Latest news with #MentalHealthMinister
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Government removes barrier in bid to increase counsellors in public mental health workforce
Previously, counsellors were excluded from publicly funded roles due to a lack of formal regulation. Photo: 123rf A barrier preventing hundreds of counsellors from working in publicly funded mental health services has been removed. Health New Zealand, in partnership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), has finalised a strengthened accreditation pathway. Previously, counsellors were excluded from publicly funded roles due to a lack of formal regulation. Health NZ, alongside the largest counselling membership and accredited professional body, NZAC, worked on one recognised and robust accreditation pathway. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said it is a "common-sense step" that unlocks existing workforce capacity at a time of high demand. "I've been clear from day one, workforce shortages are one of the key barriers to delivering timely mental health support for New Zealanders in their time of need," Doocey said. "This is a practical and common-sense decision that ensures we're making full use of the experienced counsellors already working in our communities." He said there are more than 330 counsellors now eligible through this expanded pathway and the move is expected to bolster primary mental health workforce initiatives. "We are starting to turn the corner with reducing wait times and increasing the workforce. We have more mental health nurses, psychologists, support workers and addiction counsellors working on the ground, and overall vacancy rates are starting to ease," Doocey said. "While many challenges remain, this is yet another step this Government is taking to turn the corner on the longstanding mental health workforce vacancies. "When someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get support, workforce should never be a barrier." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- RNZ News
Mental health minister Matt Doocey briefed on death of Auckland baby
A police investigator looks closely at a set of bins on Renall St, Auckland. Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro The Minister for Mental Health has been briefed on the death of a baby found in a wheelie bin in Auckland. A 32-year-old woman has been charged with interfering with human remains between 24 June and 30 June. Police have been investigating since officers located the body of a newborn baby in a wheelie bin outside an address on Renall Street, Freemans Bay on Tuesday night. A spokesperson for mental health minister Matt Doocey confirmed to RNZ his office had been made aware of the case under the "no surprises policy". "The Minister acknowledges this tragedy, and his thoughts are with all involved," the spokesperson said. Doocey was unable to comment further at this time. Health New Zealand (HNZ) acting northern region deputy chief executive Mike Shepherd said in a statement HNZ would not be commenting on the specifics of the case for privacy reasons. A 32-year-old woman has been charged with interfering with human remains between 24 June and 30 June. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi "We acknowledge this very sad situation and offer our sympathies to the whānau and community," he said. "We can say that HNZ routinely reviews the care it provides when any serious event occurs." An Oranga Tamariki spokesperson said as the matter was before the courts and subject to an active police investigation, they were unable to comment. A spokesperson for the Minister for Children Karen Chhour said it would be inappropriate to comment at this time. On Thursday, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said a post-mortem examination was carried out on the baby on Wednesday, the results of which are still pending. Police have been investigating since officers located the body of a newborn baby in a rubbish bin on Tuesday night. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi Police were still investigating at the property on Renall Street. "Our enquiries remain ongoing and it will take some time for a thorough investigation to be completed," Beard said. "We are continuing to ask for those in the community that might have information or CCTV footage that could assist us to get in touch." The woman is due to appear on 31 July and enter a plea. Until then, she has been voluntarily remanded in custody and given interim name suppression. Beard earlier said the case was a "tragedy for everyone concerned". "There is a person's wellbeing to consider here alongside the investigation, so we will ensure the woman gets the support she needs." Anyone with information that could assist the investigation, is asked to make a report via 105, using the file number 250630/9878 and quote 'Operation Yarrow'. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Matt Doocey on new suicide prevention plan
health politics 44 minutes ago The government has this morning released its second Suicide Prevention Action Plan. Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey joins Kathryn to discuss what's in it, and how it will sit alongside work to improve Kiwis' access to mental health and addiction services.
