The New Zealand government’s commitment to increase innovation and collaboration across mental wellbeing services in New Zealand has enabled the establishment of a knowledge-sharing network dedicated to helping the mental health and addiction system improve people’s wellbeing.

The Health Minister, Andrew Little, has officially launched Te Whāriki o te Ara Oranga, which has been funded through the Government’s substantial Budget 19 investment to support mental wellbeing.

Whāriki is a collaboration network designed to connect leaders and influencers across the mental wellbeing system and enable them to share innovation, resources and best practice.

Deputy Director-General, Mental Health and Addiction, Toni Gutschlag said Whāriki was an exciting development as expansion of new services ramps up across the country.

“New and expanded services are rolling out across New Zealand as the programme to increase access to, and choice of, mental health and addiction services progresses,” Ms Gutschlag said.