New Zealand police limit involvement in mental health callouts, focusing on critical incidents, starting November.

New Zealand police will limit their involvement in mental health callouts, effective November. They will refuse "inappropriate" requests, such as moving patients within units or assisting with dementia assessments. This change aligns with Health NZ's goal of a "least restrictive" response to mental distress. The initiative will unfold in four phases, aiming to reduce police presence in health settings and allow health officials to manage cases more effectively.