Life as a teen on the isolated West Coast

By Baz Macdonald

This video discusses mental health.

A quarter of New Zealanders aged between 15-25 say they are lonely - more than any other age group, the New Zealand General Social Survey found. This is most common in the regions.

We follow a group of teenagers on the West Coast who have created a community where isolated young people can find purpose, place and support.

The Regions is a docuseries that gives a snapshot of the lives of regional rangatahi in Aotearoa and what matters to them most.

Watch the series now on TVNZ+ and YouTube.

Made with the support of NZ On Air. 

Where to get help:

  • 1737: The nationwide, 24/7 mental health support line. Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor.
  • Suicide Crisis Line: Free call 0508 TAUTOKO or 0508 828 865. Nationwide 24/7 support line operated by experienced counsellors with advanced suicide prevention training. 
  • Youthline: Free call 0800 376 633, free text 234. Nationwide service focused on supporting young people.
  • OUTLine NZ: Freephone 0800 OUTLINE (0800 688 5463). National service that helps LGBTIQ+ New Zealanders access support, information and a sense of community.

More stories from The Regions:

Growing up in New Zealand’s most isolated hapū

This marae is three hours’ drive from the nearest town.

Hot or Not: Greymouth edition

We ask young people what’s hot, and what’s not, on the South Island’s West Coast.

All Episodes9

Life as a teen on the isolated West Coast

‘There's a lot of people that feel lonely growing up here.’

Growing up in New Zealand’s most isolated hapū

This marae is three hours’ drive from the nearest town.

Hot or Not: Greymouth edition

We ask young people what’s hot, and what’s not, on the South Island’s West Coast.

Asking people what's hot (and not) about Ashburton

“I feel like there’s not a lot to do if you’re not drinking.”

Hot or Not: Southland edition

We ask young people what’s hot, and what’s not, in Southland

I’m a seventh-generation fisherman on Stewart Island

‘There’s a saying that Stewart Island is 10 years behind everyone else.’

Brotherhood of bogans: inside Southland’s boy racer scene

‘You have your opinion, but it’s my life - I’m going to do what I want.’

Life as a teen after leaving Gloriavale

“I imagined life outside Gloriavale would look sad…but that’s not true at all.”

Hunters fear losing their guns for seeking mental health help. They don’t have to

“Hunting is the one thing that got me out of dark space.”

The Regions

The Regions is a docuseries that gives a snapshot of the lives of regional rangatahi in Aotearoa and what matters to them most.

Made with the support of NZ On Air.

Read1

We made a series about the lives of regional rangatahi

From hunting to boy racing, The Regions shows what it's like to grow up in small towns.

View all series