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Published: 1 October, 2020

Work on He Ara Āwhina began with the Initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission (Initial Commission) in October 2020. Find more information about the He Ara Āwhina framework here . Co-define phase October 2020 – February 2021 The Initial Commission sought feedback on why we should monitor

Published: February 2026

Wellbeing assessment: People who interact with mental health and addiction services | June 2025 Our wellbeing assessment shows people who interact with mental health and addiction services face significantly greater barriers to wellbeing compared to those who don’t. Mental health and addiction

Published: 4 November, 2025

, Director, Take Notice Dr Leeanne Fisher, National Chief Mental Health and Addiction, Heath New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora The session was chaired by Dr Barbara Disley, Te Hiringa Mahara board member. This webinar was the third in a series we have run covering the Commission's work programme examining

Published: 26 August, 2025

This crisis response literature scan reviews international and Aotearoa evidence on crisis responses for the general population, Indigenous communities, and youth. It highlights shared principles, key differences, and what is working well. The scan finds that international system-wide models show

Published: February 2026

focusing on our legislated priority groups. The purpose of this summary is to provide a synthesis of key mental health and substance use findings from the NZ Health Survey. We want to maximise available evidence to drive improved decision making. Our aim is for this information to be used for

Published: 27 June, 2023

The report provides an overview of investment into kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services, sheds light on the significant disparities faced by Māori in mental health outcomes, and calls for the need for change to address these inequities.  It was released on 27 June 2023. Despite

Published: 5 July, 2022

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission has a new name – Te Hiringa Mahara.   The name, Te Hiringa Mahara – Te hinengaro tūmata tōrunga pai o te whakaaro nui (Igniting minds through positive energy and thoughtfulness), was unveiled at a ceremony in Wellington today.  Board Chair

Published: January 2024

whaiora and lived experience communities and provide advice across Te Hiringa Mahara. Our relationships We are growing our connections with lived experience networks, organisations and people, and are grateful for the contributions. Find out more about getting involved. Advancing lived experience

Published: April 2026

Ara Āwhina dashboard This dashboard pulls together data about many aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand’s mental health and addiction system. Updated April 2026. System performance monitoring The Commission's first Monitoring mental health and addiction system performance in Aotearoa New Zealand

Published: January 2026

have a seat at decision-making tables. Expand access to youth mental health and addiction services in all localities.  Eliminate admissions of rangatahi Māori and young people to adult in-patient mental health services.   Invest in youth specific acute options for rangatahi Māori and young people