Te Hiringa Mahara announces appointment of new Deputy Chair

A new Deputy Chair has been appointed to Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission board. Existing board member Tuari Potiki was recently welcomed to this position.  

“We are thrilled that Tuari has stepped into the Deputy Chair role. He brings passion, commitment, and deep knowledge from his broad range of roles across mental health and substance use sectors”, Dr Barbara Disley, Board Chair said. 

“He is a champion for equity, and his wide and deep community connections are a great asset for us in our work.” 

Tuari brings over 30 years of experience in the alcohol, drug, and mental health sector, contributing at all levels of sector development from his personal experience, to working as a clinician and involvement in strategic management. He joined the board in February 2022, and recently had his term extend through to 2030.  

In addition to his role with Te Hiringa Mahara, Tuari is Chair of the New Zealand Drug Foundation, former Chair of Needle Exchange Services Trust (NEST), and is a Board member of Te Rau Ora.

The new role follows former Deputy Chair, Dr Barbara Disley, being appointed Chair in July 2026.