Child mistaken for adult mental health patient

The story so far

An 11-year-old girl was handcuffed and taken to a Waikato mental health facility after being mistaken for a woman in her 20s, in an incident on 9 March.^{25 Mar 2025} Health NZ apologised and launched an investigation, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the event extremely distressing.^{25 Mar 2025} Luxon said it took two weeks for the minister to be told about the incident, and he is seeking answers on why.^{25 Mar 2025} Mental Health Minister Matt Docey later said the child received at least two doses of antipsychotic medication after being admitted to the Hamilton facility.^{26 Mar 2025} Health New Zealand and police are investigating the incident.^{26 Mar 2025}

Latest

The minister has confirmed that the girl was given at least two doses of antipsychotic medication, and Health New Zealand and police are still investigating.^{26 Mar 2025} The Prime Minister has questioned why the minister was not told of the incident for two weeks.^{25 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 25 Mar 2025Girl handcuffed and admitted to mental health facility after being mistaken for adult; Health NZ apologises.
2. 25 Mar 2025Luxon questions why the minister took two weeks to be informed of the incident.
3. 26 Mar 2025Minister Docey confirms the child received at least two doses of antipsychotic medication.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.