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Published: 5 June, 2024

important questions about why there is a disconnect between an increasing need for mental health and addiction support and a decrease in people accessing specialist services. We continue to hear about barriers, such as long waiting lists, not knowing how or where to get support, the stigma of

Published: 19 April, 2024

) Amendment Bill are currently being considered by the Health Select Committee. Read our submission (PDF 175 KB) When the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill was introduced by the previous government in October 2021, we advocated for the inclusion of a mental health and addiction strategy under the legislation

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: 25 February, 2026

Te Hiringa Mahara is calling for increased urgency to improve access to specialist mental health and addiction services for young people after new analysis shows a continued reduction in the number of young people accessing services.   Despite 15-to-24 year-olds reporting increasing levels of

Published: February 2026

options for people with mild to moderate mental health and addiction needs. However, access to specialist services has decreased, with people reporting challenges accessing these services. These changes in service use are due to the increasing complexity of needs in those accessing specialist

Published: January 2026

  Māori, who make up 17% of the population and have higher rates of mental distress than other population groups, have been advocating for equitable funding for Kaupapa Māori services for decades.   What needs to change? We want to see: Equitable investment in Kaupapa Māori services

Published: 30 September, 2025

As an integral part of our advocacy work, Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission often comments on and makes recommendations in response to consultation documents, regulations, draft bills, and regulations that may impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people in Aotearoa

Published: 4 November, 2025

Crisis responses are a critical part of an effective mental health system, and we are calling for a nationally cohesive approach to crisis responses to be developed by June 2027. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have a collection of services with components that are working well. Elements of a good

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: 22 March, 2023

increase, and the support people need will be required for some time. We will need an immediate investment in local mental health and addiction services, which must not have a time limit on availability for people who need them.   “Social infrastructure should be prioritised – this includes