New Zealand‘s mental health and addiction services are facing a critical staffing crisis. Hundreds of vacant positions are placing enormous pressure on already overworked staff, leaving countless individuals struggling to access the vital care they desperately need.
Official data obtained by RNZ paint a stark picture: almost 650 vacancies exist within Health New Zealand’s mental health and addiction services. This distressing figure includes a significant shortage of registered nurses and psychiatrists, with 380 nursing positions and 130 psychiatrist roles unfilled as of March 31.
Shaun Robinson, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation, describes the situation as deeply troubling, reflecting decades of systemic neglect and a lack of forward planning for mental health services.
“It’s simply not acceptable,” he said, expressing a mix of frustration and anger. “These vacancies didn’t appear overnight. They have been mounting for years, with minimal action from successive governments or the health system to address the problem.”
Robinson points out a stark doubling of vacancies between 2018 and 2022, with numbers remaining alarmingly high since then. He acknowledges that the government’s recently launched mental health workforce plan and its concrete targets are a positive step, but cautions that building a sustainable workforce will be a long-term endeavor, potentially requiring five to ten years.
Helen Garrick, chairwoman of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation’s mental health section, emphasizes the alarming reality on the ground. Mental health services have been teetering on the brink of crisis for some time. The shortage of skilled, experienced, specialist nurses is significantly impacting acute inpatient, forensic, and community mental health settings.
“We’re simply unable to meet the needs of the people who rely on these services,” she said. “The consequence is a decline in the quality of care and immense pressure on our already stretched workforce.”
Adding to the concerns, Dr. Hiran Thabrew, chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, highlights the dire impact of the psychiatrist shortage. The lack of early intervention and support for those in need can lead to a worsening of mental health conditions.
“With one in five psychiatrist positions vacant, the strain on the existing workforce is immense,” Dr. Thabrew explained. “Many psychiatrists feel deeply troubled by their inability to provide the best possible care for their patients due to these severe staff shortages.”
He further notes that certain regions, particularly Northland, face additional challenges in attracting staff, and specialist areas like child and youth mental health are disproportionately affected, with vacancy rates as high as one in four.
Dr. Thabrew welcomes the recent appointment of a dedicated Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey, and improvements in data collection, citing the importance of making decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information rather than relying on outdated data.
Health NZ has outlined a comprehensive program to address the workforce crisis, focusing on both growing and upskilling the current workforce and engaging in international recruitment campaigns to attract experienced professionals.
Earlier this year, RNZ reported on a temporary solution involving a senior addictions clinician being flown in from Australia to Palmerston North Hospital. This arrangement concluded in August, with local staff now assuming those responsibilities.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Mental Health Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pressing mental health crisis in New Zealand. The reported staffing shortages within mental health and addiction services are quite alarming, with nearly 650 vacancies. Can you give us an overview of the current situation?
Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The data we have illustrates a truly concerning scenario. As of March 31, New Zealand’s mental health and addiction services are not only under-resourced but facing a critical shortage of both registered nurses and psychiatrists—380 nursing positions and 130 psychiatrist roles are unfilled. This isn’t just a statistical issue; it directly affects the quality of care that patients receive.
Editor: Shaun Robinson, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation, has described this staffing crisis as a reflection of decades of neglect in the mental health sector. How do you perceive this claim?
Expert: Shaun’s observations are spot on. The issue revealed by the data isn’t new; in fact, the doubling of vacancies from 2018 to 2022 signals a systemic problem that has been ignored for far too long. Successive governments have done little to address this growing concern, which has now culminated in a crisis point. The recent mental health workforce plan introduced by the government shows some commitment to change, but rebuilding an effective workforce will be a monumental task that could take five to ten years.
Editor: That’s quite a lengthy timeframe. Helen Garrick has also pointed out that the shortage of skilled specialist nurses is crippling services. What are the implications of this on patient care?
Expert: The implications are severe. With an insufficient number of experienced mental health professionals, services are stretched too thin, which can lead to a decline in the quality of care. Patients who rely on these services are at an increased risk of feeling abandoned or receiving inadequate support, especially in acute inpatient or forensic settings. This, in turn, can exacerbate existing mental health issues, creating a vicious cycle that hardens the systemic challenges we face.
Editor: It’s really disheartening to hear. What can be done right now to address these vacancies, especially while waiting for the long-term workforce plans to take effect?
Expert: Immediate strategies could include streamlining the recruitment process to attract new talent and also incentivizing current healthcare providers to remain in the field. We should also consider introducing targeted programs to nurture and retain specialized nurses and psychiatrists. Creating a supportive working environment and better pay could also improve retention rates significantly.
Editor: The mental health sector seems to be at a crossroads. If changes aren’t made promptly, what do you foresee for the future of mental health services in New Zealand?
Expert: If we don’t act now, I fear that the quality of care will continue to deteriorate. This crisis could lead to increased patient distress and higher rates of morbidity. Furthermore, the public will likely lose confidence in the mental health system altogether. It’s crucial for all stakeholders—government, health authorities, and the community—to recognize the urgency of the situation and prioritize the mental health of New Zealanders.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights with us. It’s clear that while the challenges are daunting, there is a need for collaborative action and a commitment to reform. Let’s hope for positive changes ahead.
Expert: Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s only through awareness and dialogue that we can drive positive change in the mental health sector.