Time to get serious about drivers of mental health issues
Hon Dr David Clark
Health
Health Minister Dr David Clark says the Mental Health Commissioner’s latest report is further confirmation of the need
to tackle the drivers of mental health issues.
Commissioner Kevin Allan says New Zealand needs to broaden its focus from mental illness and addiction to include a
greater focus on mental wellbeing and recovery. His report highlights growing demand for mental health services and
notes many needs are left unmet.
“Mental health and addiction are issues that touch every family in New Zealand. While we absolutely need quality
services to help those in need, we also need to get serious about facing up to the major causes of these issues.
“As a country we can do more to identify and support people in need at an earlier stage. We need more prevention and
early intervention.
“The Commissioner is right to talk about the need to address social factors such as housing, income, education and
social and cultural connections. He is also right to highlight inequities of treatment and outcomes for Māori, Pacific
people and young people.
“It is these and other concerns that led to community demand for the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, which the
Government announced last month.
“I’m confident the Inquiry has the right expertise and breadth of focus to look at the issues raised in today’s report
and find meaningful recommendations to improve our community-wide response to mental health and addiction,” says Dr
Clark.
The Government will consider the Commissioner’s recommendations. The Commissioner’s report will also be available to the
Inquiry.