Health system reform roadmap - Mental health care and addiction services

On this page you'll find information outlining the system achievements for mental health care and addiction services as part of the health system reform implementation roadmap.

Horizon 1 – Financial year 2022-2024

National mental health new models defined with some launched

Responsible organisation: Te Whatu Ora

Context

Over 50 percent of New Zealanders will experience mental distress and addiction challenges at some point in their lives. Current mental health and addiction services are complex and confusing to navigate, so many people do not receive the help they need when they need it. In 2018, ‘He Ara Oranga’ the mental health inquiry found an urgent need to transform mental health and addiction services across the full continuum of care.

What will be achieved

New national mental health models will be defined, with some launched in 2023, to improve health outcomes and improve access to mental health programmes and services, which will include new models of specialist Māori mental health and addiction services

More information

He Ara Oranga : Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction | Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry
Te Pae Tata - Te Whatu Ora
Kia Manawanui Aotearoa – Long-term pathway to mental wellbeing
The Mental Health and Addiction System and Service Framework 2022-2032

Achieved 2022-23

Oranga Hinengaro system and services framework agreed

Responsible organisation: Manatū Hauora

Context

Kia Manawanui was launched in 2021 as Government’s high-level plan to support the mental wellbeing on New Zealanders. One of the actions within Kia Manawanui was the’ development of frameworks and guidance to steer contemporary approaches to mental wellbeing.’

What has been achieved

The Oranga Hinengaro System and Service Framework was launched in April 2023. It identifies the core components of a contemporary mental health and addiction system with a 10-year view and provides guidance for those responsible for publicly funded health system policy, design, service commissioning, and delivery.

More information

Mental Health policy and approach defined

Responsible organisation: Manatū Hauora

Context

He Ara Oranga, the report of the independent Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, recognised that the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 (the Mental Health Act) has not kept pace with the shift towards a recovery and wellbeing approach to care, and has never been comprehensively reviewed. The report made the following recommendation: ‘Repeal and replace the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 so that it reflects a human rights-based approach, promotes supported decision-making, aligns with the recovery and wellbeing model of mental health, and provides measures to minimise compulsory or coercive treatment.’

Government accepted the recommendation to repeal and replace the Mental Health Act.

What has been achieved

A Cabinet paper has been developed seeking a decision on the second tranche of policy proposals for mental health, for the work underway to repeal and replace the Mental Health Act 1992.

More information

Every Life Matters (suicide prevention strategy) agreed

Responsible organisation: Manatū Hauora

Context

Suicide has a long-lasting and far-reaching impact on the lives of many people in New Zealand. Every year, far too many New Zealanders die by suicide, with many more attempting suicide. This has a devastating impact on their whānau and families, friends, peers, colleagues, hapū, iwi and wider communities.

What has been achieved

Publication of the approved Every Life Matters (suicide prevention) strategy and annual updates provided to Cabinet. Every Life Matters focuses on building a solid platform for suicide prevention efforts around the country. It includes key actions across the suicide prevention continuum that increase protective factors and reduce risk factors for suicide.