Experts say specialist addiction and mental health services need rapid improvement.  

New research from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission has found three New Zealanders die every week due to accidental and preventable drug overdose, with fatalities up 88% from 2016 to 2023. 

At the same time, despite growing demands, fewer people are seeking specialist help. 

Commission CEO Karen Orsborn told Mike Hosking the biggest concern is the falling access to mental health and addiction services. 

She says they’re seeing high vacancy rates, particularly for specialist staff and psychiatrists, and that has a big impact on the system. 

Orsborn says that’s where they want to see some faster action. 

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