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Published: 25 July, 2023

Many of you will know Barbara from the significant roles she has had in the mental health and addiction sector over the years, including the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction in 2018. We will welcome Barbara at our next meeting.

Published: 1 February, 2024

All public sector agencies and Crown Entities are required to produce a BIM following a general election. The document is being proactively released to promote openness and transparency in how we work with Ministers. You can read the BIM on our Ministerial reports page  

Published: 14 June, 2021

  “With her broad experience and deep understanding of how the health system works, Karen will bring fresh eyes to this part of the sector.

Published: 30 June, 2022

Coercive practises also include influencing decision making in a particular direction and denying fully informed consent.

Published: 2 September, 2025

   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.

Published: January 2026

Call them for free on 0800 555 050 or visit their website to email or live chat. Making a complaint about us or our work Te Hiringa Mahara is committed to providing quality reporting, advice, and communications about mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa to the public and all our stakeholders.

Published: December 2025

This includes extensive engagement with mental health and addiction sector, iwi, kaupapa Māori providers, government, NGOs, government agencies, and lived experience communities.

Published: 17 June, 2020

“He Ara Oranga called upon leaders to transform the mental health and addiction sector so that we’re supporting a wellbeing system – one that responds to peoples’ unique needs, no matter who they are or where they live,” says Mr Wano.

Published: 20 April, 2026

“Behind this Bill are 5000 voices who shared their experiences during the government’s Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction back in 2018,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Director of Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Sonya Russell.

Published: 6 July, 2026

"This updated law provides greater human rights protection for people receiving compulsory care," said Sonya Russell, Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership.