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Published: 14 June, 2021

difference through small actions every day. One of the challenges we have, as a Commission and a mental health and wellbeing sector, is to balance long-term transformation with meeting critical needs for support and services right now, particularly for our children and young people,” says Karen Orsborn

Published: 25 June, 2020

1992 is underway and there is hope that this can take a rights-based approach built in partnership with people. New legislation won’t be transformative by itself, and must be supported by other changes, such as expanding access and increasing choice for mental health and addiction services

Published: January 2026

, insights, and expertise to inform Board discussions and decision-making. Hayden Wano, Chair Hayden is of Te Atiawa, Taranaki, and Ngāti Awa descent and has over 30 years' experience in senior health management. He is the former CEO of Tui Ora Limited, a position he held for 25 years, and was Chair

Published: 1 October, 2020

and Pacific communities. People told us: Support starts and continues with people and communities, not services. The former Mental Health Commissioner’s framework was viewed as being too narrow but was something that could be refined and built upon. The voices of Māori and tāngata whaiora are crucial

Published: February 2026

. Increasing the range of acute options provides people with viable and welcome alternatives that allow them to stay safe and supported in their local community during acute mental health events. A high-quality acute continuum of mental health care can provide a safety net for anyone who needs it

Published: November 2025

Aotearoa New Zealand’s approach to mental health and wellbeing. Kia Manawanui was released in 2021 and it is timely for Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission to consider if the right foundations have been put in place to deliver the medium and long-term changes. The cross-government

Published: 2 October, 2025

, Aotearoa. We will also continue to advocate for increasing the availability of resources, support and treatment options for people experiencing stress, distress, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.  Separate to this work, the Commission is considering how it can best contribute to monitoring

Published: 30 June, 2022

individuals. For example, when wāhine Māori experience discrimination, it is impossible to separate gender from Māori identity to isolate what identity is associated with the discrimination (Centre for Intersectional Justice, nd). Leadership roles (lived experience leadership roles; whānau leadership

Published: 10 March, 2026

spaces in the world. There is no turning back the clock. Yet the downsides of the online world for young people are well known and how to address these is now playing out on the international stage. With France recently following in Australia's footsteps by introducing an age-based ban on social

Published: 16 June, 2022

treatment is forceful and traumatising. There is no evidence that it is effective, and in fact it can be counter-productive in terms of treatment outcomes. He Ara Oranga, the 2018 Inquiry into mental health and addiction, called for a repeal and replacement of the Mental Health (Compulsory