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Published: 6 October, 2022

A narrow focus on mental health may prevent us from understanding the broader wellbeing impacts of COVID-19 in Aotearoa, Te Hiringa Mahara – the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission - has found in its first report on the impact of the pandemic on wellbeing. “For people to flourish and experience

Published: January 2026

In 2025 we finalised an updated organisational strategy. This covers the four years to 2029 and sets out how we will achieve our vision and mission. The 2025-2029 Statement of Intent reflects this refreshed direction. Agreement to a new strategy followed a thorough review process, consultation and

Published: 14 June, 2021

Commission set to move forward on advancing Aotearoa’s wellbeing agenda The Chair of the Commission Board, Hayden Wano, has today announced the appointment of its new Tumu Whakarae - Chief Executive for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Karen Orsborn steps into the Chief Executive role

Published: 13 December, 2023

Te Hiringa Mahara Chief Executive Karen Orsborn shares highlights from our 2022-23 Annual Report. In our second full year we have ramped up our efforts as kaitiaki of mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa. In this short note I am sharing some of the highlights from the 2022-23 year, with our full

Published: February 2026

greatest extent possible. We submitted on the Mental Health Bill, introduced into Parliament in October 2024. Download and read our full submission on the Mental Health Bill (2024) (PDF 284KB)       Summary of our submission on the Mental Health Bill This Mental Health Bill is a step

Published: July 2024

But there has been deterioration in youth mental wellbeing and determinants of wellbeing in recent years. Compared to older age groups, young people fared worse on several determinants of wellbeing. There are systemic inequities for disabled and LGBTQIA+ young people. Māori self-determination is

Published: 16 June, 2022

In early June we provided an article on coercive practices to the New Zealand Herald for consideration as part of its Great Minds campaign on mental health. The article, by our Chief Executive Karen Orsborn, pointed out that coercive practices continue in Aotearoa New Zealand despite evidence they

Published: January 2026

Our leadership team provides strategic guidance for Te Hiringa Mahara -- Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. The team includes Chief Executive, Karen Orsborn, and four directors who are responsible for our core workstreams.  Karen Orsborn, Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive Karen is the Chief

Published: 13 December, 2022

Older people have contributed greatly to their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic whilst managing increased loneliness and a range of other challenges. This is according to today’s Te Hiringa Mahara – the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report  ​ The impact of COVID-19 on the

Published: January 2026

published in the government gazette . Our Board must make sure that it effectively seeks and understands the views of Māori as tāngata whenua, of people with lived experience of mental distress or addiction (or both) and the people who support them, as well as Pacific people, and other groups and