‘The need has never been greater, and the help has never been less’: educators’ views of NZ children’s mental health

Despite rising psychological distress among primary school children in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), the voices of those closest to children remain absent from national discourse. Official prevalence data are limited, yet distress, needs and help-seeking appear to be increasing. This study gathered NZ school leaders’ perspectives on primary-aged children’s mental health needs and services. Using eight qualitative interviews and thematic analysis, three themes emerged. First, ‘The need has never been greater’, with educators reporting increases in emotional, social and behavioural difficulties over the past decade, linked to parental practices, family stress and the pandemic. Second, ‘The help has never been less’, reflecting limited psychological support and demand exceeding resources. Third, ‘Aotearoa needs Accessible, Effective Support for Every Child’, calling for increased resources to ensure equitable, accessible, evidence-based and culturally grounded mental health care for children. Implications for Mental Health Services and the education sector are discussed.