Tāngata whaiora and whānau views on decision-making

This report summarises the themes from hui with tāngata whaiora and whānau on their experiences of decision-making under the Mental Health Act. 

We heard from participants that the current mental health system for those who experience serious mental distress is not working, it causes harm and removes autonomy from tāngata whaiora and their whānau. 

Participants also shared with us:

1. Their experiences of harm and trauma from being subjected to the Mental Health Act and associated services.
2. A strong view that supported decision-making, including advance directives, holds solutions to improve the experiences of tāngata whaiora and whānau.
3. The mental health system and associated services should be grounded in te ao Māori in order to reflect and value tino rangatiratanga, wairuatanga and whanaungatanga.
4. Whānau want to be valued and supported by mental health services and included in decision-making where possible. 
5. Other issues with the Mental Health Act, outside of decision-making.  

The MHF sincerely thanks all hui participants for sharing their stories with us. Your whakaaro will continue to inform advocacy from the MHF in the years to come. We also mihi to Kerri Butler, whose facilitation of these hui created a safe and supportive space to enable such rich kōrero.

Citation

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (2023). Tāngata whaiora and whānau perspectives on tino rangatiratanga and decision-making under the Mental Health Act. New Zealand: Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.