Recently, more than 300 community members attended Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey’s Rural Health Roadshow. The turnout, once again, shows just how much people in the Upper Clutha care about our access to health services. On the same day, I was in Auckland with Health Action Wānaka meeting with the Minister of Health to advocate for equitable health services for our community.

But we shouldn't have to fill halls or meet ministers to get the equitable access to healthcare our town deserves.

Despite repeated promises, the Upper Clutha continues to face serious gaps in mental health support. While we’re geographically at the end of the road, it often feels like we’re first to lose services and last in line for equity. Community Link and Health Action Wānaka are just two of the many local organisations seeing the impact of these gaps every day.

Let’s be clear: the professionals working in mental health are doing a phenomenal job. This is not a criticism of them. They are skilled, committed, and doing everything they can under immense pressure. The problem is not quality — it’s capacity. There simply aren’t enough services to meet the growing needs of our community.

Although more providers may exist on paper, real access hasn't improved. Demand far outstrips supply. The moment a new service opens, it's full. For those seeking timely, publicly funded or ongoing mental health support, the options are limited — and often inaccessible.

This is especially hard on families. When a child or teen needs mental health support, whānau are often forced to make impossible choices between paying for care or covering basic living costs. And if your child is under 12, your options are almost non-existent.

When it comes to mental health, the Upper Clutha is at breaking point.

Essential services have vanished, waits are long, and too many people are falling through the cracks. Local advocates are demanding change — and they’ve put three urgent fixes on the table.

Read the full story here to see what’s been lost, what’s at risk, and what must happen next.

Health Action Wānaka