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Learn more: PMC Disclaimer | PMC Copyright Notice J R Soc N Z . 2026 Feb 4;56(1):e70009. doi: 10.1002/snz2.70009 Search in PMC Search in PubMed View in NLM Catalog Add to search The Vital Role of Research in Transforming Mental Health in Aotearoa New Zealand Denisse Sanchez Denisse Sanchez 1 Division of Mental Health & Addictions, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Counties Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand 2 Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Find articles by Denisse Sanchez 1, 2, ✉ , Ian Soosay Ian Soosay 1 Division of Mental Health & Addictions, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Counties Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand 2 Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Find articles by Ian Soosay 1, 2, ✉ Author information Article notes Copyright and License information 1 Division of Mental Health & Addictions, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Counties Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand 2 Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand * Denisse Sanchez ( [email protected] ) | Ian Soosay ( [email protected] ✉ Corresponding author. Revised 2025 Aug 4; Received 2025 Mar 10; Accepted 2025 Aug 4; Collection date 2026 Feb. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi This is an open access article under the terms of the http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made. PMC Copyright notice PMCID: PMC13014790 PMID: 41889486 Abstract Improving our mental health and wellbeing is the challenge of our generation. As the mental health landscape evolves, a comprehensive research framework is essential to address the growing prevalence of mental health disorders in Aotearoa New Zealand. This viewpoint article highlights the need for a diverse research approach, encompassing interventional research, condition‐specific studies, treatment‐based research, longitudinal research, and health services research. Effective mental health policies require a combination of robust data analysis, international collaboration, and direct engagement with communities. By integrating these elements, we can ensure that interventions are both evidence‐based and locally relevant. Keywords: cross‐disciplinary research, cultural responsiveness, evidence‐based practice, health policy, health system improvement, mental health research, mental health services 1. Introduction Improving our mental health and wellbeing is the challenge of our generation. Mental disorders affect how we feel, think, and relate to others, significantly impacting our ability to succeed in a knowledge‐based economy. While the issue is global, Aotearoa New Zealand also recognises the need for a new approach, as the burden of mental disorders continues to rise worldwide amid major demographic, environmental, and sociopolitical changes ( Patel et al. 2018 ). The COVID‐19 pandemic has intensified factors contributing to mental health challenges ( Santomauro et al. 2021 ), including social isolation, economic instability, and disrupted care. Vulnerable groups—especially young people, essential workers, and unpaid caregivers—have experienced disproportionate impacts, including increased psychological distress, substance use, and suicidal thoughts ( Czeisler et al. 2020 ). Globally, depression and anxiety rose by 25% in the first year of the pandemic ( WHO 2022 ), with growing concern about the mental health of young people and its underlying causes ( McGorry et al. 2024 ). New Zealand statistics indicate that poor mental wellbeing increased from 22.3% in 2018 to 28% in 2021, and then to 26% in 2023, suggesting that mental ill‐health remains a persistent concern ( Stats NZ 2021 , 2024 ). Nearly half (47%) of New Zealanders are expected to experience mental distress or illness in their lifetime ( Mental Health Foundation 2022 ). Rates are even higher among specific groups: 57% of the Rainbow community, 38% of Māori, and 36% of young adults aged 18–24 report mental distress ( Flett et al. 2020 ). Māori also face disproportionately high rates of psychological distress and suicide, reflecting system inequities and limited access to culturally appropriate care ( Baxter 2008 ). These inequities are further shaped by intersecting factors such as age, gender identity, and socioeconomic status, which must be addressed through inclusive research and policy. Moreover, Aotearoa's mental health and addiction system remains under pressure from chronic underfunding, workforce shortages, and a fragmented structure that limits its ability to meet growing and complex needs ( Te Hiringa Mahara 2024a ). Without targeted responses to structural and intersectional drivers of inequity, these challenges will likely persist. New Zealand has a strong foundation of mental health research, underpinned by internationally recognised longitudinal studies, including the Dunedin Study, Christchurch Health and Development Study, Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) and the Health, Work and Retirement Study, which have contributed key insights into the developmental and social determinants of mental health across the life course. However, major health system reforms, the long‐term impact of COVID‐19 and global developments, have raised expectations of research to address both emerging technologies and entrenched system inequities. Without research‐informed policy and practice, individuals and communities remain vulnerable to the long‐term effects of untreated mental health conditions, including chronic illness, substance dependence, and rising healthcare costs. 