New Zealand is taking a bold step to revolutionize mental health support, and it's starting with a bang! But is this move a gamechanger or a controversial shift?
The government has announced that mental health professionals will be joining police officers on 111 call outs in four regions: Canterbury, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Counties Manukau. This initiative aims to provide immediate support to those in mental distress, ensuring they receive the right care from the start.
Here's the catch: this isn't the first time such an idea has been floated. The previous National Government had a similar plan, allocating $8 million for pilot co-response teams in 2017. However, this funding was cut short under Labour in 2018. Now, with a $28 million investment from Budget 2025, the current government is reviving the concept, believing it to be a transformative approach.
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey emphasizes the need for change, stating that a criminal justice response is not suitable when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. Instead, these co-response teams will offer on-the-spot support and smoother access to mental health services.
And here's where it gets interesting: the Wellington co-response evaluation revealed positive outcomes. There was a decrease in the use of powers under the Mental Health Act, fewer emergency department visits, and increased 'wraparound' support. This suggests a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health emergencies.
But is this the whole story? Doocey highlights the concerns of advocates and those with personal experiences, who find the presence of uniformed police officers during mental health crises disheartening. This raises the question: Is this initiative truly a step towards a more empathetic and understanding approach, or does it risk perpetuating the criminalization of mental health issues?
With approximately 73,000 mental health-related 111 calls made annually, these co-response teams could significantly impact many lives. The government is also implementing a 60-minute handover from police to emergency department staff and ensuring swift transfers to health facilities for those held under the Mental Health Act.
The teams are set to be operational by June 2026 in the four announced regions, with six more locations to follow.
What do you think? Is this a positive move towards better mental health support, or does it raise concerns about the role of law enforcement in mental health crises? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going!
