Rugby legend Sir John Kirwan has arrived at Parliament to talk mental health as politicians across the spectrum launch a joint effort to find solutions.
Sir John is joining MPs from every political party for the unveiling of a parliamentary group aimed at tackling mental health and addiction problems.
He's been a long-time campaigner on the issue, speaking publicly about his battle with depression, and was awarded his knighthood in 2012 for both services to rugby and mental health.
The parliamentary group is made up of Labour's Louisa Wall, National's Matt Doocey, Act leader David Seymour, Green MP Chloe Swarbrick and NZ First's Jenny Marcroft. It's being facilitated by Platform Trust – an umbrella organisation for dozens of mental health and addiction services.
New Zealand has the highest youth suicide rate in the OECD and people with severe mental health issues are expected to live about 25 years shorter on average.