“We’re transforming the way emergency services respond to people in mental distress by ensuring more New Zealanders receive a mental health response, rather than a criminal justice response when they call 111.”
Health New Zealand director of specialist mental health and addictions Karla Bergquist said having clinicians on the frontline allows people to be assessed earlier and connected with the right support.
“That may involve connecting them with community mental health services, arranging follow-up support, or providing more immediate crisis support,” she said.
The Lakes rollout is part of a wider expansion targeting regions with high demand and identified community need, including rural areas where access to services can be limited.
Police Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny said officers regularly attend mental health-related callouts that are not criminal in nature.
“Working alongside mental health clinicians strengthens our response by bringing together clinical expertise and Police’s public safety role.”
Penny said the joint approach will help improve safety outcomes and ensure people are matched with appropriate care sooner.
Evidence from existing co-response teams shows the model reduces the need to detain people under the Mental Health Act and lowers the number taken to emergency departments or police stations.
The latest announcement follows earlier confirmation of new teams in Auckland, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury.
Once fully implemented, the number of co-response teams nationwide will increase from five to 15.
Budget 2025 includes $28 million to support the expansion, including $10m specifically earmarked to establish new teams and boost crisis helpline capacity.
Planning is now underway to determine how the Lakes team will operate locally, with authorities expected to tailor the model to the region’s mix of urban and rural communities.