Find out about the legislation relating to mental health and addictions.
Mental health and addiction
Mental wellbeing is fundamental to the lives of all people in New Zealand. We are working towards a system that supports everyone’s mental wellbeing, so that people are supported to stay well, and have access to help that works for them, when and where they need it.
The case for transformation was made clear in 2018 following the independent Government inquiry into mental health and addiction. He Ara Oranga: Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction set a clear direction for mental health, addiction, suicide prevention and mental wellbeing in Aotearoa.
Kia Manawanui Aotearoa – Long-term pathway to mental wellbeing is our roadmap to achieve this shift. This is the Government’s 10-year strategy setting out the whole-of-government commitment to transform New Zealand’s approach to mental wellbeing.
He Oranga Hinengaro System and Service Framework is the next step in this transformation, setting the direction for the future mental health and addiction system and services. It provides guidance to the health sector on the commissioning, design and delivery of services to support mental wellbeing and provides direction on the support options that will be available for people when they need it.
Every Life Matters – He Tapu te Oranga o ia Tangata: Suicide Prevention Strategy 2019–2029 and Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2019–2024 for Aotearoa New Zealand outlines a clear vision and specific actions for preventing suicide in New Zealand.
Since the Government’s response to He Ara Oranga in 2019, substantial progress has been made implementing and delivering on the shifts we want to see. The response was supported by the Budget 2019 investment of $1.9 billion in a cross-government mental wellbeing package, with further investment through subsequent Budgets.
Updates & announcements
- 26 June 2023: Update on progress towards implementing a mental wellbeing approach
- 28 April 2023: New guidance for mental health and addiction system and services
- 14 April 2023: Guidelines for reducing and eliminating seclusion and restraint under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992
- 5 April 2023: Mental health and wellbeing needs of children and young people involved with Oranga Tamariki
- 6 March 2023: Work to transform the approach to wellbeing in Aotearoa
- 30 January 2023: New Mental Health Act Guidelines e-learning and information resources launched
- 22 December 2022: From the Lived Experience and Clinical Advisory Ropu in the Mental Health and Addictions group at Manatū Hauora
- 2 November 2022: Govt delivers more wellbeing support to university students
- 26 October 2022: Govt delivers boost for Rainbow wellbeing initiatives
- See earlier updates
Recent publications
Oranga Hinengaro System and Service Framework
Mental health and wellbeing year in review (December 2021)
Mental Health Quarter Three (Jan-Mar 2021) Progress Update
This document outlines the third quarter (January to March 2021) progress made by the Ministry of Health on implementing He Ara Oranga.