Kia Manawanui Aotearoa – Long-term pathway to mental wellbeing

Published online: 
22 September 2021

We are transforming Aotearoa’s approach to mental wellbeing so people are supported to stay well, and have access to help that works for them, when and where they need it. This takes a united effort with many people working together over time.

Our vision is to fundamentally shift the way we support mental wellbeing, placing greater emphasis on people being supported to proactively manage their wellbeing.

As a result, New Zealanders will have better understanding of mental wellbeing, be able to support themselves and each other, and will be able to get help in the places they already visit, like schools, workplaces and sports clubs.

Change is already underway, driven by the Government’s cross-Government $1.9 billion package for mental wellbeing in Budget 2019. We’ve built the foundations for transformation and have initiated long-term programmes.

Kia Manawanui Aotearoa – Long-term pathway to mental wellbeing (Kia Manawanui) is the Government’s high-level plan for transformation over the long-term. It outlines the next steps for further implementation of the changes required to support the mental wellbeing of New Zealanders.

New Zealanders have said clearly what needs to change in our mental health and addiction system.

The case for transformation was made in He Ara Oranga – the Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction.

We've continued to refine our vision for the future through further consultations, including Kia Kaha, Kia Māia, Kia Ora Aotearoa and the engagement process on the Long-Term Pathway that ran earlier this year.

Kia Manawanui is founded on all this feedback.

This document sets the direction for the next stage of the transformation started in 2019 with the $1.9 billion package for mental wellbeing.

Kia Manawanui outlines the actions we will take over the short, medium, and longer term.

This is cross-government work with everyone playing their part for the mental wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

Kia Manawanui focuses on a population-based approach to mental wellbeing.

A population-based approach means improving mental wellbeing for all, while addressing inequities for specific population groups.

We've identified five focus areas: Building the social, cultural, environmental and economic foundations for mental wellbeing.

This means coordinating across the diverse areas that contribute to mental wellbeing, such as housing, employment and social development.

Equipping communities, whānau and individuals to look after their own mental wellbeing.

We're strengthening our focus on public health messaging so everyone knows about the free self-help tools and supports available.

Fostering community-led solutions.

We know that communities best understand their local conditions, so we are looking for ways to support community-led services that get results.

Expanding primary mental wellbeing support in communities.

Whether it's expanding existing services or boosting workforce numbers we are making sure there is mental wellbeing support in every community in Aotearoa.

Strengthening specialist services.

Sometimes people will need more support and when that happens there needs to be a solid system of specialist services available across the country.

Our vision means New Zealanders will be better supported than ever before to stay mentally well and get help where, when, and how they need it.

Publishing information

  • Date of publication:
    22 September 2021
  • ISBN:
    978-1-99-100736-0
  • HP number:
    HP 7782
  • Citation:
    Ministry of Health. 2021. Kia Manawanui Aotearoa: Long-term pathway to mental wellbeing. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
  • Ordering information:
    Only soft copy available to download
  • Copyright status:

    Owned by the Ministry of Health and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.

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