Long journey to recovery for Kiwi consumers: Recent developments in mental health policy and practice in New Zealand

Abstract Mental health services worldwide are undergoing significant changes in philosophy and direction due to the rising influence of the consumer or service user movement. This paper explores some key developments in the history of social policy, legislative change and funding of mental health services in New Zealand, especially since the landmark 1996 Mason Report. The growth in consumer networks and consumer participation in the aftermath of this report at multiple levels of the mental health service system is examined, with a particular focus on the adoption of the recovery approach as the guiding principle for the nation's mental health strategy. Consumers and carers are now active in contributing to strategy, policy and service development, nationally and locally. Opportunities for advocacy, advice and input into the quality of service provision have increased for many people living with mental illness. However, although government policy and systems are designed to drive services towards consumer...