Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said the package would support around 16,000 additional calls and interactions and increase capacity across the sector by around 15 per cent, helping more people access support by phone, text or other digital channels.

“It can be disheartening to reach out for support while in distress and find yourself waiting for too long. For someone reaching out, whether it be for the first time or not, that moment on the other end of the line can be incredibly important,” Doocey said.

“Lifeline is one of New Zealand’s best-known mental health support services and has been there for New Zealanders through some of the toughest moments in their lives for more than 60 years.”

The investment comes after more than a decade without dedicated Government funding for Lifeline.

The funding gives Lifeline certainty over the next year, with further money to be made available beyond that. An open procurement process will allow telehealth providers, including Lifeline, to apply for longer-term funding.

Youthline will receive additional funding to increase its existing Government funded capacity by 44 per cent and respond to around 4,400 more contacts from young people seeking support. Whakarongorau will also get extra funding to help meet growing demand.

The package includes money to develop and roll out an AI enabled triage and referral tool across mental health and addiction helplines, designed to consistently identify people’s needs and connect them with the service best placed to help.

Doocey said telehealth providers had reported too many New Zealanders waiting too long for support, with higher call volumes, more complex needs, and some people unable to connect when demand was high.

“Telehealth services are often the first place people turn when they need help. When someone takes that step and reaches out, they deserve to know there will be someone there to listen.”