Leading conversations about safety, risk and mental health: Summary of engagement insights downloads

A new paper summarising engagement by Te Hiringa Mahara in 2026 that explored how agencies and groups understand current issues in relation to safety, risk and mental health; the need for multiple meaningful conversations about this topic; and opportunities to support positive change with collective action.

The paper summarises what we heard from agencies and groups based on their roles and work. We have analysed this feedback and drawn conclusions about what the next steps are.

The areas we have identified where further discussion could focus are: 

• building a shared understanding of mental health risk and safety
• developing shared language 
• exploring what it will take to move towards healing, learning, accountability, culturally grounded, and rights-based approaches.

In the first half of 2027, Te Hiringa Mahara will clarify the role we can take to advance national conversations on safety, risk and mental health.