Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission board appointments announced

The Minister for Mental Health Hon Matt Doocey has announced changes to the composition of the Board of Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.

The current chair Hayden Wano is standing down in July. The independent crown entity’s new chairperson is Dr Barbara Disley, and Dr Kelly Feng has been appointed as a new board member.

“The work of shifting the direction of the mental health system so it can deliver better and equitable outcomes is a significant task. I am happy to be handing over the reigns to a committed and experienced Board”, said outgoing chair, Hayden Wano QSO.

Dr Barbara Disley ONZM joined the Board in July 2023 and was appointed deputy chair in October 2025. Dr Disley has held significant roles in the mental health and addiction sector over the past 30 plus years, including being a member of the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction in 2018.

New Board member Dr Kelly Feng MNZM, Chief Executive for Asian Family Services, has trained in medicine and social work. Dr Feng has extensive experience in the mental health and addiction field since migrating from China to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2002.  She has been appointed on a five-year term and will be welcomed by the Board at the August meeting.

After leading the Board of the initial commission and subsequently being appointed chairperson in 2021, Hayden Wano has not sought reappointment as a board member.

“We owe a huge debt to Hayden for his leadership and the inspiration he has provided. He has built on a life’s work growing services in Taranaki, including 25 years leading Māori health provider Tui Ora, and brought this experience to the national stage”, said incoming chairperson Dr Barbara Disley.

“As we pause to acknowledge Hayden’s contributions, we note the forward looking and solution focused vision he has instilled in the organisation. This is something we are committed to maintaining”.

Reflecting back over his term Mr Wano says that the organisation has had a big impact in the five and a half years it has been around.

“During my time as Chair I’ve been proud to work with a Board that’s actively fulfilled its legislative mandate. It’s been my privilege to serve tāngata whaiora, tāngata mātau ā-wheako, lived and living experience communities, and whānau,” Mr Wano said.  

“As I leave the governance table for Barbara and others to pick-up, I am confident in the Commission’s ability to deliver on its remit.”

“The experience that Barbara brings to Te Hiringa Mahara, spanning leadership and governance roles both nationally and internationally, will ensure the organisation continues to have a demonstrable impact. I wish her all the very best over coming years.”

“I acknowledge the pivotal role that Chief Executive Karen Orsborn has played. She joined during the establishment phase and has built the organisation up from scratch. I am very pleased she recently agreed to extend her term at the helm for another three years.”

“The organisation is in very good health and geared up to continue having a significant impact for all people in Aotearoa New Zealand,” Mr Wano said.

The role of the Board is to provide strategic guidance and oversight of the Commission’s work and make sure that it performs it’s functions effectively and in a financially-responsible manner. Up to seven members are appointed by the Governor-General, under the Crown Entities Act 2004.