2. Further Strengthening Aotearoa's Contribution to Mental Health Research New Zealand is well positioned to build on existing talent and capability, and should continue to take a multifaceted approach to address the complexities of mental health. We need to continue to advocate for investment and support for a broad approach that encompasses a full range of study from basic sciences to interventional studies, condition‐specific investigations, longitudinal studies, and health services research. Furthermore, as a small country and a well‐connected scientific community, we should also actively strengthen opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations and exchanges to build on our strengths whilst broadening our base. 2.1. Interventional Research Clinical trials and pilot interventions assessing the efficacy and safety of new or adapted mental health treatments and service models offer significant opportunities. Whilst we still have a long way to go in achieving the aspirations of Te Tiriti, our bicultural heritage gives us a competitive advantage in looking at the role of cultural approaches to improving mental health. Kaupapa Māori interventions, grounded in Māori worldviews and holistic health models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā , have shown promise in improving outcomes for Māori ( Te Hiringa Mahara 2024b ). For example, codesigning a culturally relevant text message‐based suicide prevention intervention alongside people with lived experience ( Ng et al. 2024 ). New Zealand is also increasingly seen as a testing ground for technology ( Meyer 2025 ). We are tech savvy early adopters with a cultural and socioeconomic profile that is comparable to larger markets. The plethora of coming digital mental health interventions, such as mobile apps and AI‐driven tools like medical scribes, will require rigorous investigation to assess their impact beyond patient outcomes and clinician workload ( Alhuwaydi 2024 ). Conversely, many of the downsides of this revolution are not well understood, particularly in the context of culture and mental health where much of this technology has been trained on datasets developed outside of Aotearoa. Without contextual grounding, these tools risk perpetuating cultural biases or unintentionally disadvantaging populations, including Māori. Moreover, AI development also raises important Māori data sovereignty considerations, including recognising data as taonga (treasure) and upholding Māori authority, control, and perspectives in its design, use, and governance. Research must therefore interrogate not only the functionality but also the cultural safety of AI in mental health settings. 2.2. Condition‐Specific Studies Mental health conditions vary significantly in their presentation, progression, and treatment needs. Investigating specific disorders helps refine diagnostic frameworks, improve treatment guidelines, and enhance support services. For instance, early psychosis intervention improves long‐term outcomes for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder ( O’Connell et al. 2021 ). To be effective for Māori, these models must be culturally adapted. Kaupapa Māori approaches within early intervention services—such as whānau‐centred approaches, integration of tikanga Māori, and inclusion of kaumātua and kaimahi Māori—illustrate efforts to enhance engagement and relevance ( Liberty 2014 ). Suicide prevention research is a priority due to New Zealand's high suicide rates, particularly among young people and Māori. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of suicide prevention programmes, crisis intervention services, and postvention support for bereaved families contribute to evidence‐based policymaking ( Beautrais et al. 2007 ). 2.3. Treatment‐Based Research Treatment research focuses on the effectiveness, acceptability, and safety of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. While international studies inform best practices, local research is needed to address genetic, cultural, and systemic factors influencing treatment outcomes in Aotearoa. For example, local research has identified enzyme variants among Māori and Pasifika peoples ( Hitchman et al. 2022 ) with implications for dosing, efficacy, and the side effects of antipsychotic medications. Cultural attitudes—including stigma, spiritual beliefs, and family involvement—also shape help‐seeking, diagnosis response, and treatment adherence. A New Zealand qualitative study of Indian service users with schizophrenia and diabetes highlighted challenges navigating a health system not tailored to their cultural needs, emphasising the importance of language support, dietary considerations, and family dynamics ( Pavagada et al. 2025 ). Similarly, work adapting cognitive behavioural therapy for Māori and Pasifika—by integrating whakapapa, whānau support, and cultural metaphors—reflect the need for culturally responsive psychological care ( Bennett et al. 2016 ). 