identified “serious deficiencies.”35 The new Government is yet to issue any formal statement regarding its position on Part 4A. Recommendation 6 Take urgent steps to repeal the discriminatory provisions of Part 4A of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 no later than July 2019. Mental Health 34. Approximately 20% of New Zealanders meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental disorder each year.36 Individuals report difficulties accessing appropriate support and treatment.37 Suicide rates are very high, particularly for groups such as men and Māori. In the 2016-17 year 606 New Zealanders took their own lives. Overall, the suicide rate per 100,000 people is 12.64. For Māori the rate is 21.73 per 100,000 people. The suicide rate of Māori young people is even more alarming, at 2.8 times higher than that of non-Māori youth.38 35. On 23 January 2018 the Government announced a wide ranging independent inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction Services. The panel that has been appointed to consider the matter is tasked with recommending specific changes to improve New Zealand’s approach to mental health, with a particular focus on equity of access, community confidence in the mental health system and better outcomes, particularly for Māori and other groups with disproportionately poorer outcomes. The Inquiry Panel is due to report back by 31 October 2018. Recommendation 7 a. Take urgent steps to ensure the availability and appropriate provision of mental health and wellbeing services for all sectors of the community, including prison inmates, children and young people, ethnic minorities, SOGISC, refugees and other vulnerable groups. b. Ensure that any recommendations made by the independent Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction Services are fully implemented in a timely manner. 13