Parliament and elections

The submission highlights how to enable tino rangatiratanga and exercise Māori citizenship in electoral reforms and how to avoid discrimination in, and increase the accessibility of, general elections for people with experience of mental distress, including those residing within inpatient unit.

This briefing outlines the scope of mental health and wellbeing need in Aotearoa New Zealand; how it can be addressed; and tangible actions MPs can take to support positive mental wellbeing across the motu. 

A printed copy of this briefing has been sent to all MPs, regardless of whether they are in government or in opposition. All MPs have a responsibility and opportunity to help transform our mental health system into one that works — a system that helps New Zealanders and their whānau be well and stay well, by investing in a balanced way across the three components recommended by the 2018 Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction:  

1. effective services  
2. preventing mental health challenges  
3. promoting lifestyles and habits that support mental wellbeing.

This briefing outlines the legacy challenges and opportunities for positive change for the new minister’s first year in office as Minister for Mental Health. The MHF highlights the key building blocks the minister can strengthen right now, to set our system and all New Zealanders up for enduring positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Crucially, we suggest the development of a clear, long-term plan to guide us toward a system that looks at mental health holistically, provides communities with the tools to be well and stay well, and responds early and effectively when problems arise.