Six co-response team locations announced

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has today announced the remaining six locations for new mental health co-response teams, marking another step in the Government’s rollout of a better crisis response for New Zealanders experiencing mental distress. 

“We’re transforming the way emergency services respond to people in mental distress by ensuring more New Zealanders receive a mental health response, rather than a criminal justice response when they call 111,” Mr Doocey says.

“It is utterly unacceptable that for too long, when a concerned mum, dad, friend or colleague calls 111 looking for a mental health response, they have received a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that because New Zealanders deserve better. 

“Already we’ve announced new co-response teams in Auckland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury, with positive results already coming through from the first tranche. Today, I can confirm Northland, Lakes, Hawke’s Bay, MidCentral, Whanganui, and Nelson Marlborough will be the next districts to get the new teams. 

“Budget 2025 funded ten new co-response teams, tripling the number available across the country. Before this investment, there were just five teams; when the rollout is complete, there will be fifteen. That’s a significant expansion that will ensure more New Zealanders can access the right support. 

“What’s particularly important about this next phase is that many of these locations will serve our rural communities. We know people living in rural New Zealand can face additional barriers to accessing support, whether that’s longer travel distances or more limited access to the range of mental health services available in urban areas. 

“These communities know what works best for them. The new Co-Response Teams will be designed to meet the unique needs of the locations. Health and Police will work together to tailor their approach for the district and community. 

“These locations were selected based on demand and need, using data including emergency department presentations, crisis contacts, engagement with specialist mental health services and suicide statistics. 

“We want this additional resource going where it’s needed most and will make the biggest impact, because at the end of the day, location should never be a barrier. Whether someone lives in a major city or a rural town, they deserve faster access to the right support. 

“We are tripling the number of co-response teams, which is a stark contrast to the previous Labour Government, which cut funding in 2018 after National had allocated it for these teams. 

“Despite having the Wellington co-response evaluation that found there was a reduction in the use of powers under the Mental Health Act, fewer people needed to go to an emergency department or police station, and the level of wraparound support increased. They were slow to act.

“While I wish that hadn’t happened, and more New Zealanders were already receiving the response they deserve, I’m pleased this Government is taking action to ensure people get the support they need. Already we are seeing them make a big difference.”

Notes to editor:
•    Budget 2025 includes $28 million to establish ten new mental health co response teams across New Zealand and increase crisis helpline capacity.
•    Implementation planning for the six newly announced locations will now begin. Timeframes for each team will be confirmed as planning progresses.