Call for a National Mental Health Crisis System

Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, is calling for a cohesive national mental health crisis response system by June 2027.

“A highly effective crisis response system is at the heart of mental health and addiction services. When people are in crisis it is often where the system either supports someone or fails them. It’s that important.” 

“We need to build a system that supports people when and where they need it. The current system doesn’t always work well for Māori, young people or those living rurally in particular,” said Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.  

The latest report of the Commission, “Urupare mōrearea: Crisis responses monitoring report”, has found that crisis response services are fragmented and difficult to navigate.

“The findings in the report are clear. We need national consistency to ensure everyone in New Zealand can access the support they need at a time of crisis. There are around 100 people every day who access crisis mental health services.” 

“Right now, some districts have a range of crisis services; while others have very limited options, especially after hours. In some districts there are co-response teams delivering health-led crisis support, a crisis café, peers in ED and after hours 0800 crisis line, whereas in some areas, options are limited.” 

The report also highlights responses that are already working and new initiatives are underway in parts of the country that could be scaled up nationwide. From peer support to kaupapa Māori services, publicly funded services across the country are already demonstrating what good crisis responses looks like. 

“Change is already happening in pockets across Aotearoa New Zealand. This is very positive. The challenge now is to connect those services into a cohesive national system that serves those who need it,” continued Orsborn.  

The Commission reviewed a five-year period from January 2020 to December 2024 drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, and building on a scan of international approaches. 

Shorter term actions are also called for by 30 June 2026, including ensuring 24/7 phone-based crisis support and consistent pathways are also prioritised. 

Te Hiringa Mahara stress a strong role for a lived experience workforce, and real choices of safe and welcoming services that are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and uphold human rights wherever people live in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The report recommendations come as a national conference on mental health, “Hauora hinengaro: He ara tūroa: Mental Health: An enduring pathway”, opens in Auckland on Wednesday 5 November. The forum, co-hosted by Te Hiringa Mahara and Australian based The Mental Health Services Learning Network, will be opened by Minister Doocey, with mental health experts from New Zealand, Australia and Canada speaking.