Two mental health advocates will use their opportunity to meet with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to speak about their work promoting mental well-being, empowerment and recovery.
Jazz Thornton and Genevieve Mora who established Voices of Hope - an organisation dedicated to providing hope for people struggling with mental health issues - will greet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Wellington later this month.
- Revealed: Harry and Meghan's New Zealand tour schedule
- Harry and Meghan 'fairly tantalised' by New Zealand visit
"Mental health is a serious issue that needs addressing, we have severely struggled in the past with talking about it, but what's exciting is that we are now beginning to have conversations that matter," Ms Thornton told Newshub.
"I think it's important for them to know how much of a problem mental health is in New Zealand," Ms Mora added.
"We need not only way more funding but an entire restructure of how mental health is dealt with."
Ms Mora told Newshub that something needs to change or this issue will only get worse.
"What we are doing isn’t working. It’s time to try something new. There are so many people out there crying to help and not getting it," Ms Mora said.
The pair say that they are "honoured" to have been chosen to meet with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their upcoming visit.
"There are a lot a lot of people doing incredible things and so to have to opportunity to speak about something so important and what we do is incredible," Ms Thornton told Newshub.
The Duke and Duchess will visit Wellington's Maranui Cafe where they will meet with a number of young people from various mental health projects operating in New Zealand.
Ms Thornton and Ms Mora will tell the royal couple that through their video content and campaigns they have been able to reach people who are suicidal.
"We have received thousands of messages saying a video has saved someone's life," Ms Mora said.
The two mental health advocates think New Zealand's mental health system is not working, and want the Royal couple to know that.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Prince Harry and Ms Markle said it is important they meet with Kiwis who share an interest in their global mental health work.
"The Duke and Duchess have a particular interest in youth, mental health and conservation, and they will have the opportunity to meet many New Zealanders working in those important areas, while also getting to enjoy some of our unique environment," Ms Ardern said.
Prince Harry and Ms Markle arrive in New Zealand on October 28 and will be greeted off the plane by the Prime Minister.
Newshub.
