Labour backs the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission’s urgent call for a national crisis response system that actually works.

“National has made it harder to see a doctor and slashed funding to frontline mental health services,” said Labour’s Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary.

“The Commission’s report confirms what communities already know - the system is broken. It’s patchy, confusing, and failing people in crisis.

“Labour’s Medicard will deliver three free doctor’s visits – a crucial first step for anyone needing help.

“We back a nationwide, culturally grounded, and youth-focused response with properly funded teams, peer support, and 24/7 access.

“This is the work Labour started and National has cut funding for, resulting in providers shutting their doors.

“While frontline providers shut their doors, the Government stays silent. Christopher Luxon promised better mental health care, but nearly two years on, things are worse.

“Access is unequal, especially for Māori and young people. The crisis is real so, the response must be too,” Ingrid Leary said.