18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1024 views
The New Zealand government is investing nearly $20 million annually in a new Action Plan to improve addiction support, focusing on early intervention, expanded pregnancy and parenting services, and community-based follow-up for those affected by substance use. Emphasizing the critical first 1000 days of a child's life, the plan aims to prevent harm through early identification and enhanced support for families experiencing alcohol or drug issues. Progress includes a growing addiction workforce and reduced counselor vacancies, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing addiction comprehensively across all stages.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1509 views
New data for Q1 2025/26 shows significant improvements in New Zealand’s mental health and addiction access targets, with faster access to primary and specialist services and shorter emergency department stays compared to Q1 2024/25. Progress is evident nationally and across Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities, though shorter ED stays remain the biggest challenge, with efforts focused on supporting under-performing health districts. Minister Matt Doocey emphasizes the goal of equitable access to mental health support nationwide, crediting frontline workers for these advancements.
01 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1065 views
Mental Health and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey announced new funding for the Burnett Foundation to launch a wraparound counselling service, improving faster access to mental health support for people affected by HIV and their families. This initiative, supported by the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund, will expand both face-to-face and online counselling nationwide. The announcement aligns with New Zealand’s HIV Action Plan and the release of the first HIV Monitoring Report, aiming to eliminate local HIV transmission by 2030.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1156 views
One year after launching New Zealand’s first Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Plan, the Government has increased the frontline workforce by around 10%, reduced vacancy rates and wait times, and expanded training and new roles in key areas. Budget 2025 boosted funding for psychology internships and psychiatry registrar positions, surpassing targets and enhancing clinical training capacity. The updated plan, released alongside a $30 million investment to combat meth harm, focuses on faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a stronger crisis response to ensure timely help for those in need.
01 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1147 views
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey highlights positive trends in mental health and addiction services performance nationwide, with increased access to support and progress in meeting targets observed across various regions. The focus remains on not just meeting national targets but also addressing areas needing additional support, with a 10% growth in the frontline mental health workforce. The government's commitment is to deliver faster support, more frontline workers, and improved crisis response to ensure assistance is readily available for those in need throughout New Zealand.
20 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1697 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey welcomes the New Zealand Psychologists Board's approval of the Psychology Assistant role to enhance access to mental health and addiction support. The initiative aims to address workforce shortages by providing a career path for psychology graduates unable to enter clinical psychology programs. Psychology Assistants will work under supervision to expand support services, reduce vacancies, and improve mental health outcomes for New Zealanders.
01 Aug 2025
1 year ago
4301 views
Health New Zealand presented the New Zealand Health Plan to Parliament, as required by the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022. The plan outlines how Health New Zealand will address the Government's health priorities from 2024 to 2027, focusing on improving health outcomes and access to care. It includes targets for faster cancer treatment, improved mental health services, reducing wait times, and enhancing the health workforce, with a clear emphasis on accountability and transparency for tracking progress.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3109 views
When someone is making the brave step of reaching out for help whether it’s you, your child, a friend or family member, this Government is committed to ensuring we have the right support in place to answer that call, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says. “It is promising to see reports showing New Zealand’s mental health and addiction workforce is growing. This will help us ensure that people are getting the support they need, when they need it and no one’s call is going unanswered,” Mr Doocey says.