The Green Party believes the government's recently announced surplus was at a cost to New Zealand youth.

READ MORE: Counsellors 'over-burdened' as teen suicide rate creeps higher

The opposition party is seeking a nationwide independent inquiry into mental health services after finding more than 3000 young people around New Zealand had to wait more than two months to see a counsellor.

Green Party Co-leader James Shaw said the figures they obtained show District Health Boards around the country are struggling because of the government's cuts to the heath sector.

The National Government has cut about $1.7 billion in real terms over the last eight years from the health budget so it's no great surprise that our DHBs are really struggling to keep up with demand from mental health services, he said.

Shaw wants an inquiry that's to the scale of the Mason report in the 1990s.

"Part of the problem in New Zealand at the moment is that because this is politicised, we're arguing over different stats and figures; so we think that an independent, objective inquiry is really what's important."

He said the numbers keep adding up - and the government doesn't seem to recognise the seriousness of the matter.

"Given that we have the highest youth suicide rate in the OECD, I think this is a matter of urgent importance for the government.

"Frankly it leads me to say that if you want to fix this thing, you have to change the government."

Are you affected by an issue in this article? Here's where to get help:

Lifeline - 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. Text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email [email protected].

0800 WHATSUP (0800 9428 787), Open between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.

Healthline - 0800 611 116
For more information about support and services available to you, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service on 09 623 4812 during office hours or email [email protected]

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.