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Concerns are being raised about the role of Aotearoa’s mental health watchdog, with advocacy groups warning that alleged “gatekeeping” practices by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission could be limiting access to treatment and alternative therapies for those seeking support.
The concerns follow claims that the Commission’s approach to mental health treatment and oversight may be creating ethical issues around access to care and patient choice.
The Professional Support and Growth for Recovery NZ (PSGRNZ) says current mental health treatment pathways are raising serious ethical questions, particularly around limited access to therapeutic alternatives.
The group argues that barriers to certain treatment options are contributing to growing frustration among patients and whānau seeking broader support pathways. Advocates say the issue highlights ongoing debate about how mental health services are delivered and who controls access to different forms of treatment.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, also known as Te Hiringa Mahara, was established to monitor and advocate for improvements across New Zealand’s mental health and addiction system. Its responsibilities include assessing mental health outcomes, evaluating the effectiveness of services, and recommending system improvements.
The Commission was created following recommendations from the national inquiry into mental health and addiction, with a mandate to provide independent oversight and hold government agencies accountable for mental health performance.
Advocates say those responsibilities also place the Commission in a position of influence over treatment pathways and system design, which they argue must prioritise patient autonomy and choice.
PSGRNZ claims current approaches to mental health treatment rely heavily on established clinical pathways and may restrict patient access to emerging or alternative therapies. Critics say this can lead to individuals feeling excluded from treatment options that may better suit their needs.
The group argues a more flexible, patient-centred approach is needed to support recovery and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing mental distress.
Te Hiringa Mahara’s statutory functions include monitoring the mental health and addiction system, reporting on its performance, and advocating for improvements to services. The Commission also works across government agencies to strengthen coordination and improve mental health outcomes nationwide.
The organisation also aims to prioritise the voices of people with lived experience of mental distress and addiction and to promote improvements to service delivery across the health sector.
Mental health remains a significant national issue, with demand for services continuing to grow. Reports show some groups, including Māori, Pacific communities and people with lived experience of mental distress, often face greater barriers to achieving positive wellbeing outcomes.
Government strategies such as Kia Manawanui Aotearoa aim to strengthen prevention, early intervention and service access as part of long-term mental health reform.
Advocacy groups say the current concerns highlight the need for stronger transparency around treatment access and decision-making processes within the mental health system.
They are calling for greater inclusion of lived experience perspectives, expanded treatment options, and stronger safeguards to ensure patients and whānau can access care that reflects their needs and values.
The discussion is expected to add to ongoing national conversations about how mental health services are funded, delivered and monitored across Aotearoa.
Advocates say the issue ultimately highlights the importance of building a mental health system that balances clinical safety, patient choice and culturally responsive care – particularly for Māori and communities who have historically faced inequities in access to support.
As mental health demand continues to grow, pressure is likely to increase on agencies and oversight bodies to demonstrate they are delivering accessible, equitable and effective services for all New Zealanders.
