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Published: 29 May, 2025

/24, around 45,000 people accessed addiction treatment services, 5,000 fewer than five years earlier. Referrals have also dropped, down 14.6% in 2023/24 compared with the peak in 2020/21. And the percentage of declined referrals has almost doubled over the last five years from 4.7% of total referrals

Published: 25 February, 2026

high psychological distress, our findings show fewer were seen by specialist services in the most recent year, and wait times show little sign of improvement. “We are not alone in sounding the alarm, yet we continue to see too many young people missing out on vital specialist mental health and

Published: 18 August, 2022

Transforming the mental health and addiction system must remain a priority as Aotearoa New Zealand continues to deal with the fallout from the pandemic, writes Karen Orsborn. COVID-19 is one of the most significant societal events many of us will experience in our lives. It is not over yet

Published: 23 July, 2024

wellbeing, and insights from our engagement with Pacific leaders and communities. There are significant challenges faced by Pacific peoples in Aotearoa to realise their wellbeing, and we highlight what Pacific people told us is important to supporting their mental health and wellbeing. Matt Bloomer

Published: February 2026

greatest extent possible. We submitted on the Mental Health Bill, introduced into Parliament in October 2024. Download and read our full submission on the Mental Health Bill (2024) (PDF 284KB)       Summary of our submission on the Mental Health Bill This Mental Health Bill is a step

Published: 23 October, 2024

respite, and short-stay crisis units are all examples of what could be offered. We list and cite references for more than 20 options in our insights paper. We spotlight the work of Tupu Ake, Te Waka Whaiora Trust, Taranaki Retreat, and Te Puna Wai as examples*. We acknowledge there are other examples

Published: 16 June, 2022

have no therapeutic value, and called for investment that will provide the choice of services needed to enhance safety for all. Karen Orsborn: Time to end coercive practices in mental health care OPINION: People in Aotearoa New Zealand experiencing significant mental distress continue to be subject

Published: 25 February, 2026

addiction outcomes. Overall, the data shows an increase in psychological distress, and unmet need for mental health and substance use care remaining similar to the previous year. Hazardous drinking has continued to decrease. In general, findings show significant disparities for disabled adults and Māori

Published: 25 June, 2025

Our first assessment comparing status of wellbeing for people who interact with mental health and addiction services reveals significant inequities across economic, social and cultural indicators. People who interact with mental health and addiction services experience systemic disadvantage in

Published: 8 August, 2025

addiction outcomes. Overall, the data shows an increase in psychological distress, and unmet need for mental health and addiction care. While hazardous drinking has decreased, problematic use of illicit substances has not. In general, findings show significant disparities for disabled adults and Māori and