Exploring the shift away from police-led crisis responses toward community, health, and peer-led models of care 

Identifying barriers in implementing new approaches, including workforce shortages, funding gaps, and inconsistent regional rollout 

Recognising the role of lived experience, peer support, and kaupapa in reshaping crisis care 

Understanding what the new model means for the workforce – ensuring clinicians, responders, and support staff feel adequately trained and safe when supporting people in extreme distress 

Recognising the growing demand on primary care services to support rangatahi facing complex and escalating mental health needs 

Examining the social, digital, cultural, and economic pressures shaping the mental health of rangatahi today 

Highlighting the limitations of existing service models in meeting the diverse and intersecting needs of young people 

Discussing the need for integrated, community-based approaches that go beyond clinical intervention 

Identifying gaps in workforce capability and resourcing, particularly in school-based and early intervention settings 

Implementing school-based counsellors and psychologists who are embedded within Kura and schools, enabling culturally responsive and context-specific care 

Integration of the Access and Choice programme, with a strong emphasis on amplifying youth voice to ensure services are relevant, empowering, and accessible 

Analysis of trends and insights from programme delivery across multiple schools to inform continuous improvement in both primary and secondary mental health services 

Exploring how digital tools are becoming a first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health support in primary care settings  

Recognising the role of apps, online assessments, and self-guided therapy in reducing pressure on GPs and clinical teams  

Highlighting how digital platforms are improving access for youth, rural populations, and those facing stigma or time constraints

Discussing the importance of integration between digital tools and in-person care to ensure continuity, safety, and clinical oversight 

Addressing equity in digital access, including device availability, digital literacy, and culturally relevant content 

Case studies where digital innovation has enhanced screening, early intervention, and stepped-care pathways in PHOs and clinics 

Reviewing the evolution of Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction (IPMHA) services and their role in reshaping primary mental health care in Aotearoa 

Evaluating the impact on access, timeliness, and pressure relief for secondary and acute mental health services 

Exploring the practical realities and challenges of embedding IPMHA services, including workforce constraints, variation across regions, and sustaining quality at scale 

Highlighting successful practices and lessons learned, including how the absence of referral criteria has influenced accessibility and equity of care 

Exploring how community-led initiatives are addressing mental health needs through local knowledge, cultural connection, and whānau-centred approaches  

Recognising the strengths of non-clinical, grassroots support in reaching those who may not engage with traditional services 

Highlighting the roles of peer support, lived experience, and community leadership in fostering trust, belonging, and early intervention 

Examining the challenges community-based services face, including funding instability, short-term contracts, lack of visibility, and administrative burdens 

Examples of effective community-led initiatives, while also reflecting on what’s needed to ensure long-term sustainability, system integration, and recognition 

Delivering investment to strengthen rural mental health and wellbeing services 

Using the Rural Wellbeing Fund to support organisations to deliver wellbeing initiatives in rural communities 

Exploring new workforce and digital delivery models to better enable access to mental health services for remote and rural  

Developing strategies to attract and retain skilled mental health professionals in rural regions

Co-designing solutions to achieve equitable mental health outcomes for rural Māori populations 

Exploring the core principles of trauma-informed care and how they apply across clinical settings 

Highlighting the shift from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What’s happened to you?” in clinical engagement 

Integrating trauma-informed principles into assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic relationships 

Understanding how to select the most appropriate intervention based on client need, clinical context, and readiness 

Weighing the advantages and limitations of different trauma-focused approaches to ensure safe, ethical, and effective care 

Exploring how self-harm and risk to others can co-occur, and recognising early warning signs in behaviour, speech, or context 

Discussing trauma, mental illness, substance use, and environmental stressors as key contributors to high-risk behaviour 

Sharing practical tools for de-escalation, safety planning, and crisis intervention while maintaining dignity and trust 

Highlighting the importance of teamwork across mental health, emergency response, cultural support, and whānau to create a safer, coordinated approach 

Discussing strategies to help frontline workers stay grounded, manage emotional strain, and reflect on their practice to prevent burnout and maintain safe, compassionate care 

Discussing how untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions can contribute to criminal behaviour, particularly in vulnerable or marginalised populations 

Highlighting missed opportunities for early intervention and systemic barriers to care 

Highlighting successful models that integrate mental health support into policing, courts, and reintegration such as mental health courts, cultural navigation, and community-led responses