A “vicious cycle” of underfunding is exacerbating mental health issues in New Zealand, according to a survey by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). The survey found that 94% of the roughly 700 psychiatrists surveyed believed that current funding for the mental health system was insufficient, and only 3% believed that future planning was on the right track.
Additionally, almost two-thirds of respondents reported drops in staffing levels. Dr. Hiran Thabrew, Chair of the RANZCP Tu Te Akaaka Roa New Zealand national committee, described the results as alarming, indicating a system in crisis. He noted that mental health issues had increased by nearly 40% over the past decade, affecting around 5% of the population.
Thabrew emphasized the urgent need for political parties to address the workforce shortage and provide increased funding for mental health services. Proposed actions included a $60 million investment over six years to support 60 new psychiatry trainees and a $27 million investment over three years for a comprehensive mental health and wellbeing survey for New Zealanders.
