The Cost of Inaction: Perinatal Mental Wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand

Pregnancy and the early years are among the most important times in life for whānau. They are also a period of significant change, where many māmā and birthing parents may experience stress, anxiety, trauma, isolation, and mental distress.

For many years, whānau, community organisations and practitioners have witnessed both the challenges families face and the powerful role that connection, relationships and community support
play in strengthening wellbeing and helping families navigate pregnancy and the first 2000 days.

This report reinforces what communities have long known: investing in early, community-based
support can make a meaningful difference for māmā, birthing parents and whānau. The report helps
us better understand the scale of perinatal mental distress in Aotearoa and the opportunity we have
to strengthen support for whānau before challenges reach crisis point.

The report also estimates that the impacts of perinatal mental distress cost New Zealand more than
$2 billion each year, rising to as much as $4.3 billion when subclinical distress is included. Costs
accrue over time and in different areas including health, education, welfare, child protection, and
justice. Most tragically, 65% of these costs are carried by children over their lifetime through impacts
on their health, education, productivity and wellbeing.

The hope is that these findings continue to strengthen partnerships between whānau, communities,
practitioners, funders and government, helping to create the conditions for every whānau to thrive.