Home
Our work
Mental health and addiction

Mental health and addiction

We’re working to transform New Zealand’s mental health and addiction system.

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.