Local candidates give their views on the mental health system in the run-up to the election on September 23. Photo/File
This week's question for local election candidates was about the mental health system.
Wendy Biddle, Rotorua candidate, Maori Party
Mental health has a huge impact on many whanau in Aotearoa and I believe a whanau centred approach is needed. That is why I support the Maori Party's health policies that
focus on creating and enabling wellness, while embracing the physical, mental and spiritual health of an individual, their whanau, hapu and iwi.
I am proud of the Maori Party policies that will increase kaupapa Maori mental health residential centres and community based programmes. I will support every effort to introduce counsellors for youth mental health in all high schools as well as expand the Rangatahi Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Rachel Clark, Rotorua candidate, independent
New Zealand's mental healthcare system is in crisis. It is underfunded with huge waiting lists for basic assistance, this needs to be targeted urgently. We also need an increased emphasis on early intervention at school, workplaces and communities. Education is the key and a willingness to make change.
We need to openly talk about this not just in government but to each other. We need to stop losing our loved ones, and take action now!
Richard Gillies, Rotorua candidate, Green Party
Our mental health services are underfunded and stretched to breaking point. The Greens will identify the problems and then deliver effective solutions with increased public funding, an investment that will more than pay for itself. We have always sought to address the wider root causes, including children living in poverty when their most important mental and emotional development is taking place, so that's why we'll boost incomes and provide healthy, warm, secure homes for those who need it most. And we will shift drug policy from criminalisation to a public health approach that adequately resources addiction support services.
Todd McClay, incumbent Rotorua MP, National Party
Over the past five years Lakes DHB received 33 more registered mental health and addiction services nurses. This is because the Bill English-led National Government continues to commit record health funding in Rotorua. Today we have 60 more doctors and 80 more nurses than in 2008. Recently National announced a further $100 million to improve access for every New Zealander to mental health services, including more support for Rotorua.
We've announced more help for young people whose drugs and alcohol use get in the way of their work obligations. Mental health and addiction services are important. I'm grateful to our doctors and nurses for their hard work.
Ben Sandford, Rotorua candidate, Labour Party
Our mental health system is in crisis, we have the highest youth suicide rate in the developed world and we desperately need to make sure that people can get the care they need when they need it.
Labour will put a mental health professional in every public high school in NZ to make sure that our youth are getting the care they need. We will do a review of the entire mental health system so we know what changes need to be made to ensure the best possible care. We will also set up eight units around the country to deal with mental health.
Fletcher Tabuteau, Rotorua based MP, New Zealand First
New Zealand's mental health system is in crisis, too many are going untreated. We have the highest rate of youth suicide in the OECD and in order to address this crisis we must recognise that this Government and its partners have underfunded this critical service.
We would fully implement the recommendations of the Mason Report, focusing in particular on improving community care and consider the findings of the Auditor-General's report on patient discharge and follow-up care. We believe there will be a need for an independent review into our country's mental health system immediately after the election.
Te Ururoa Flavell, incumbent Waiariki MP, Maori party
Health inequities remain a huge issue for Maori. We need to do more for those suffering from mental health issues and that's why if re-elected I'll look to provide counsellors for youth mental health in all high schools, increase funding for support services to individuals who are experiencing distress, expand the Rangatahi Suicide Prevention Strategy and increase kaupapa Maori initiatives in mental health residential centres and community based programmes.
- Labour candidate Tamati Coffey did not respond before deadline. Conservative Party candidate Owen Patterson could not be contacted.