Thomas CoughlanPolitical Editor·NZ Herald·5 Aug, 2026 05:00 PM3 mins to read‌Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has today published a mental health strategy for 2026-2036. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has today published a mental health strategy for 2026-2036. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey wants to ban the use of seclusion in the mental health system and help people to find the care they need.

Earlier this year, Parliament passed the Mental Health Bill, which prohibited the use of seclusion for people under 18. Seclusion involves placing someone