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Published: January 2026

Disability Commissioner (HDC). People who have concerns about the care they or others have experienced at a mental health or addiction service should contact the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service or make a complaint to the HDC. The Advocacy Service can help people with concerns about a provider or service – call them on freephone 0800 555 050 or visit their website  to email or live chat.

Published: 20 May, 2025

are failing to address well-established high rates of suicide and mental distress among our young people as a nation. There is overwhelming evidence to show that psychological distress and mental wellbeing for young people is declining over time. New Zealand’s high suicide rates was one of the

Published: 9 March, 2023

Executive Karen Orsborn. More than 20% of young people felt unsafe in their bubble at least some of the time. Young people identifying as rainbow, Māori, Pacific or having a disability were even more likely to report feeling unsafe within their bubbles.   “In addition, while the digital divide

Published: 27 June, 2024

recently, with 1 in 5 young people experiencing higher rates of psychological distress than other age groups. At the same time, young people are less likely to get professional help for their mental health needs when they need it,” said Dr Ella Cullen, Director Wellbeing Insights and Leadership, for Te

Published: 16 February, 2024

tailored for them,” Ms Orsborn said.    This report comes at a time when rangatahi and young people are experiencing higher rates of mental distress and longer wait times to access support. In the Commission’s recent Briefing to the Incoming Minister, we pointed to the need to expand access

Published: 13 December, 2023

on policy proposals and bills, such as the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill, Therapeutic Products Bill and Manatū Hauora policy proposal to repeal and replace the Mental Health Act.   We generated good coverage of the issues we’re working on in a variety of media outlets. Over the

Published: 22 March, 2023

; “Crises like the pandemic have shown us that re-establishing and strengthening the social infrastructure that supports connection and communities is key to supporting wellbeing,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Chief Executive Karen Orsborn.   “We can expect rates of distress and addiction to

Published: July 2024

Ara Āwhina to monitor access to mental health and addiction services and the service options available to people. Below we present the key findings for young people. Young people experienced higher rates of psychological distress and this has increased over time. Some young people can’t get mental

Published: 24 November, 2022

people. Between 2011 and 2021 the proportion of 15- to 24-year-olds reporting high levels of psychological distress grew from 5% to 19%. The report also found that our school bullying rates are the highest in the OECD. “This year, communities of young people have told us they are most concerned about

Published: April 2026

seen within three weeks. High inequity remains for Māori and Pacific peoples with higher rates of CCTO and seclusion. Capacity of the mental health and addictions system has increased with more staff employed since 2023 and decreased vacancy rates. Investment has increased, with a 49 per cent