Crisis response webinar: what makes an effective crisis response - insights from a literature scan
Te Hiringa Mahara hosted a webinar exploring effective crisis response models based on our recently released Crisis response literature scan.
The session provided an overview of the literature scan and featured speakers showcasing examples of crisis response in practice, including in peer-led services and co-response teams.
The webinar explored key principles for an effective crisis response system, including the benefits of national coordination, standards, and infrastructure, alongside the impact of kaupapa Māori and peer-led initiatives in Aotearoa.
This webinar forms part of the ongoing Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission programme of work examining effective crisis response systems, which will inform our upcoming monitoring report scheduled for publication in November 2025, and we expect to inform future service design and improvements.
Our panelists were:
- Sonya Russell, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Hinengaro, Waranga | Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission
- Ruth Borrett, Chief Operating Officer, Ember Korowai Takitini. Ruth will be speaking about Piri Pono, a peer led residential service located in Silverdale, Auckland. Piri Pono is one of the case studies in the literature scan.
- Inspector Matt Morris, Health Partnerships Team Manager, Prevention Team, NZ Police. Matt will be speaking about Wellington's co-response team, which is a case study from the literature scan.
The session was chaired by Dr Barbara Disley, Te Hiringa Mahara board member.
Download the Crisis responses to mental health and/or substance use: What works? A literature scan (August 2025)