Alexia Russell

Does this bring into question, you know, if they can't manage an IT upgrade like this, how are they going to manage AI?

Oh, no, AI.

That's it for today.

The Detail is a newsroom production supported by RNZ and New Zealand On Air.

This episode was engineered by Jeremy Ansell and produced by Mark Jennings.

Thanks to Jill Bonnet.

I'm Alexia Russell.

$100 million for mental health.

It's part of the government's 2026 health budget, and we now have a breakdown of where it's going.

Broadly, it's for new mums, new inpatient beds, and new psychology assistants, plus a bit for groups working in communities.

I'm Alexia Russell, and today on The Detail, we're going to go over Health Minister Matt Doocy's announcement and ask if the funding matches the need.

Dr Haram Fabru is the chair of Tute Akakaroa, which is the New Zealand office of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

I'm asking him what's good, what's missed out, and how far this funding goes towards solving the massive problem that is inadequate mental health services in this country.

What was in the announcement, first of all, that you're happy about?

But there's only 20 new inpatient beds, like 51.72 million.

Is 20 enough?

It seems like such a small drop in the bucket.

And does this announcement allow for extra roles?

Because there is something that says new psychology assistant roles.

Will those psychology assistants be hovering over those beds?