vaccine at all, showing that school-based communication and consent processes may need strengthening. Even among those who had the vaccine, many still lacked clear understanding about what the vaccine is, why it’s important, or what it does in their bodies. This shows there’s still a big gap in the way health info is shared with our rangatahi – and it’s something we can work together to improve.
This kōrero with rangatahi reminds us that they are thoughtful, brave and full of ideas. When we take time to kōrero properly, they show up and are ready to lead, if we’re willing to listen. Their insights call for us—whānau, schools, health providers, and communities—to create safe space for deeper conversations and to ensure our health systems are reaching them with the right tools, messages, and manaakitanga. Our rangatahi have the answers. It’s time we act on them.