Since its inception, the KPI Programme has evolved alongside the mental health and addiction sector to support data-informed service improvements focused on achieving better wellbeing outcomes for tāngata whai ora, whānau and communities.
Check out the key development milestones from our journey so far.
Key milestones
2004
KPI Programme inception
- The Ministry of Health supports the development of a national KPI framework, starting with a funder–provider partnership model.
2006
Phase 1: design and develop
- Adapted from the Australian model, the design group defines core domains for Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Technical specifications and testing begin for adult indicators.
2007–2009
Phase 2: live test
- Nine DHBs and NGO partners selected to contribute data and participate in the first national benchmarking forum.
2009–2010
Phase 3: implementation
- All DHBs join with their NGO partners to adopt KPI benchmarking across adult mental health services.
2010–2014
Phase 4: operationalisation
- Six-monthly adult benchmarking forums are established.
- Child and youth stream launched.
2015–2020
Phase 5: business as usual
- KPI Programme moves from project to business-as-usual.
- Development of forensic work stream and possible forensic indicators begins.
- NGO Benchmarking Club created in partnership with Platform Trust.
2020
Transition
- KPI Programme moves to new host, Te Pou (part of the Wise Group).
- Ministry of Health extends funding to develop forensic indicators for adult and youth streams and invests in strengthening the NGO benchmarking stream.
- Lived experience partnership is formalised and embedded into the programme.
2020–2023
Re-focus
- COVID-19 pandemic moves delivery of the KPI Programme online.
- Workforce focus groups tell the KPI Programme team, “we want fewer indicators that are more meaningful”.
- Updated KPI Programme website launched. Six indicators identified, each with multiple data dashboard views and navigation.
- Inpatient forensic dashboards created for seclusion and wait times.
- Regular Benchmarking Breakout sessions begin – services connect nationally to share and learn from each other.
2023–2025
Embed
- NGO benchmarking group rejuvenated – private dashboards created to serve this group.
- Annual in-person benchmarking forums resume.
- Indicator improvements ongoing, based on sector feedback.
- KPI Programme website refreshed.
- Regular online connection provides a space for the mental health and addiction workforce to reflect and encourage a continuous quality improvement mindset.
