Four new community-based forensic step-down mental health beds will open in Waikato ahead of schedule in March, following a partnership between Ember Services Limited and Health New Zealand.

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced the early opening today, saying it supports the Government’s commitment to improving access to mental health services.

“Opening more mental health beds is a key commitment under the Government’s Mental Health Plan to deliver faster access to support,” Mr Doocey said.

The beds are part of a wider $51 million programme funded through Budget 2025 to expand specialist forensic mental health services. The programme includes funding for two new community-based forensic step-down beds in Waikato each year over the next four years.

Mr Doocey said he had asked for the funding of eight new beds to be brought forward over two years instead of the originally planned four years, after listening to feedback from patients and mental health professionals.

The new beds will be supported by community wraparound teams and additional funding aimed at attracting and retaining specialist staff.

Mr Doocey said community-based step-down beds play an important role in patient and public safety by supporting the gradual reintegration of people transitioning out of inpatient forensic care.

“Step-down beds free up inpatient capacity for those who need it most and form part of a step-by-step care system,” he said. “They ensure continuity of care, reduce the risk of relapse and re-hospitalisation, and support rehabilitation.”

The additional beds will increase overall forensic bed capacity in Waikato, alongside the recently established 10-bed acute forensic inpatient facility.

Mr Doocey said the initiative is part of a broader package of mental health reforms aimed at delivering faster access to support, increasing frontline staffing, and strengthening crisis responses.

Further announcements regarding the remaining four step-down beds are expected in due course.