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New Zealand First driving change to improve Kiwis’ mental health

A key coalition commitment to re-establish the Mental Health Commission, negotiated by New Zealand First, is on its way to being realised.

The Mental Health Commission was closed down by the previous National Government in 2012. New Zealand First ensured its re-establishment during coalition negotiations in 2017 to help improve mental health service delivery and address our country’s mental health crisis.

Announced this week was an interim board to set up the Commission, which is planned to be up and running in February 2021. It follows the announcement of a Suicide Prevention Strategy and establishment of a Suicide Prevention Office to tackle the growing issue of suicide in New Zealand.

The Coalition Government is engaging the country’s best mental health expertise to get this flagship New Zealand First policy off the ground, in addition to investing a record $1.9 billion in mental health services in Budget 2019.

You can read more about the re-establishment of the Commission here

After years of lassie-faire neglect of Kiwis’ mental health, we’re driving change to ensure Kiwis struggling with mental illness have access to the services they need and deserve.

“We’re happy that our policies are working, and with your support we can get more done. Donate now to help us put New Zealand First.”

Also this week, Jenny Marcroft caught up with mental health advocate and 2019 New Zealander of the Year Mike King to discuss the Coalition Government’s mental health reforms. Watch below or here