Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara Photo: Supplied
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is calling for a national mental health crisis response system.
It comes as the Commission's latest publication - Urupare mōrearea: Crisis responses monitoring report - has found crisis response services are fragmented, inconsistent across the country and difficult to navigate.
"We need to build a system that supports people when and where they need it," chief executive Karen Orsborn said.
"The current system doesn't always work well for Māori, young people or those living rurally in particular."
Around 100 people access crisis mental health services every day, Orsborn said, and there was a need for consistency to ensure everyone in New Zealand could access the support they need at a time of crisis.
"Right now, some districts have a range of crisis services while others have very limited options, especially after hours."
The Commission has called for a national mental health crisis response system to be in place by June 2027.
It has also called for shorter-term action by June 2026, such as a 24/7 helpline.
Orsborn said around 35,000 people accessed crisis services last year, 51.7 percent of them through a helpline.
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz|
- What's Up: free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11am-10.30pm 7 days/week or free phone 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 11am-11pm
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155\
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
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