What are my rights under compulsory mental health treatment?

General information from Lawmateanz

New Zealand's mental health law allows a person to be assessed and treated without their consent in limited circumstances, if they have a mental disorder and are a serious danger to themselves or others, or can't take care of themselves. The law in this area is being reformed.

You have rights, including being told why you're being assessed, getting legal advice, and having a lawyer at court hearings. District inspectors, who are lawyers, check that your rights are respected.

You can ask a judge or the Mental Health Review Tribunal to review whether you should remain under compulsory treatment.

The Health and Disability Advocacy Service (0800 555 050) and a district inspector can help.

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