Deepening inequities in the mental health system call for action

Following the release of the Office of the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Regulatory Report today, Te Hiringa Mahara is renewing its call for improvements to address concerning trends for Māori and Pacific peoples.

The report shows Māori are 6.6 times, and Pacific peoples are 1.7 times, more likely to be placed in seclusion (solitary confinement) than non-Māori and non-Pacific peoples, which remains a stark indicator of entrenched inequities within the system.

“Today’s report provides an unprecedented level of detail, and clearly shows Māori continue to be disproportionately subjected to some of the most harmful practices in our mental health system,” says Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Sonya Russell.

“Māori account for 55 percent of all adults placed in seclusion, despite making up just 17 percent of the population. Māori are also more likely than any other group to be subject to compulsory assessment and treatment orders.

“Te Hiringa Mahara has consistently advocated for to end practices such as seclusion and compulsory community treatment as they can cause harm and undermine dignity.

In its submission on the Mental Health Bill, Te Hiringa Mahara called for an end to seclusion in Aotearoa, and a significant reduction, and eventual phase‑out, of compulsory community treatment orders.

“We must move away from coercive responses to mental distress and invest in approaches that are early, supportive, and, most importantly, grounded in dignity.

“Māori and Pacific peoples should not continue to be unfairly disadvantaged in a system that is not working for them.

“Te Hiringa Mahara is calling for commitment to ensure seclusion is eliminated within a specified timeframe under the Mental Health Act. We must ensure our services can provide culturally safe, trauma-informed care which upholds human rights.

“We need robust investment into community-based, peer-led, Kaupapa Māori services and social support and ensure access to safe and secure housing, meaningful social engagement, and employment,” says Ms Russell.