Tongan film producer and author Sandra Kailahi says Pacific islanders need to openly express their feelings so their children can do the same.
It's Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme this year is 'Explore your way to wellbeing'.
Ms Kailahi says Pasifika people need to open up "real conversations" at home and around their families to address this issue.
According to the Ministry of Health, more Pacific people suffer from mental disorders than other communities in New Zealand.
Ms Kailahi, who helped produce the documentary My Father's Kingdom, tells Christine Rovoi the film relates to mental wellbeing and resiliency.
Chair of Pacific Advisory Group for the Auckland Museum, Sandra Kailahi Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sela Jane Hopgood
