Judith Collins says she's "staggered" at the Government's "incompetence" in the mental health area.
Just five beds have been added to the country's mental health services in the past two years, despite a $1.9 billion injection in the 2019 Budget.
Health Minister Andrew Little has already admitted it's not acceptable, ordering an independent stocktake to "find out exactly how decisions have been made, where we're at, how far we have to go". Finance Minister Grant Robertson told Newshub it's "disappointing".
Questions in Parliament revealed just $541,000 of the allocated capital spending budget has been spent - 0.2 percent.
"Not only have they let down New Zealanders, but they promised New Zealanders so much," Collins told The AM Show on Wednesday. "You saw it with Mike King - he's just given up on them."
King, a comedian-turned-mental health campaigner, returned his New Zealand Order of Merit medal last week in protest at the lack of progress.
Collins said she will be taking up the issue with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday. Ardern in Parliament on Tuesday talked up the Government's efforts to date, saying they had to "build from scratch in some areas" after the previous National-led Government did little.
"The member may like to reflect on her own time in office as to why we have had to do that," Ardern said, adding that she "totally reject[s] the member's suggestion that nothing has happened in this space".
"It takes time to build from nothing."
Collins wasn't impressed, saying she was "staggered at their incompetence".
"All I got yesterday was a lot of fluff, a lot of handwringing, a lot of waving around and a lot of accusations. I want some answers for New Zealanders."
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584