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Published: 22 May, 2026

mental health as part of the same story, not two separate ones. Recognising that connection means designing climate policy and planning with young people, not just for them, and making sure support, community connection, and a sense of agency for our rangatahi are integral to the way Aotearoa New Zealand responds.

Published: May 2026

This report and infographic on the state of wellbeing, and priorities to support greater wellbeing for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, was published in May 2024. Assessment of youth and rangatahi wellbeing and access to services infographic This quantitative assessment of mental health and wellbeing

Published: May 2026

outcomes. Inequities in mental health and wellbeing outcomes are strongly linked to wider social, economic and cultural factors, for example, access to adequate income or housing. We call on government to commit to consistent, nation-wide support to improve physical health, social connection, and

Published: 10 March, 2026

their friends, sending messages and sharing content, and accessing interest-based communities and support groups. Having access to safe online spaces is linked to greater wellbeing, reduced depression, decreased loneliness, and increased positive emotions. This is especially the case for young people

Published: May 2026

over the past decade. The research is clear that supporting young people earlier, before distress escalates, can reduce the long-term impacts on their mental health, wellbeing, education, employment, and family outcomes. It also reduces the demand on the mental health system which is under pressure

Published: 20 April, 2026

persistent inequities for Māori and Pacific peoples that must be addressed. “We need to see a shift in the system to ensure human rights are upheld in practice. A new Mental Health Act is needed to support the reduction and ultimately the end of seclusion and enable clear pathways for safe and

Published: 7 May, 2026

extreme weather events in recent years, and we can expect mental distress and harm from problematic substance use to increase after future events. These events take a heavy toll on people and communities, and the impacts can last well beyond the initial emergency. “Mental health support must be included

Published: 25 February, 2026

We’ve put the key mental health and substance use findings from the NZ Health Survey 2024/2025 into an easy-to-read summary. This information is intended to be used as evidence to support planning and investment, and to direct resources where they are most needed to improve mental health and

Published: 10 December, 2020

framework. The framework will support the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission’s function to monitor mental health services and addiction services and will be used to advocate for improvements to those services. This function was transferred from the Health and Disability Commissioner Act

Published: March 2026

A think tank convened by Te Hiringa Mahara created space for ‘blue sky’ thinking about the future role primary and community care can play in supporting people with mental health and substance use needs. To share the outcome of the think tank workshop held in August 2025, we have published a short