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Published: May 2026

, particularly for Māori and young people. The system is under significant pressure, with longer wait times for crisis phone lines, people staying longer in services than five years ago and increased complexity of distress and needs. Crisis responses vary across the country, and in some areas, there are

Published: 20 May, 2025

principles. We acknowledge the Committee’s work to achieve agreement on the proposed changes. Their efforts and engagement with complex issues in mental health law and practice, weighing up different perspectives and values, are a sign of democracy at work. At the same time, significant issues

Published: 13 December, 2023

New Zealand’s first Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey, has a big job ahead of him. Te Hiringa Mahara | Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission chair Hayden Wano outlines our top priorities to transform our mental health and addiction system.  The announcement that New Zealand will have

Published: April 2026

data summary on addiction specialist services shows a declining number of people using these services alongside signals of service constraints such as declined referrals and wait times. The data summary on mental health and addiction services put the declining number of people accessing specialist

Published: 25 February, 2026

addiction outcomes. Overall, the data shows an increase in psychological distress, and unmet need for mental health and substance use care remaining similar to the previous year. Hazardous drinking has continued to decrease. In general, findings show significant disparities for disabled adults and Māori

Published: February 2026

Peer support workforce paper 2023 Read and download our Peer support workforce paper 2023 about the critical role of the peer workforce in enabling recovery, improving hope and in transforming the landscape of mental health and addiction services. Report This paper shows the critical role of the

Published: 8 August, 2025

addiction outcomes. Overall, the data shows an increase in psychological distress, and unmet need for mental health and addiction care. While hazardous drinking has decreased, problematic use of illicit substances has not. In general, findings show significant disparities for disabled adults and Māori and

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: 5 May, 2023

Te Hiringa Mahara has produced 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. Exercising rangatiratanga during the COVID-19 pandemic This report

Published: 25 August, 2022

that determine their wellbeing, as we work towards long-term transformation of mental health, addiction and wellbeing systems in Aotearoa New Zealand.” The numbers of young people involved are significant, he said.  “There are 4,800 children and young people currently in the care and protection