Mental health-related callouts to the ambulance service in Aotearoa New Zealand

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Harding G et al.

June 23, 2026

Summary:

Māori and Pacific populations in deprived areas experience high rates of mental health-related callouts to the ambulance service, according to a cross-sectional study. The study analysed data from electronic patient report forms collected between July 2022 and June 2023, and identified 26,847 mental health-related callouts from the Aotearoa New Zealand Paramedic Care Collection. Among individuals aged <24 years, 31.9% of callouts were Māori and 29.3% were Pacific peoples, compared with 19.1% for non-Māori, non-Pacific peoples (NMNPP; p<0.001). Among individuals living in the most deprived areas, Māori and Pacific peoples accounted for 47.7% and 49.9% of callouts, respectively, compared with 24.5% of NMNPP (p<0.001).

Comment:

Shortages in accessible community and specialist mental health care means that ambulance services are now functioning as frontline mental health providers. And unfortunately, without addressing the systemic issues that drive inequities for Māori here, more of our whānau are using these services and are missing out on early prevention, continuity of care and culturally safe mental health care.

Reference: N Z Med J. 2026;139(1630):50-62.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.