Meet New Zealand's first Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey | Q+A 2024

[@Naziel3865]

As someone who graduated from a bachelor's in psychology (Hons) in 2017, didn't make the clinical pathway and then became a plumber, I fully support the implementation of a program that provides psychology graduates an alternative pathway to working in mental health. As it is the degree is almost a complete waste for the majority of people who take it. It's such a shame when we have a massive shortage of mental health workers.

[@chrisvaughan7418]

One of the most sensible and balanced ministers in the coalition government, hope he can drive some real change in the mental health system

[@danieltoka3001]

I don't like either major party, but I give credit where it's due. I agree with this minister.

[@Double.S.02]

I work in youth mental health. I don't profess to be anywhere near an expert in mental health or what is required to address our high rates of poor mental health. I do like what Matt Doocey is saying. I just hope the current government gives him the backing and funding to make things happen. I would hate the Minister of Mental Health to be a token gesture. The mahi to be done is too important for that.

[@missbluerain]

I definitely agree with needing to get real time help. But even a week can be too long. Back in 2000 i lost my teenage brother to suicide. He had been on CAMHs books after a previous attempt that landed him in hospital but after 6 months without a suicide attempt they closed him off their books. Then he attempted again and mum rang them but he had to be referred back through the GP because his case was closed. Mum couldn't get a drs appointment that day and then that night he attempted and was successful. One of the things that came out in the inquest findings afterwards was the gap in getting acess to services in a timely manner.

[@emueiamiatu3676]

Our mental health/ addiction system definitely need major changes in its operation in all spheres of the health system both nationally/ in communities. And I fully support a Primary Mental Health System as the way forward. It is accessible by anyone and will be staffed by trained mental health/ addiction professions. Some community mental health/ addiction services needs to be abolished but fund only services that are providing effective and efficient care/ support for those who need them the most and their families. It's good to know that the focus will be primarily on the person and tangata whaiora and their families and not on the number of services providers. For some people may never access any of these services and some of them failed to abide by their principles as a mental health/ addiction health provider.

[@katzolitamason6729]

Fabulous! At last!! I need to talk to him about what needs to change -I hope it actually works xxxx This guy actually sounds good

[@adsdft585]

It good to see he talked positively about Labour's policy on training people to fill the shortage.

[@adsdft585]

It is good to see he worked in east end of London. It shows he had experience with working class people. He can have a feeling the effect of economic policies.

[@wendyschultz7198]

Well let's hope all his promises come true as it's been a long waiting time

[@LabourPartyFan]

He actually seems to be a decent person - unlike the majority of Luxcon's obnoxious cabinet clones. The previous National government didn't even acknowledge mental health as a problem - it took a Labour government to actually address the issue in a meaningful way.

[@TangoOscarNovemberYankee]

Addressing the issue meant allocating $1.9 billion and having no idea how to spend it unfortunately. Labour wouldn't even give Gumboot Friday a dollar preferring to expand ineffective ministry programmes instead. Good luck to Doocey he makes sense!

[@LabourPartyFan]

Is Gumboot Friday effective? Is it just a matter of opinion whether the ministry programmes were effective or not? Maybe what they tried to do to help people wasn't the best with the benefit of hindsight but at least they tried. Lets hope Doocey can learn from what Labour tried to do. It remains to be seen if he can do a good job. good luck to him with National's public service cuts taking 7.5% out of the health budget for tax cuts that will only benefit the rich.@@TangoOscarNovemberYankee

[@patriciatehaate236]

Exactly ❤❤

[@KINGSFORDLIFE]

Right man for the job 👍 good work Matt

[@adsdft585]

He highlighted how industry structure from previous governments did well.

[@dianeross22]

What about counselling? We play a huge role in mental health support.

[@berniemckinley4988]

I HOPE HE PRIORITISES SAFETY FOR STAFF NZ IS NOT A SAFE PLACE FOR STAFF, NURSES. I HAVE A SECURITY GUARD BY MY SIDE AT ALL TIMES IN AUSTRALIA & US IN MENTAL HEALTH ED. NOT NZ ITS UP TO THE NURSES “SKILLS” SO UNSAFE. NZ MENTAL HEALTH NURSES ARE ASSAULTED ALL OF THE TIME

[@ariahart3488]

Maybe as assault is criminal that person should be placed in a prison, and prisons should have better mental health support

[@berniemckinley4988]

He didn’t mention safety once

[@jasonpoihegatama1347]

train police in mental health alot of police will come across people with mental health issues on there call outs. Most times people who call in to emergency services are not going to know what kind of issue it is. And pay the police more

[@lucilleyoung5972]

A lot of the police time is spent dealing with people in psychological distress

[@patriciatehaate236]

Yes ❤ but they're pushing crap uphill already😊

[@hermitpermit2553]

A 3 year psychology degree does not set you up to work with people, particularly if you are young and have no life experience. Peer/commuinity support , day activity based programmes etc and training more psychotherapists and funding long term psychotherapy for suitable clinical cases ftw.

