52589 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health

52589 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health: Does the Minister agree with Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher that "There’s massive gaps in the government system around mental health. The events of the last three to four weeks really show we’ve got to have some input at a local level. It is something council is involved in — it’s not infrastructure; it’s people’s lives. For the government to say you’re not doing that, well, they’re not doing it"; if so, what, if anything, will he do to address this?

Hon Matt Doocey: I acknowledge that there are gaps in New Zealand’s mental health and addiction system, and that community leadership is critical. One of my priorities as Minister for Mental Health is to increase access to mental health and addiction supports in communities.