Parliament has passed mental health legislation overhauling the country's mental health legal framework for the first time in more than 30 years.
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced the passage of the reforms on Friday, saying "this is a huge day for mental health in New Zealand, with a once-in-a-generation reform that will modernise compulsory mental health care, strengthen people's rights, end the use of seclusion for young people, and introduce new protections to keep mothers and their babies together wherever possible".
End to youth seclusion and new adult safeguards
The legislation prohibits the use of seclusion for children and young people receiving compulsory mental health treatment.
For adults under compulsory care, the Bill creates new safeguards and oversight mechanisms for seclusion, restricting the circumstances in which it may be applied.
The changes also increase the threshold for electroconvulsive therapy, restricting when the treatment can be administered.
Protections for mothers and babies
New provisions in the law require that mothers and newborns stay together during periods of compulsory mental health care, with separation permitted only when the responsible practitioner determines it serves their best interests.
The Bill also enhances supported decision-making frameworks and expands the role of family members in treatment decisions.
Independent advocacy and Royal Commission response
People subject to compulsory mental health treatment will gain access to independent advocates under the new framework.
The legislation responds to at least 10 recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse.
Implementation timeline
The prior mental health statute was drafted more than 30 years ago and has fallen out of step with modern mental health service delivery.
The new provisions will take effect in two years, allowing clinicians and the mental health sector time to prepare for implementation.