Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey Sheds Light on New Zealand’s Y-NEET Crisis

PoliticsSocial IssuesCulture Aug 20, 2024 Tim Baker

A recent report from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart Survey reveals concerning findings about the health and well-being of young New Zealanders not in education, employment, or training (Y-NEETs). The survey, which is part of the broader Youth2000 series, highlights the significant challenges these young people face, as well as their untapped potential.

The survey included 84 young people aged 16-22 from the Waikato, Auckland, and Northland regions, providing a detailed picture of their lives. Many of these young people come from disadvantaged backgrounds, with high rates of poverty, violence, and discrimination shaping their experiences. According to the report, 70% of Y-NEETs surveyed had experienced some form of housing deprivation, while 47% reported exposure to sexual violence.

Mental health emerged as a critical issue, with 70% of respondents reporting significant depressive symptoms, and 29% admitting to attempting suicide in the past year. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health services and support systems.

Despite these challenges, the survey also highlights the resilience and strengths of Y-NEETs. Many maintain strong family connections, with 81% stating that their parents care deeply about them. Additionally, a majority are engaged with community groups and express a strong commitment to environmental protection.

The report calls for a comprehensive, government-led approach to address the root causes of these challenges, including poverty reduction, improved access to healthcare, and enhanced support for mental health and substance abuse. It also emphasizes the need to shift the narrative around Y-NEETs from one of deficit to one that recognizes their potential and contributions to society.

This survey serves as a vital call to action, urging policymakers, community leaders, and the public to address the needs of Y-NEETs and ensure they have the support necessary to build positive futures.

 

Breaking Point: The Mental Health Crisis of Kiwi Firefighters Social Issues Breaking Point: The Mental Health Crisis of Kiwi Firefighters Why are the firefighters striking? In 2013 a memorandum of understanding was signed between FENZ and St John meaning firefighters were ordered to act as co-responders to ambulance call-outs. This has meant that since 2013 our firemen and women now attend all stabbings, shootings, drownings, suicides, cot deaths, choking and more. This has resulted in a 1000% increase in call-outs for firefighters. Read Christine’s Story Social Issues Christine’s Story Hi, my name is Christine. I am a partner, daughter, cousin, granddaughter, sister, mother of two, and a proud bonus mum to another two. Read My long road to redemption. Social IssuesCulture My long road to redemption. There was once a time when my parents feared for my future. I was a wayward child, but all children are to varying degrees, so it didn’t arouse much concern. At first. Read Legalised Extortion: The Dark World of New Zealand’s Debt Buyers Social IssuesCulture Legalised Extortion: The Dark World of New Zealand’s Debt Buyers I was halfway through my second cup of coffee in the dim corner of a back-alley cafe when I received a tip-off about the shadowy practice of junk debt buying. The email was cryptic, almost paranoid, and signed with the initials P.A.H. It read... Read Fragmented Mental Health Services Failing New Zealand’s Youth: Auditor-General's Report Urges Urgent Reform PoliticsSocial IssuesCulture Fragmented Mental Health Services Failing New Zealand’s Youth: Auditor-General's Report Urges Urgent Reform A recent report from the Auditor-General reveals alarming shortcomings in New Zealand’s mental health services for young people. The report paints a concerning picture of a fragmented system that struggles to meet the growing mental health needs of the nation's youth. Read What makes someone a narcissist? Social Issues What makes someone a narcissist? The best way I can sum up what over 20 years of knowing a narc is, is this way... Read
Help Us Help Others!

Your donations are incredibly important for us, and enable us to use our initiatives to help our fellow Kiwis.

Donate today
Join Our Newsletter

For the latest news and projects, keep up-to-date with our newsletter. We promise not to spam you; we get enough of that ourselves!