Urupare mōrearea: Crisis responses monitoring report | 2025 downloads
Crisis responses are a critical part of an effective mental health system, and we are calling for a nationally cohesive approach to crisis responses to be developed by June 2027.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have a collection of services with components that are working well. Elements of a good crisis response system are often delivered as standalone services or locally driven initiatives. There are proven approaches that need to be scaled-up nationwide, such as 24/7 access to phone-based crisis support, to ensure people get access to crisis support when and where they need it.
Our reporting shows that current crisis services are hard to navigate, fragmented and patchy, and people don’t always get the help they need.
A robust crisis response approach is at the heart of an effective mental health and addiction system and getting that right, will have ripple effects on other parts of the mental health system.
Crisis support must be health-led, with a strong role for the lived experience workforce. People need a real choice of safe and welcoming options for both mental health and substance use crises. This must be culturally safe, trauma-informed and uphold human rights wherever people live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A blueprint is required to ensure that a nationally cohesive approach to crisis response is developed by June 2027. This should build on what is already working and new initiatives underway in parts of Aotearoa New Zealand that can be scaled up nationwide. In the meantime, we must take action, including ensuring 24/7 phone-based crisis support is available in every district.