Whakamatūtū to close
Whakamatūtū has today confirmed that the service will close in January 2026, following the loss of funding from ACC and the inability to secure ongoing funding from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
This decision has been made with great sadness after exhausting all options to remain open.
Since opening, Whakamatūtū has supported more than 140 participants through its intensive mental health programmes for people experiencing significant distress. Programme data shows consistently positive outcomes, and feedback from participants and clinicians has highlighted the value of timely, therapeutic support delivered outside of hospital settings.
“Over the past two years we have done everything we could to keep Whakamatūtū open,” said Diana Crossan, Chair of the Whakamatūtū Board. “Despite strong frontline support and clear evidence of impact, we have not been able to secure the funding needed to continue.”
In an effort to make the service accessible, Whakamatūtū established a hardship fund supported by individuals, families, philanthropists, and corporate donors. Without government funding, that fund has now been fully exhausted.
During this time, Whakamatūtū also adapted its service model to better meet community needs, introducing a four-week programme alongside the original six-week programme, and developing a crisis programme for people presenting in acute distress. Frontline health providers supported this work and recognised its role in providing early intervention and reducing pressure on emergency departments.
“We had hoped to work with Te Whatu Ora to support up to 900 people in crisis over six months, but that partnership did not proceed,” said Crossan.
Mental health professionals across the Wellington region have acknowledged that Whakamatūtū filled a gap in local services, providing an alternative pathway for people who often struggle to access timely care.
“Our focus now is on supporting current participants, staff, and clinicians through an orderly closure,” Crossan said. “We want to acknowledge everyone who has contributed — whether through funding, referrals, clinical support, or participation.”
“Even as we close, we remain proud of what was achieved. For many people, Whakamatūtū made a real difference at a critical time in their lives.”