Health New Zealand is under fire after critical data outlining mental health workforce shortages was omitted from the final version of a national plan, as discrepancies exposed by a 3News investigation bring the agency’s editorial process into question.
Government Highlighted Staffing Concerns
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey publicly backed the workforce plan in September 2024, drawing attention to the depth of staffing challenges. “I’ve been very open, the biggest barrier to timely mental health and addiction support is our workforce crisis,” he said, adding that the system was facing “too many vacancy rates.”
Data Removed to Downplay Workforce Crisis
An early draft of the plan acknowledged a need for 1,485 more mental health workers, according to documents obtained by 3News. That included 470 specialist nurses, 145 psychiatrists, and 145 clinical psychologists.
The draft’s “What We Need” page detailed the gaps. When the final report was released, the page and figures were missing. Internal emails show the changes were ordered by Health NZ’s communications manager with sign-off from Commissioner Lester Levy.
“Page 5 ‘what we need’ page would come out of the document,” the 11 September email stated, along with a directive to delete data “bubbles” and pivot toward “highlighting growth against target numbers.”
Minister Denies Responsibility
Minister Doocey has distanced himself from the decision to omit the data, telling 3News, “I did not take that out.” He added, “I’d be more than happy for Health NZ to be transparent and to give that information.”
Doocey maintained that some of the information was already publicly accessible and that he had previously used it during his time in opposition.
Labour MP Accuses Government of Concealment
The opposition has taken aim at the government following revelations about the workforce report. Labour MP Ingrid Leary said, “It’s a government focused on trying to look good rather than trying to do good,” alleging the omissions were intended to downplay the sector’s challenges.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over the government’s transparency, with mounting pressure on Health NZ to disclose the full data and explain the decision.
Conclusion
The government’s workforce plan continues to be a pillar of its strategy for mental health care. However, concerns over the handling of omitted data have placed public trust under pressure, raising the potential for ongoing political ramifications.