By youth, for youth · Aotearoa

Young peopledeserve tobe heard.

A youth-led movement putting mental health in front of the people who make decisions about young people's lives.

MHMI rangatahi gathered on the steps of Parliament with a hand-painted Mental Health Matters sign

Supporters holding handmade Mental Health Matters placards at a rally

Who we are

Started as a school project. Now a national kaupapa.

MHMI began in 2022 with a Year 12 petition and 1,000 signatures delivered to Parliament. Today an executive team of nine rangatahi runs campaigns, panels and submissions on youth mental health across Aotearoa.

Our impact

2022: Founded by rangatahi
1,000+: Signatures to Parliament
9: Youth executive members

Amy Skipper, founder of Mental Health Matters Initiative, at an advocacy hui — “Your voice has power. No matter how many times people tell you it doesn’t, your voice has power, and your experiences matter.”
Amy Skipper — Founder

Our mahi

Three campaigns, running now.

Youth One Stop Shops

Campaigning for recognition and funding so the services rural rangatahi rely on can keep going.

Election Panel

Political parties answering directly to young people ahead of the 2026 General Election.

MHMI community gathered on the steps of Parliament

Petitions & Submissions

Lived experience turned into asks that decision-makers can't file away.

Next event

Mental Health Election Panel

With the 2026 election ahead, we're bringing representatives from across parliament together to answer for their policies, priorities and plans on youth mental health. They've had three years — it's time for the hard questions.

Date: 23 September, 7:00pm
Location: Pōneke Wellington
Entry: Free — book a ticket

Get free tickets→

Executive team

Eight rangatahi, one kaupapa.

Amy at Mental Health Matters Initiative — Amy

Holly at Mental Health Matters Initiative — Holly

Keiko at Mental Health Matters Initiative — Keiko

Roxy at Mental Health Matters Initiative — Roxy

Ashleigh at Mental Health Matters Initiative — Ashleigh

Lucia at Mental Health Matters Initiative — Lucia

Connor at Mental Health Matters Initiative — Connor

Jayathi at Mental Health Matters Initiative — Jayathi

Board

Governance.

Mental Health Matters Initiative Trust is a registered charitable trust. The board holds the finances, obligations and long-term direction so the executive can stay focused on the mahi.