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Published: 15 April, 2026

public involvement essential. “This strategy will guide priorities and actions through to 2036, so it is imperative it reflects the realities and needs of those it is intended to serve,” says Te Hiringa Mahara CEO, Karen Orsborn.  “We and others have long called for a dedicated strategy, and it

Published: 31 March, 2026

Following the release of the Office of the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Regulatory Report today, Te Hiringa Mahara is renewing its call for improvements to address concerning trends for Māori and Pacific peoples. The report shows Māori are 6.6 times, and Pacific peoples are 1.7

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: 10 October, 2022

Te Hiringa Mahara is producing a series of short reports during 2022 and 2023 to add our collective understanding of the wellbeing impacts of the pandemic and to provide key insights on wellbeing areas or populations of focus. Media reporting of COVID-19 Our first report Media reporting of COVID-19

Published: 4 January, 2023

Te Hiringa Mahara congratulates our Board Chair Hayden Wano on being made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in the New Year’s Honours List 2023, for his service to Māori health. The award reflects Mr Wano’s 40 years-plus health sector experience in mental health, community and medical

Published: 29 June, 2023

The significant contribution made by peer support workers in the mental health and addiction system is highlighted in a new insights paper released today by Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.   The findings of the Peer Support Workforce Insight Paper include calls

Published: 10 December, 2020

The consultation phase to provide feedback on the development of a framework to monitor mental health services and addiction services is now closed. The Initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission provided people with an opportunity to have their say on the He Ara Āwhina service-level monitoring

Published: 20 May, 2025

are failing to address well-established high rates of suicide and mental distress among our young people as a nation. There is overwhelming evidence to show that psychological distress and mental wellbeing for young people is declining over time. New Zealand’s high suicide rates was one of the

Published: 2 February, 2022

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission has presented at an oral hearing on its recent submission on the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill. Speaking after the hearing, the Chair of the Commission Hayden Wano welcomed the opportunity to present on changes currently proposed by the Bill, and

Published: 24 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