Story by Webfit News Editorial Team

Wellington | 22 October 2025

A new report by the Blue Hope Foundation has revealed alarming levels of mental health distress among New Zealand police officers. The findings highlight the urgent need for government intervention and independent oversight to protect police wellbeing.

Disturbing Findings Show Deep Stress in the Force

The report outlines widespread emotional strain, burnout, and exposure to violence among officers. According to the study:

  • 55.9% face high emotional demands.
  • 52.8% experience threats, violence, or bullying.
  • 24.5% report constant burnout or severe stress.
  • 67.2% fall below the psychosocial safety threshold.

“These findings show a system under extreme pressure,” said Allister Rose, Managing Director and Founder of the Blue Hope Foundation.

“The Government cannot afford to sit back while the mental health of police families continues to deteriorate. The time for intervention is now.”

Call for Independent Leadership and Reform

The Blue Hope Foundation is urging the Government to partner with the Suicide Prevention Office to develop a trauma-informed and independent mental health model for police officers. The organisation says this framework must align with New Zealand’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Rose added that while the Police Association is vital in labour matters, it is not suited to lead mental health reform.

“The Association is a bargaining body, not a clinical authority. Public funding should go to qualified organisations with proven health and safety expertise.”

Grassroots Initiatives Making a Difference

The Foundation was established after three officers took their lives in a single month in 2023. In response, it created The Ima Project, a peer-led early-intervention programme credited with preventing at least ten further suicides among police officers and their families.

“We work directly with police families to ensure they feel seen, supported, and safe at every stage of recovery,” Rose explained.

Police Leadership Acknowledges Growing Crisis

Even the Police Association President, Chris Cahill, has called mental health “the most pressing issue facing both the Association and Police leadership today.” The Foundation says coordinated national action is long overdue.

“We stand ready to work with the Government to deliver lasting change for our police officers,” said Rose.

Reference: Blue Hope Foundation – Press Release, 22 October 2025: “Urgent Action Needed As Police Mental Health Crisis Deepens – Report Shows.”