A $116 million plan to overhaul New Zealand's mental health system so it targeted more people has been welcomed by Tauranga health experts.
Brian Thomas, the manager of Family Link Trust, said he was encouraged by the Government's Budget announcement because the mental health system was underfunded and stretched.
"It's great they will research ways to do it better. Hopefully, it will filter down to more money at the coalface."
The Government has budgeted $116m to test different ways of helping people with mild to moderate and severe mental health issues. It has ring-fenced $100m for a special fund to support "innovative solutions to address mental health issues".
It aimed to build a better picture of mental health sufferers' needs and where there were gaps in services. Overall, the Government has budgeted an extra $224 million over four years for mental health services.