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Published: 27 October, 2022

services. “As the Commission notes, the arrival of the Omicron variant has exposed long-standing, fundamental weaknesses in our health system. There is little capacity in the mental health system to cope with shocks, there are entrenched inequities in access to services and better outcomes experienced by

Published: September 2023

are feeling, there is someone to talk to and free help is available. People are here for you if you just want to seek advice around how to support people that you’re worried about. Whatever support you’re looking for, there is a variety of online tools and helplines. If it is an emergency situation

Published: 11 June, 2025

Mental Health and Addiction (He Ara Oranga Report). The new report describes progress using data taken from a variety of sources. This first report is an initial step assessing performance and will be further refined in coming years. We will continue monitoring system performance and recommend

Published: February 2026

, particularly for Māori and young people. The system is under significant pressure, with longer wait times for crisis phone lines, people staying longer in services than five years ago and increased complexity of distress and needs. Crisis responses vary across the country, and in some areas, there

Published: 30 June, 2022

, whānau, and commissioners or service providers, where power imbalances are acknowledged and minimised. Culturally safe Supports and services are experienced as safe by tāngata whaiora and whānau from diverse cultures.  Support is provided in ways that respects and values different worldviews and

Published: 30 September, 2025

As an integral part of our advocacy work, Te Hiringa Mahara often comments on and makes recommendations in response to consultation documents, regulations, draft bills, and regulations that may impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people in Aotearoa.

Published: 15 April, 2026

A once‑in‑a‑decade Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy has been released for public consultation, and Te Hiringa Mahara is calling on New Zealanders to help shape the final document.

Published: 10 December, 2020

The Initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission provided people with an opportunity to have their say on the He Ara Āwhina service-level monitoring framework.

Published: 31 March, 2026

Commenting on the Office of the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Regulatory Report (1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024) released today, Te Hiringa Mahara pointed to entrenched inequities within the system. Māori continue to be disproportionately subjected to some of the most harmful practices in our mental health system.

Published: March 2026

This short paper captures outcome of the think tank held in August 2025 to explore the future roles of primary and community care play in supporting people with mental health and substance use needs.