The Mental Health Act is a place of fear.
The Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 is Aotearoa New Zealand’s mental health law. It covers how we treat people believed to need acute mental health support.
Every 46 minutes, a New Zealander goes under this law. This person could be you, or someone you love.
It’s widely agreed this law needs urgent change — and there are many important reasons why, including that it criminalises the New Zealanders needing mental health support the most.
On 1 October 2024, the Government introduced a new draft law, the Mental Health Bill, to replace the current Mental Health Act. Public consultation on the Mental Health Bill opened on 25 October, 2024.
You can now have your say on this law until midnight on Friday, 20 December, 2024 by clicking here.
Learn more, and get involved in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change our mental health law for the better, by clicking on the links below.
What is the Mental Health Act, and why does it need to change?
The Mental Health Act is Aotearoa New Zealand’s mental health law.
Learn more about how it works, and why it’s changing.
Our vision for change
We know a better mental health law and system are achievable, because there are many effective alternatives already thriving, and producing better outcomes, both here and overseas.
Watch our videos, and read our case studies, to find out more and support these models for change.
Have your say before Friday, 20 December
If you have something to say about this law, it’s important to use your voice to influence positive change.
Access our free resources, tools and advice to help you have your say before midnight on Friday, 20 December 2024.
Why is the Mental Health Foundation involved?
As Aotearoa New Zealand’s most established mental health charity, influencing positive changes to our nation’s mental health law is core, and critical, work for us.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Foundation, and for all of us, to help influence a safer, more empowering legal framework for mental health care for people experiencing significant mental distress; advocate for mental health worker wellbeing; and ensure Aotearoa New Zealand upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and international human rights conventions it has ratified.
All of our advice is independent of government and political parties, and supported by our wonderful fundraisers across the motu — ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. To donate to our mahi, click the button below.
Staying safe
Talking about the Mental Health Act may be upsetting or triggering — a valid and understandable response.
If you or someone you know has immediate safety concerns, please dial 111 or contact your local mental health crisis assessment team, which you can find by clicking the button below.