New Zealand Law Reforms
Proposed changes to New Zealand’s main laws about decision-making capacity and mental health care place more emphasis on supported decision-making.
Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act
The main law that talks about decision-making capacity in New Zealand is the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act (PPPR Act). The Law Commission - Te Aka Matua o te Ture has reviewed the PPPR Act.
What law changes does the review recommend?
In February 2026, the Law Commission recommended the PPPR Act be replaced with a new law.
The purpose of a proposed new law would be to:
· promote equality, dignity and autonomy
· honour human rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
What does the review say about supported decision-making?
The Law Commission has said that support for decision-making should be a core focus of a new law. They have made lots of recommendations on how a new law can do this.
These recommendations are the first step. Changing the law can take a long time.
The Government is now thinking about the Law Commission’s recommendations before it decides whether to change the law.
Mental Health Act
The Mental Health Act is a law which says when people can be assessed and treated if they must have mental health care.
The Government has written a new mental health law which is called the Mental Health Bill. The Bill is now being looked at by Parliament, which means it may change before it becomes law.
What is the Mental Health Bill trying to do?
The Mental Health Bill wants to make sure compulsory mental health care is used in a fair, safe and least restrictive way.
The Bill aims to:
- protect people’s rights
- support people’s recovery
- help people make their own decisions when they can
- use compulsory care only when it is needed
- protect people’s safety.
What does the Mental Health Bill say about supported decision-making?
The Mental Health Bill moves away from making decisions for people, toward supported decision-making.
It aims to help people participate in decisions about their mental health by:
- encouraging them to say how they want to be cared for in the future
- talking to them about care and treatment options in a way that respects their needs
- letting them choose someone to help express their views
- involving them and their supporters in developing a care plan
- providing them with an independent support person and advocate
- allowing reviews and appeals about compulsory care decisions
- giving them clear accessible information about their rights.
The new law is planned to start on 1 July 2027.
Find out more
Find out more about recommendations for replacing the PPPR Act
"Review of adult decision-making capacity law" by the Law Commission. external This webpage provides information on their recommendations for replacing the PPPR Act with:
- the full report
- an overview and summary
- the list of recommendations.
Alternate formats will be published when they are available.
Find out more about the proposed new mental health law
Repealing and replacing the Mental Health Act. external This page explains the Ministry of Health's work to change the Mental Health Act.
New Zealand Parliament – Mental Health Bill. external This page provides information about the Mental Health Bill being looked at by Parliament.