Mental health
According to the World Health Organization, mental illness accounts for 15 percent of the total burden of disease in the developed world, with depression set to become the second leading cause of disability in the world by 2020.
For several years, Mental Health has been a priority health area for Government. In 2005 the release of Te Tāhuhu – Improving Mental Health 2005-2015: The Second New Zealand Mental Health and Addiction Plan, broadened the Government’s interest in mental health and addiction from people who are severely affected by mental illness and addiction to all New Zealanders – while continuing to place an emphasis on ensuring that people with the highest needs can access specialist services.
The broadened interest by Government is in line with research (Te Rau Hinengaro: The New Zealand Mental Health Survey, 2006, Ministry of Health) which shows that about 47% of New Zealanders will experience a mental illness and/or an addiction at some time in their lives, with one in five people affected within one year.
This section provides information in relation to the Mental Health and Addiction Plan 2010, the National Mental Health Plan (Te Tāhuhu), the Mental Health Act and mental health resources.
In this section
- The Ministry provides mental health policy advice to the Minister of Health. It is responsible for implementation of government policy through collaborative efforts with district health boards, and for the administration of mental health legislation. Read more
- There are a number of legislative Acts which relate to mental health and addictions. Read more
- Health and disability sector workforce development is a priority for the Ministry. Health Workforce New Zealand funds a national infrastructure for workforce development in the mental health and addictions sector. Read more
- There are a number of initiatives and key organisations working in the mental health and addictions sector. Read more
Page last updated: 04 October 2011
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