Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says Health New Zealand must decide the fate of the Whakamātūtū Depression Recovery Centre, which is at risk of closing by Christmas. The centre, opened in 2024, provides a six-week program for individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, funded by ACC referrals. However, ACC has stopped funding clients, citing lower-than-expected referral numbers, and Health NZ has not provided alternative funding. Dame Diana Crossan, the board chair, highlights the centre's inability to secure funding, emphasizing the need for immediate support to continue operations and pay staff. The Mental Health Minister acknowledges the urgency, noting the capital's need for faster access to mental health services, with targets set for Health NZ. The controversy lies in the allocation of government funding, with questions about why some providers receive direct support while others, like Whakamātūtū, are referred to Health NZ. The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, emphasizes the importance of results and fair funding distribution, leaving the operational decision to Health NZ. The situation underscores the complex relationship between government funding, service provision, and the mental health needs of the community.
