Ko wai mātou Who we are
Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is a kaitiaki (guardian) of mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our history
We were established as a result of He Ara Oranga, the 2018 inquiry into mental health and addiction, as an independent Crown entity at arms-length from the government of the day. An Initial Commission was set-up in November 2019 to start on high priority projects and begin setting up the new organisation.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Act 2020 was passed in June 2020, and we began to fulfil our new legislative functions in February 2021. Functions of the Mental Health Commissioner transferred to the new organisation at this time.
In July 2022 we adopted the name Te Hiringa Mahara to reflect the positive energy, confidence and strength to embody who we are. The new name was celebrated as part of a brand launch at a special gathering in Wellington.
Our objective is to contribute to better and equitable mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all people in Aotearoa. We perform an enduring role in transforming Aotearoa New Zealand's approach to mental health and wellbeing.
Our commitments
We commit to being an organisation grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitang. Our Tauākī ki te Tiriti Māori guides our work to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori and whānau. This is front and centre of who we are and what we do.
We are committed to prioritising the voices of people who experience mental distress or substance harm and advocating for their needs and aspirations.
Looking to the future
Following our strategy refresh over the previous year, we heard clear messages about what people want from the mental health and addiction system and our role within it. Our strategy for the next four years from July 2025 brings a sharper focus on people who experience mental distress or addiction, improving the services and supports they need.
Our approach will be guided by three key shifts: a much clearer focus on people with lived experience of mental distress or addiction, using our knowledge and insights to promote alignment and guide positive change across the system, and stepping up into our system leadership role.
Building on our strong foundations as a kaitiaki of mental health and wellbeing, we will bring a stronger view of system performance as we work towards our vision of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand thriving together.
Key documents
Te Tauāki ki te Titiri o Waitangi, July 2025
Lived Experience position statement, July 2025