Investment to deliver faster access to support

What's at stake

Who feels it

Pregnant and postpartum women, families in the perinatal period, people experiencing mental health crises requiring inpatient care, psychology graduates and future clinical psychologists, NGOs and communities delivering mental health support.

Money in play

$100 million over four years: $20.18 million (maternal mental health), $28.45 million (psychology assistant roles), $51.72 million (new inpatient beds), $1 million per annum (NGO community support fund).

Timing

09 June 2026 (announcement). Implementation: from 2026/27 onwards (as part of Budget 2026 appropriations).

How it works

Budget 2026 appropriations to Health NZ. Maternal mental health and addiction services expansion. Psychology Assistant registration pathway (via Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act registration). Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission oversight.

Key context

Audit regional mental health bed capacity and occupancy rates — 20 new beds will prioritise highest-pressure regions.NGOs and community organisations: register for the $1 million per annum community support fund (details TBC).Psychology graduates and tertiary education providers: new Psychology Assistant registration pathway opens — up to 150 placements over four years. Check Health NZ's workforce training pipeline.DHBs/Health NZ: plan for implementation of perinatal bereavement pathway and maternal mental health workforce expansion (Supporting Parents, Healthy Children workers).Maternal health services: coordinate with expanded specialist maternal mental health and addiction services; expect peer support worker recruitment.Monitor: Cabinet reporting on broader mental health plan integration and outcomes measurement (dates TBC).

Wider effects

Workforce development (clinical psychology training pipeline, registration pathways). Perinatal mental health and maternal wellbeing reform. NGO/community health co-design and funding accessibility. Potential intersection with child welfare and early childhood support (first 2,000 days policy anchor).