Media release

6 May 2005

Ministry of Health releases 'snapshot' of the mental health of our Pacific population

The Ministry of Health's Mental Health directorate has released its first dedicated Pacific report on the mental health of New Zealand's Pacific population, Te Orau Ora: Pacific Mental Health Profile.

"Te Orau Ora provides a demographic snapshot that will be of particular use to District Health Board funders and planners," says Janice Wilson, Deputy Director General, Mental Health.

"While seven of the 21 DHBs have significant Pacific populations, the increasing mobility of this population means it is important that every DHB take into account Pacific perspectives when planning its services," said Dr Wilson.

Our Pacific population currently comprises 6 percent of the population and is growing three times faster than the total New Zealand population. The Pacific population is predominantly young with a high percentage of children under 15 years. Over the next decade there will be a significant increase in the numbers of Pacific teens and young adults, which in turn is likely to result in increased demand on mental health services.

Pacific approaches to mental illness differ markedly from Western medical approaches. In Pacific cultures, the cause of mental illness is viewed as being either spiritual or inherited, and is treated in a traditional way by 'spiritual' healers. The Western notion of chemical imbalances or a biological cause are not concepts that Pacific people easily identify with.

"Alongside Pacific services, it is therefore imperative that mainstream providers incorporate practices into their services that will properly address issues that impact specifically on the mental health of Pacific peoples," said Dr Wilson.

Mainstream providers will also need to develop networks with Pacific organisations and groups able to advise on culturally acceptable methods of treatment. Dr Wilson said some DHBs have already developed, or are in the process of developing cultural competencies across a range of Pacific ethnic groups.


For more information please contact:
Marita Vandenberg
Contractor
Communications
Government & Sector Relations
Corporate & Information Directorate
Ministry of Health
DDI: (04) 496 2115
Fax: (04) 496 2010

---

Related information:

Ministry of Health media releases

Mental Health

Pacific Health

Te Orau Ora: Pacific Mental Health Profile.

---

Website feedback
We welcome your feedback on this website.