The Government has announced new measures to strengthen youth mental health support in Northland, following a coroner’s report into the tragic loss of six young people. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey confirmed the opening of a dedicated Youth Acute Respite Service alongside three new Youth Suicide Prevention Coordination roles, backed by $1.7 million in annual funding.
The Youth Acute Respite Service will provide an alternative to hospital admission, helping de‑escalate crises and offering support after inpatient care. It is designed to act as a “circuit breaker,” intervening earlier to reduce the need for more intensive interventions.
The three new coordination roles will expand the region’s suicide prevention response, guiding young people to the right support at the right time and strengthening the frontline workforce. The investment aims to create a more connected and less fragmented system, addressing gaps identified in the coroner’s findings.
Minister Doocey emphasized that every New Zealander must have access to mental health support, regardless of where they live. He noted that the Government has increased mental health funding in each budget and insisted that Health New Zealand must take the coroner’s recommendations seriously, ensuring resources are directed to areas of greatest need.
This initiative reflects a commitment to improving crisis response and suicide prevention in Northland, with the goal of saving lives and ensuring young people receive timely, effective care.
