Better crisis response for Auckland region

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today visited the Auckland Police Station to launch the region's third mental health co-response team, which will help ensure people experiencing mental distress get the right support at the right time.

“It’s utterly unacceptable that when a concerned mum, dad, friend, or colleague calls 111 looking for a mental health response, they receive a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that because New Zealanders deserve better,” Mr Doocey says.

"The Auckland City team are undergoing training and will start responding to calls in early August. They will be based out of Central Auckland Police Station, operating four days a week, with operating hours to be tailored to the periods of highest local demand.

“The team is joining Counties Manukau and Waitematā and will ensure people across Auckland have a better crisis response.

“Counties Manukau has been operating out of Manukau Police Station since 26 May, from 8am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday, and has already supported more than 130 people.

“Both Auckland City and Counties were chosen in the first tranche of co-response teams because we know there is a high demand for crisis calls in the area.

“Early feedback from the region has been incredibly positive, with reports that people are receiving more appropriate support and that inappropriate referrals are being redirected away from the Emergency Department at Middlemore Hospital.

“This is exactly why we are rolling these teams out. The Wellington co-response evaluation 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. That’s what we are starting to see already with the new teams.

“These teams comprise of Police and mental health workers. While we know Police do an excellent job in our communities, the bottom line is they are not mental health professionals. That is why we are overhauling the way emergency services respond to 111 calls for people experiencing mental distress to move towards a more joined-up approach.

“The feedback from advocates was clear, having a uniformed Police officer turn up during times of mental health need can cause further distress. That’s why we are focusing on delivering a better crisis response for New Zealanders and taking action to ensure people are getting the response they deserve.”

Notes to editor:

This is part of Budget 2025 investment of $28 million to roll out 10 mental health co-response teams across the country to respond to 111 mental distress calls and add additional crisis helpline capacity. 
Waitematā is not a part of the 10 teams, but has been up and running since 2023, funded out of baseline. ...