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Published: 3 April, 2025

  At the five- year mark, the Access and Choice Programme has proved to be a valuable addition to the mental health, addiction and wellbeing support services available to people throughout the country. Today Te Hiringa Mahara – the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission released a report that

Published: September 2023

and anyone is in immediate physical danger, phone 111. Alternatively, you can go to your nearest hospital emergency department (ED). For urgent help, mental health crisis services, or medical advice Phone your local Mental Health Crisis Assessment Team  if you are concerned about a person’s

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: 4 July, 2024

The announcement of targets to address wait times and workforce pressures across the mental health and addiction system has been welcomed by Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. “Access to appropriate services when and where they are needed is very important to people seeking

Published: February 2026

co-define phase beginning in October 2020, the co-development phase, and the methods and measurement phase. Guide to language in He Ara Āwhina Read more about our guide to language in He Ara Āwhina. We created a framework called He Ara Āwhina, which means pathways to support. He Ara Āwhina was

Published: 4 November, 2025

Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, is calling for a cohesive national mental health crisis response system by June 2027. “A highly effective crisis response system is at the heart of mental health and addiction services. When people are in crisis it is often where the

Published: 21 March, 2024

The announcement today by the Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey that a new mental health and addiction peer support service will be set up in hospital emergency departments is a positive move.   “People who are experiencing mental distress who arrive at an emergency department will

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

Published: 8 April, 2026

Consultation by the Ministry of Health on the first, national Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy began on 8 April 2026. We would like everyone to share their views and make their voices heard. Te Hiringa Mahara has provided independent advice to the Minister for Mental Health on the development

Published: 10 March, 2026

In this article Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive, outlines what needs to be done to promote online safety for rangatahi and young people.  Online spaces are now integrated into many young people’s lives, and Aotearoa New Zealand has some of the highest rates of youth engagement in online media