2.4. Longitudinal Research We should be proud of our world‐leading longitudinal studies which have greatly enhanced our understanding of risks, incidence prevalence, and the natural history mental disorders, and will continue to enlighten us as we learn more as these cohorts age. Newer research, such as the GUiNZ study, continue to build on this, as these younger cohorts better reflect our evolving ethnic and cultural mix ( Fletcher et al. 2023 ). Our investment in technology and big data though the Integrated Data Infrastructure are allowing exciting new approaches to looking at populations longitudinally ( Bowden et al. 2019 ; Milne 2022 ). 2.5. Health Services Research Health services research evaluates how mental health care is organised, delivered, and accessed, aiming to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. This type of research is essential in New Zealand, where specialist mental health services face significant financial pressure and workforce shortages ( Te Hiringa Mahara 2024a ). For instance, research on acute mental health service flow, examining patient pathways from emergency departments to inpatient or community care, can identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, informing policy on resource allocation and service integration. Similarly, investigating the impact of workforce shortages or interventions—such as the peer support model on patient outcomes—can inform evidence‐based workforce planning and retention strategies. 3. Building a Research‐Driven Mental Health System A research‐driven mental health system is essential for informing policy, improving services and guiding workforce development in Aotearoa New Zealand. Embedding research into clinical training—including medical education, psychology, and nursing—has potential to strengthen the system's foundation, particularly when supported by collaborations between clinicians, researchers, iwi, and communities. Moreover, partnerships within Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), iwi Māori Partnership Boards and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, can strengthen research translation into service planning and delivery. Culturally grounded approaches are also gaining traction. Kaupapa Māori and Pasifika research methodologies offer frameworks that are holistic and aligned with collective wellbeing. Successful models such as Mahi a Atua demonstrate the value of whānau engagement, mātauranga Māori, and flexible access to care ( Rangihuna et al. 2018 ). However, gaps remain in rural accessibility, Māori health workforce development and consistent resources for these approaches. Lived experience and codesign are central to building services that reflect real‐world needs. In Aotearoa, meaningful codesign includes shared decision‐making, culturally appropriate engagement practices, and equitable power‐sharing. Actively involving individuals with lived experience contributes to greater evidence, acceptability, and uptake of interventions, and ensures research outputs reflect real‐world needs and context ( Ng et al. 2024 ; Holmes et al. 2018 ). Importantly, the challenges facing Māori—including underfunding, racism, and lack of culturally safe care—echo those of other indigenous communities. Mātauranga Māori offers not only a local response but also a knowledge system with global relevance. In this way, research becomes a tool to support and amplify Māori‐led models of care. Integrating research across clinical, community and policy levels—and fostering international collaboration—will ensure a more responsive, inclusive, and effective mental health system. 4. Conclusion Mental health research in New Zealand is essential for addressing the rising need, reducing inequities and ensuring culturally responsive care. A multifaceted research approach provides a comprehensive, real‐world understanding of mental health issues, bridging the gap between theory, policy, and practice, and ensuring more relevant, actionable, and reliable solutions. This viewpoint is intended to engage policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and community leaders, whose collaborative efforts are essential in closing knowledge gaps, advancing evidence‐based approaches, and ensuring equitable mental health care for future generations. Funding The authors have nothing to report. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank Dr. Rick Wolthusen and the peer‐reviewers, whose comments contributed to refining the manuscript. Open access publishing facilitated by The University of Auckland, as part of the Wiley ‐ The University of Auckland agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians. Contributor Information Denisse Sanchez, Email: [email protected]. Ian Soosay, Email: [email protected]. References Alhuwaydi, A. M.
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