New Zealand Funds AI-Enabled Digital Front Door for Mental Health Services

The New Zealand government has allocated new funding to Whakarongorau Aotearoa New Zealand Telehealth Services to build a national online platform designed to help people locate and access mental health support. Announced by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey, the initiative introduces what he described as a “mental health AI navigation platform” that will allow individuals to search for available services in their area. He noted that “people will be able to see what support is available in their area and in some instances, even book with them directly.” He added that “online tools will also be available to those reaching out on the platform, allowing us to intervene early and prevent problems from escalating.”

Minister Doocey highlighted limited awareness of existing services as a major contributor to unmet mental health needs, particularly among children and adults who may not know where to seek help. He described the current landscape as fragmented, with multiple providers, varying service levels, and inconsistent pathways to care. The new platform aims to address this by consolidating telehealth services, in-person options, mental health practitioners, and Gumboot Friday counsellors into a single access point.

The minister said, “Most people would be surprised by how much support exists – which is why this platform aims to increase New Zealanders' knowledge of what support is available.” He added that “with a digital front door, Kiwis can access a tool that helps triage and guide them where to go and what to do.”

The initiative builds on a broader digital transformation within New Zealand’s health system. The July launch of a 24/7 online GP service involving eight providers marked a significant step toward expanding virtual care capacity. Earlier in June, the government awarded NZ$1.97 million to Tend Health to establish a digital primary mental health and addiction service over a two-year period.

Whakarongorau’s technological capabilities have also expanded following its transition to Microsoft’s local hyperscale cloud almost a year ago. The organisation has operated free, government-funded, 24/7 telehealth services for around a decade, supporting both mental health and domestic abuse needs across seven digital channels. In July, it introduced a cloud-based system linking Healthline with healthcare providers, enabling nurses and paramedics to schedule general practice appointments for callers. The Ministry of Health’s deployment of AI scribes in emergency departments, including mental health crisis teams, further reflects the government’s ongoing investment in digital tools to support care delivery.

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