03/09/2026
Is the mental health system failing here in NZ? Everyone says it, everyone shakes their head and says that we could be and should be doing more.
When one life is lost, just one. We’ve failed.
But don’t for one second, think it’s because those on the ground, in the thick of it, the ones dealing with it day in and day out don’t care.
Imagine a world where the funding was endless, we had so many qualified professionals that every patient and client could have wrap around support.
But we don’t. We have breadcrumb funding and not enough people in the jobs. While on paper the numbers of registered counsellors (NZAC) looks good, there are other restrictions that stand in the way of people getting the help & support they need. Outside of patients who get ACC or can access free support (and it’s available immediately) Cost is a huge barrier to many and often the ones who need it the most are those who come from a lower socioeconomic background. They may get some free sessions, but are they culturally suitable? Are there enough sessions offered? Is it accessible? All these things matter in helping a person to heal, to grow and to build their kete of tools.
The system is truly broken on so many levels. But don’t assume it’s the people who are trying to help.
The people helping are human too. They can only give so much, do so much with what they have.
I don’t have answers on how to fix it. I wish I did. Maybe you can donate, be a listening ear to someone who needs to talk. Speak up about mental health and don’t let it hide in the shadows.
