New Zealand Unveils 10-Year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The implementation plan contains 50 actions designed to improve the delivery of mental health and addiction services over the next three years.

New Zealand has launched its first Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy under the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Act, setting out a 10-year plan aimed at improving mental health and addiction services across the country.

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said the strategy provides the long-term direction needed to strengthen the mental health system while introducing clear accountability for delivering better outcomes. It is accompanied by a three-year implementation plan that outlines practical steps, responsibilities, and milestones to help turn the strategy into action.

The Government says the plan is focused on improving access to care, expanding frontline services, and creating a system that better meets the needs of people seeking support.

Three-Year Plan Includes 50 Key Actions

The implementation plan contains 50 actions designed to improve the delivery of mental health and addiction services over the next three years.

Among the priorities are reducing waiting times for support, increasing the number of frontline mental health workers, and strengthening crisis response services. The Government says these measures are intended to make it easier for people to access help when they need it and improve the overall experience of receiving care.

The strategy also establishes a framework for monitoring progress over the coming decade to ensure services continue to improve.

AI and Better Connected Services

The major initiative is the planned introduction of AI Navigation, a digital tool designed to help people quickly identify the most appropriate mental health or addiction services.

The Government says many people struggle to know where to seek help, particularly when they first decide to reach out. The technology is expected to guide users towards suitable support based on their needs.

The strategy also aims to better integrate mental health care with housing and employment services. Officials believe stable housing and meaningful work play an important role in recovery, and bringing these services together will make it easier for people to receive coordinated support instead of dealing with separate systems.

Greater Focus on Young People and Ending Seclusion

Improving youth mental health is another major priority. The Government plans to work directly with young people to develop a dedicated roadmap for mental health and addiction services tailored to their needs.

According to Government figures, nearly 23 per cent of New Zealanders aged 15 to 24 report experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress. The roadmap is intended to ensure young people help shape the services designed for them.

The strategy also supports the Government's goal of eliminating the use of seclusion in mental health settings. Recent legislation has already banned seclusion for people under 18, and a national plan will now be developed with the aim of ending the practice for all patients.

Consultation Shaped the Strategy

The Government said the strategy was informed by feedback from almost 900 people and organisations during the public consultation process.

Doocey thanked those who contributed, saying their views helped shape a plan intended to build a more responsive, accessible, and effective mental health and addiction system for people across New Zealand over the next decade.