Kia ora and welcome to A Kiwi Perspective, the podcast where we explore global challenges through the lens of Aotearoa New Zealand. Today, we tackle a complex and deeply personal issue: the global mental health crisis. This isn't just a story about other countries. It's our story, too. It’s the story of our tamariki, our whānau, our kaumatua. It’s about the pressures we face, the systems we’ve built or failed to build, and the future we want to shape.

In this episode, I want to offer not just facts, but context. Not just solutions, but questions. From the alarming statistics to the cultural considerations unique to our Pacific corner of the world, let’s unpack what it means to live — and struggle — with mental health in 2025.