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Published: 31 March, 2026

times, more likely to be placed in seclusion (solitary confinement) than non-Māori and non-Pacific peoples, which remains a stark indicator of entrenched inequities within the system. “Today’s report provides an unprecedented level of detail, and clearly shows Māori continue to be

Published: 20 April, 2026

, we have not seen movement in this critical area. “Behind this Bill are 5000 voices who shared their experiences during the government’s Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction back in 2018,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Director of Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Sonya Russell. “The

Published: 2 February, 2022

and wider wellbeing outcomes, and for cross-agency efforts to be monitored.   “Such a strategy would go a long way towards making the issue of mental health more visible in our society. There also needs to be strong collaboration between health agencies and other agencies on the

Published: 6 October, 2022

health response, and for encouraging empathy, but we know that some communities experienced poorer wellbeing across a range of measures. If our understanding of peoples’ experience of wellbeing is monolithic, that we are all roughly the same, we miss the opportunity to understand and support

Published: 2 September, 2025

improvements.   Our panelists were: Sonya Russell, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Hinengaro, Waranga | Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Ruth Borrett, Chief Operating Officer, Ember Korowai Takitini. Ruth will be speaking about

Published: 23 May, 2024

analysis of well-established and respected data sources used across government to inform policy-making.  And a qualitative aspect which provides case studies of initiatives that are succeeding in promoting Pacific Peoples’ mental health and wellbeing, which may act as a model for future work

Published: 6 July, 2026

The final reading of the Mental Health Bill on Saturday 4 July marks a significant step forward to embedding a modern, human rights framework in our mental health and addiction system. "This updated law provides greater human rights protection for people receiving compulsory care," said Sonya

Published: 8 June, 2023

Pacific peoples’ connection – to family, community, culture and faith – has been a key source of strength and resilience in the pandemic. This is according to today’s Te Hiringa Mahara – the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report  Pacific connectedness and wellbeing in the pandemic&nbsp

Published: 10 July, 2023

law is re-written we expect it to be in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights and best practice so people are supported to make decisions about their treatment. Because the new law won’t come into force for several years, we need changes to cultural and other practices to be made now,” Mr Wano said.  Read the report  

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