Mental Health Minister, Matt Doocey, has confirmed the remaining six locations for new mental health co-response teams, marking another step in the Government’s rollout of a better crisis response for New Zealanders experiencing mental distress.
“We’re transforming the way emergency services respond to people in mental distress by ensuring more New Zealanders receive a mental health response, rather than a criminal justice response when they call 111,” Mr Doocey says.
“It is utterly unacceptable that for too long, when a concerned mum, dad, friend or colleague calls 111 looking for a mental health response, they have received a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that because New Zealanders deserve better.
“Already we’ve announced new co-response teams in Auckland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury, with positive results already coming through from the first tranche. Today, I can confirm Northland, Lakes, Hawke’s Bay, MidCentral, Whanganui, and Nelson Marlborough will be the next districts to get the new teams.”
The Minister said the locations were selected based on demand and need, using data including emergency department presentations, crisis contacts, engagement with specialist mental health services and suicide statistics.
“We want this additional resource going where it’s needed most and will make the biggest impact, because at the end of the day, location should never be a barrier. Whether someone lives in a major city or a rural town, they deserve faster access to the right support,” he said.
Budget 2025 included $28 million to establish 10 new mental health co response teams across New Zealand and increase crisis helpline capacity.
Implementation planning for the six newly announced locations will now begin. Timeframes for each team will be confirmed as planning progresses, the Minister said.
