Sadly suicide is the leading cause of maternal deaths in Aotearoa!

Every year there are over 60,000 births in Aotearoa. 30% of parents and their wider families and whānau will be affected by anxiety or depression due to pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. 

There is evidence that this number is higher due to under-reporting so this sits more realistically around 50% of mothers, fathers, and birthing parents.

The health system continues to fail babies of Māori, Pacific, and Indian mothers, mothers aged under 20 years and those living in areas of high deprivation or rural isolated areas, all of whom experience worse perinatal outcomes. 

In 2020, 183 women committed suicide in Aotearoa, of them, 157 were Māori. Māori and Pasifika maternal death rates still remain higher than any other ethnicity.

To address these terrible statistic Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa (PADA) is holding a National Call to Action: Hosted by Minister Matt Doocey on Thursday 31st July 2025.

This pivotal event aims to bring together government leaders, healthcare professionals, community organisations, lived experience whānau, and mental health advocates in a united push to transform maternal mental health care in Aotearoa.

At the core of this gathering is a shared commitment to build a lasting partnership between government and community—one that delivers real, measurable improvements in perinatal mental health services and outcomes across the country.

Event Objectives

The National Call to Action seeks to:

• Shine a spotlight on the ongoing barriers to early screening, diagnosis, and intervention
• Share a bold and compassionate vision for a functional, inclusive perinatal mental health system
• Amplify the voice and impact of lives experience whanau that is where the real connection point lies
• Establish a foundation for enduring collaboration between policymakers, communities, and frontline providers

More than just a policy briefing, this event will offer attendees an interactive journey that immerses them in the lived experience of perinatal mental distress. 

This powerful and emotive installation aims to deepen understanding of the urgent need for systemic change—and the frustration and isolation faced by so many parents seeking help.

Join the Movement

We invite media, policymakers, health professionals, and community leaders to stand with us—to listen, to learn, and to lead meaningful reform for whānau across 
Aotearoa.

We would love to have media in the room to hold our government officials accountable.

If you or anyone you know would like to purchase a ticket to attend please visit our website pada.co.nz.

Let this be the turning point. Let this be the beginning of real change.

#PerinatalMentalHealthMatters #CallToAction2025 #PADA #ParliamentaryBreakfast

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