Prince Harry has told a group of mental health advocates in Wellington that the impact of social media on mental health is a real topic that needs to be discussed.
Prince Harry and Meghan talk to some schoolchildren outside Maranui Cafe. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent time this morning at the famous Wellington cafe, Maranui, chatting with youth mental health advocates about the importance of mental health education over a cup of tea.
Prince Harry asked Voices of Hope advocates about the role of social media and whether it plays a part in the number of young people experiencing mental health symptoms.
He said it was a real topic that needed to be discussed.
"You're all doing really excellent work," Meghan told the guests before starting a round of applause.
Among the youth advocates was Ezekiel Raui from community peer support group Key to Life. It's his second royal engagement this year after visiting Buckingham Palace.
Before meeting the royal pair at Maranui Cafe, he told Morning Report the Duke and Duchess of Sussex showed amazing commitment to mental health well-being.
He had a private audience with Harry and Meghan in June, after winning one of the Queen's Young Leaders Awards last year.
Mr Raui said the Duke and Duchess were authentic people who cared.
"What the Duke and Duchess do really well - and what I hope reflects in some way or form on organisations throughout New Zealand - is this willingness to talk about your vulnerabilities and understand that that's a strength for New Zealand," he said.
The royal couple are "down to earth" - Ezekiel Raui
The Duchess of Sussex speaking to young fans outside Maranui Cafe. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
A crowd eagerly waited outside the cafe to catch a glimpse of the couple, with cute kids and cute dogs among the royal fans.
Fans young and old are gathering at Maranui, including dogs. Photo: Jonathan Mitchell
Cute fans outside Maranui Cafe. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
The royal couple have now journeyed across Cook Strait to the Abel Tasman National Park, where they will go on a bush walk and be treated to a barbecue.
They will also meet some of the park's youth ambassadors and local school children at a barbecue lunch for a tree planting.
Department of Conservation ranger Andrew Lamason will be showing Harry and Meghan around the park's bays and says he will talk to them about conservation efforts in the area.
He said the cloudy weather won't dampen any spirits.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, talk to Jazz Thornton and Gen Mora, founders of Voices of Hope at Maranui Cafe in Wellington. Photo: Kensington Palace