[@ideaWorld403]

I agree with this. I'm early 40s and just started a degree in counselling after decades in the corporate world. I felt unsure at my older age going back to university, but on the other hand I personally would not have been as effective in my mid 20s. Since finishing university I've married, had children, dealt with the deaths of parents and close friends, dealt with sickness, faced my own childhood trauma head on, and been around the block dealing with situations and people I never had exposure to (the good, bad, and ugly) when I first studied. I know myself, my values, and that I can be a stable force to help others now I've gone through a lot of life and come out the other side to really see people and support them fully.

[@caffeinatedhuman4035]

(1) Suicide due to poverty 🤔 (2) Yet our governments choose not to make food cheaper... (3) When our governments are the ones causing the stress (4) When our governments are the ones causing the depression (5) Both labour and National are guilty

[@berniemckinley4988]

Look up external locus of control - vs those who have an internal locus, those with an internal locus do a lot better in life and with their mental health. Look inside, look to you.

[@berniemckinley4988]

Just where you can of course.

[@caffeinatedhuman4035]

@@berniemckinley4988 (1) The whole what level of control one has over their own lives 🤔 (2) That is an interesting concept (3) Most humans can actually provide for themselves (4) If the government let's them do it is a different matter. (5) Poverty can come from a housing crisis (6) Which is easily solved. (7) Not really a case of will power and self motivation. (8) Red tape is a real thing. (9) You can have the whole...if it's to be...it's up to me thing (10) Then if a person fails and is depressed you can blame them. (11) Which may actually amount to toxic positivity. (12) Small sayings are nice (13) If they actually apply to real life is different thing.

[@dianeross22]

Alcohol 100% causes the most harm.

[@jkkchow74]

Straight talk. Clear answers. No bullshit. Already more hope than what $1.6 billion had achieved.

[@adsdft585]

He talked about growing the economy. What does mean? Increase income for current employees and employers.( Not to drive immigration from overseas).

[@adsdft585]

An other Kiwi that when overseas. It has advantages for NZ.

[@valeriehughes1008]

This sounds like a more balanced approach... give someone with first hand experience the job it would seem a sensible approach and I hope this man has the ability to make some changes for the better he seems to be sincere and determined so I wish him every success.

[@atholgander8963]

My wife is dying and has been sent back and forth for the last 5 months, mental health is about ticking boxes and covering asses. If you desperately need help and you have the money, go private.

[@kiwi792]

geez. It would be great if Jack could just do the interview without trying to catch people out or get them to say something that him or his slimy journalist mates can then use down the line as a “but you said this” gotcha. It’s fine to ask a tough question but to keep hammering for a commitment on an exact number or commitment or whatever when the guy has just said he is looking at options or seeking advice. they have only just got into government. This is a brand new ministerial position so it will take time to get the lay of the land and make plans forward. So Clearly no decisions have been made so why would he commit to saying they are definitely going to do something. Come on. That’s what’s wrong with journalism. At least they are finally taking mental health seriously unlike previous governments (past National ones included). Any fix is going to be slow. Surely any fool can recognise that - clearly not Jack Tame. Just there to trip politicians up. Real winner.

[@cameronlabone6050]

Gotcha journalism eh luckily it only went on for a minute on halfway.

[@htndg5988]

What about dealing with family violence and poverty which is a major contributing issue when it comes to poor mental health outcomes.

[@ideaWorld403]

He needs to set out a clear pathway to resourcing the sector and incentivize accordingly. There are different levels of mental health pactitioners- counsellors and psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists... and that doesnt include social workers. I would suggest the majority of people suffering require connection to a therapist. For more complex cases a clinical psychologist... and for the most severe cases an MD. I believe a robust public health campaign should be done to i form people on the types of people they could connect with.

[@Unknown-gi1uj]

Of course there is a lack of productivity. I went to Mt Ruapehu, i spent $2000 for 1 day on the mountain. Cost me like $500 in fuel, another $500 for the hotel, then lift passes, gear rentals and everything else in-between. When i arrived, they wouldn't let me up the mountain, "the car park was full" and had to buy a $20 each shuttle, because you have a bunch of foreigners wanting to go sight seeing. That was a few years ago, i was lost my job 2 days later. Like i tired to enjoy myself, but the people in this industry were toxic, money hungry and judgemental. They were not hospitable, and at the end of it, i had worked my ass for to be able to afford it and all i got was a day of misery inwhich the one thing i loved doing, snowboarding was ruined. This is common too, Red Hot Chillies Peppers, ruined by event management. They treat people like cattle to be milked. Rather then like hey, welcome, you worked hard to be here, sit down, relax have a good time. No its HOW DO WE GET THE MOST AMOUNT OF MONEY, FOR THE LEAST AMOUNT OF WORK FROM THIS PERSON. While ruining the entire experience because we are jealous, spiteful and hateful. When your in construction, you ask yourself, why, why am i working, why am i subjecting myself to this crap, for what? for a few dollars that i can't even enjoy spending? Because i live in a country so extremely desperate to extract as much money as it possibly can from these visitors. And they don't care, because those people will never come back to NZ, they don't need to, the pool of visitors is so large, you just need to sell the illusion.

