Youth MP calls for culturally inclusive mental health reforms for Pacific rangatahi

Youth MP Taiko Edwards-Haruru says mainstream mental health systems are failing Māori and Pasifika youth.

He is calling for reforms that are culturally-grounded and responsive to the needs of rangatahi before they reach crisis points.

During Youth Parliament 2025, Edwards-Haruru, who is of Māori and Cook Islands descent, represented the Whanganui electorate.

In an interview with PMN Cook Islands, Edwards-Haruru says his push for reform is grounded in his lived experience and the needs he sees in his community.

“I want to help create systems where rangatahi feel safe, seen, and supported, not just when they reach the crisis point but before that.

“I’ve lost people, I’ve supported friends through hard times, and I’ve seen the way many young people fall through the cracks because the systems weren’t built with them in mind.”

Haruru says effective mental health support for Māori and Pasifika youth must be culturally connected and led by their communities.

“For us as Māori and Pasifika, healing comes through not only our cultural representation but also through our connection and through the people who truly listen to us.”

Haruru took these concerns to Parliament, using his platform to propose tangible solutions. During a general debate at Youth Parliament, he suggested creating mental health services designed by Māori and Pasifika, for Māori and Pasifika.

Mental health matters among Māori and Pacific youth as Edwards-Haruru pushes for reform. Photo /Splash.

“I did offer some ways to help target our Māori and Pasifika youth by having supports that are there for Māori and Pasifika, led by Māori and Pasifika people.

“Some would say we’re lazy. We need support from our older generation to help us grow into our cultural identity and learn where our people come from.”

Edwards-Haruru says carrying the emotional responsibility of representing rangatahi in spaces where their voices are often overlooked has strengthened his sense of purpose.

The youth MP shared his vision for inclusive systems that reflect the realities of Pacific and Māori communities.

“It’s taught me how to lead not with ego but with some sort of service behind it.

“Young people know what’s happening. We live it. So, I wanted to bring real stories and solutions into Parliament.”