Mental health and addiction Te hauora ā-hinengaro me te mate warawara

Information about the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, and resources relating to the Act.

Find out about the Ministry of Health's work to repeal and replace the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992.

Find out about your rights under the Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 2017 and access SACAT resources.

There are a number of legislative Acts which relate to mental health and addictions.

The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2019 addresses synthetic drug harm and takes a health-based approach to drug possession and use.

About the Victims’ Rights Act 2002, obligations under the Act to notify victims about events relating to an offender, and who to contact if you are a victim wishing to change your details.

The Director of Mental Health announced an inspection of Canterbury District Mental Health Services under section 99 of the Mental Health Act in June 2022.

The government restricts and controls gambling to prevent and minimise the harm it causes through the Gambling Act 2003.

In April 2025, the Director of Mental Health decided an inquiry was necessary under section 95 of the Mental Health Act into the situation that occurred in March 2025, where a person was misidentified and subsequently given medication at Waikato Hospital.