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Published: January 2026

, young people are receiving fewer mental health medications. Our last year of reporting shows a decrease of young people being admitted to adult in-patient mental health services. There are increasing options for youth mental health services, such as telehealth, services provided through the Access and

Published: 30 April, 2026

Zealand Health Survey found 1 in 5 of 15–24-year-olds experienced high to very high psychological distress. Primary and specialist mental health and addiction services cannot meet need at this scale.  “We know that without easy-to-access support, early distress can lead to long lasting negative

Published: 5 July, 2022

intentionally taken time to get to know ourselves and develop our strategy since our establishment last year. This has helped us to reflect on the essence of who we are and what we stand for in our te Reo name.   “We are embarking on a challenging hikoi of transformation as we find our place in

Published: 29 October, 2024

Last week we welcomed the passing by Parliament of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Bill. This amendment requires that the Minister for Mental Health produce a mental health and wellbeing strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand within 12 months. The Bill was

Published: January 2026

rangatahi Māori and young people, it reflects the expressed concerns of young people over the last five years. To lift rangatahi Māori and young peoples’ wellbeing, we need to address the barriers they have identified, with the participation of rangatahi Māori and young people in all decisions that affect

Published: 20 May, 2025

people has not risen at the same level as other parts of the system. Youth-focused mental health services are important as young people are currently facing longer wait times for specialist mental health and addiction services. Over the last five years there has been a general decline in young people

Published: 20 May, 2025

principles. We acknowledge the Committee’s work to achieve agreement on the proposed changes. Their efforts and engagement with complex issues in mental health law and practice, weighing up different perspectives and values, are a sign of democracy at work. At the same time, significant issues

Published: January 2026

Wellbeing System Leadership and Insights Dr Ella Cullen is the Director Wellbeing System Leadership and Insights, with a focus on cross-government system leadership, monitoring, and advocacy to address determinants of improved individual and whānau mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Ella will lead

Published: 31 October, 2025

been appointed Deputy Chair for a five-year term. Two new members have been appointed: Josiah Tualamali’i and Rae Lamb. Two existing members have been reappointed: Professor Sunny Collings and Tuari Potiki. Wayne Langford, appointed in September 2024, will continues his term as a member. At the same

Published: 19 April, 2024

the workforce elements of the other strategies in the Act. We support the proposed requirement to consult with and have regard to our views when developing the Government Policy Statement on Health. We do not support the proposal to include the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission as a health