Faster access to forensic mental health support

More people in need of forensic mental health services will receive faster access to support following a significant investment, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“Forensic mental health services have been under pressure, which is why this Government is investing where it will make the biggest difference. It means greater safety for staff, better outcomes for patients and ultimately greater benefits for communities as people reintegrate back into the community,” Mr Doocey says.

Budget 2026 provides $35 million in additional funding. The investment will deliver:

Four additional forensic inpatient mental health beds, including two at the Mason Clinic in Auckland and two at the Porirua forensic campus.
Expanded prison in-reach services, including additional psychiatrists, nurses and specialist clinical staff to provide assessment and treatment for people with acute and complex mental health needs while they are in prison.
Additional court liaison staff to help ensure people appearing before the courts with mental health, addiction or intellectual disability needs are identified early and connected with the right support.
Six additional step-down beds to support people leaving inpatient forensic services to safely transition back into the community, improving patient flow and freeing up inpatient capacity.

“This investment will improve forensic mental health services across the country, helping ensure people receive the support they need faster and better long-term outcomes are achieved for both the community and the person.

“By increasing capacity at key points across the forensic mental health system, we can reduce delays, improve access to care, and support better rehabilitation and reintegration.

“This builds on the significant investment already made through Budget 2025, which provided almost $51 million to help people with acute mental health and addiction needs access specialist forensic services faster, including eight additional step-down beds and 10 new acute inpatient beds.

“Across the two Budgets, the Government has now funded 14 new forensic step-down beds for people leaving prison and 14 new forensic inpatient beds, alongside significant growth in frontline workers.

“This Government is focused on delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.”

Notes to editors:

The six additional step-down beds are expected to begin opening from January 2027. Locations are yet to be decided.
The four new forensic inpatient beds are expected to open between January and March 2027.
Health New Zealand is identifying the regions where additional prison in-reach services, court liaison staff and step-down beds will have the greatest impact. Recruitment will begin once these decisions are confirmed. ...