[@bella22728]

portfolio made to get as many mentally/ emotionally people into work....I hope they'll be providing a heck of lot of 10hr jobs!!!

[@adsdft585]

Workforce plan! If we think about private the business model "demand and supply" .How does a response happen?

[@adsdft585]

Pick a private provider! Not go through due process to make no one is favoured. The minister did not show the democratic principal of a vetting process to select providers.

[@LawdyMay]

Remind me, when does the representative of the PR wing of NZ Labour get his redundancy?

[@adsdft585]

The one system seemed not to get services to some groups people. The new minister refered to race rather than economic sectors, religious sectors or other ways group society. It is interesting how we often must use race in discussion to group people.

[@dpp186]

Cost of living crisis nz Need living wage review

[@deborahbain9915]

Go back to fully functional Mental Hospitals just like back in the 70s

[@rubyerehwon1104]

I wish interviews could be a bit more chill, the mental health minister doesn’t need to be drilled into by the media. Give him some space to get into the mahi.

[@ariahart3488]

Jack that's no policy, it was a strategic choice within policy

[@storyhori]

They put these clowns in power, get access to private health records and then target those who need help for sex trafficking.

[@KieraHafermalz-Wheeler]

Mental health and addictions are associated, sort the imbalance out the addiction wanes. Also neurodivergence not being diagnosed and treated can lead to addiction to self medicate, same as with hormone inbalances when the brain is meant to run on one set of hormones and the body is putting out the wrong one (trans people pre hrt, menopausal women and others)

[@ladylivinginthedarklands3405]

Matt doocey doesnt know what he doing he should be doing more to combat meth addiction . He stuffed up acc made it harder to access acc for sensitive claims

[@ladylivinginthedarklands3405]

What money

[@patriciatehaate236]

Mental health has,no release date, prison does eesh then what

[@anthonykaumoana9356]

No one ☝️ knows what’s going on upstairs it’s bad if they say your fine your fine &if they say your not your not Liars and mental lunatics impossible to tell

[@cameronlabone6050]

A better economy with more achieveable sustainable outcomes is whats needed to improve mental health. Lets see how well blue can keep promises, the way theyre not delivering relief and are simply adding more taxes to pay for projects that should of been paid for 20years ago in the middle of a cost of living crises is demonstrating perfectly why we need a 3rd major party and national and labor should be smaller. A innovative party thats not stuck with a legacy of inflation instead of productivity kind of thing. Red party is so scourned by being thrown out the way they were they appear to be reforming? Chippy has found a new tone and is managing to call out a thing or two about fiscal mismanagement and obvious tone deaf elite tax payer funded entitlements... just crank up the printing press instead of keeping ya promises eh luxon.. Politics is getting more interesting with this "cost of living crises" thats for sure. Bet he becomes minister of labotomy as time goes on. Maybe its time to turn off the internet and go back to a copper network?

[@adairhobbs2196]

People should not rely on government for the state of thier lives, let alone rely on them for your "mental health". Government should be have as little impact on your life as possible

[@rangisullivan1591]

Yet at the end of the day the govt will take 50%of my earnings by way of various taxs!!!???

[@sckiwidevil7822]

She's a big job. So he is fully qualified as a Mental Heath expert? Ah, no. He was Minister of Youth. Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Minister of ACC. He does everything, but knows nothing.

[@CarolAscot]

Hire psychotherapists in public health.

[@jwbjwb999]

Looks like Jack removes comments he does like. No big surprise.

[@adriandocherty778]

Wtf are you rambling about?? So your going to fund your mates private practices?? Everyone’s waiting too long to see specialists and operations!!

[@josephl9619]

Maori men do not self delete because of colonisation and discrimination. Stop the BS

[@chelseafisher6881]

Oh yeah, sure, systemic issues don’t impact individuals life experiences 🙄 🤦‍♀️

[@donmcpherson6587]

Jack tame your a h interviewer you ask question why not let people answer give up

[@sweetascuzz]

Jack dont like Gumboot Friday hahahha Just like Labour didnt -Oh poor Jack some of your WOKE outfits may not get funding hahaahha

[@ajaykumar-if3tr]

Jack is sold to Labour party

[@ProfessionalBadPerson]

Look at any of his interviews with Labour members and you'll see that's not the case

[@angelab9819]

This guy is a waste of space. Acc minister just creating harm cancel Acc

[@stevewoodmarshall6540]

this guys a clown.

[@mb68nz35]

Maori Health Authority now funding Taxs breaks for Chris Luxon & Land Lords.

[@operator6786]

Maybe he can help this guy out with his mental health issues...

[@adsdft585]

It is good to see he worked in east end of London. It shows he had experience with working class people. He can have a feeling the effect of economic policies.