Jenny Marcroft MP
Spokesperson for Health
17 October 2019
New Zealand First is today welcoming the announcement of a $100m mental health facility for Waikato to improve outcomes
for those with mental health and addiction issues in the region.
New Zealand First Spokesperson for Health Jenny Marcroft says the announcement to replace the Henry Rongomau Bennett
Centre reflects both the Coalition Government’s focus on improving Kiwis’ mental health, and its focus on the wellbeing
of regional communities.
“In government, we’re acting on previously ignored concerns from the mental health sector that facilities such as
Waikato’s Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre are no longer fit-for-purpose,” says Ms Marcroft.
“The Centre, and its hard-working staff, provide essential services for those with acute mental health and addiction
problems. However, it has aged since its opening in the 1990s and risks losing its accreditation, according to the
Waikato District Health Board.
“On top of its ageing facilities, the Waikato region experienced a 72 percent increase in people being seen by mental
health and addiction services over the past nine years. Other regions saw similar increases in demand for mental health
services, while funding for those services failed to keep pace.
“New Zealand First promised a serious focus on mental health in government. Through our re-establishment of the Mental
Health Commission, along with delivering an unprecedented level of funding for mental health and addiction services and
facilities, we’re walking the talk,” says Ms Marcroft.
ENDS