For mental wellbeing, New Zealand was the lowest ranking country, in 36th place out of 36 countries with available data.
New Zealand showed the single highest youth suicide rate in the analysed countries during the reporting period – almost three times higher than the average for high-income countries. The report cites suicide as the fourth most common cause of death globally among adolescents aged 15-19 years.
The report also shows where Aotearoa is falling behind on other key issues facing children – including physical wellbeing, where New Zealand has the third highest percentage of overweight children, and bullying, where the percentage of bullied children is the second highest.
New Zealand has the third-largest proportion of overweight children (40%), twice the global average (20%) and much higher than the average for high-income countries (28%). Food security, affordable housing, hospital admissions and material hardship all continue to show negative trends.
New Zealand’s high youth suicide rates have been a persistent concern for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, underscoring the urgent need for robust interventions and support systems.
UNICEF Aotearoa is calling for increased funding in Budget 2025 for targeted suicide prevention programmes that focus on children and young people, especially Māori and Pasifika youth.
Anyone who may be feeling distressed can contact the following organisations for support –
New Zealand:
Youthline 0800 376 633
What’s Up 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds)
Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Australia:
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
SANE Helpline 1800 18 72 63
Lifeline 131 114
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
