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Published: 30 April, 2026

Zealand Health Survey found 1 in 5 of 15–24-year-olds experienced high to very high psychological distress. Primary and specialist mental health and addiction services cannot meet need at this scale.  “We know that without easy-to-access support, early distress can lead to long lasting negative

Published: January 2026

  We are advocating for change from a coercive to a choice-based mental health system. The changes we are calling for can be made now. Repeal and replace the Mental Health Act New legislation must be co-designed with people with lived experience of compulsory treatment, uphold Te Tiriti o

Published: 30 September, 2024

New Zealand is a step closer to getting accurate information about the level of mental health need in the community. Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health, announced on 26 September that the Government will fund the first Child and Youth Mental Health and Addiction Prevalence survey. This is in

Published: 22 September, 2021

Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission welcomes release of Kia Manawanui as we lead our agenda to support transformation The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission welcomes today’s release of Kia Manawanui Aotearoa , the government’s long-term pathway to mental wellbeing, by Minister of Health, Hon

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: 5 June, 2024

Data and insights from our 2024 mental health and addiction service monitoring report is presented in four  easy to read infographics.   You can also read the full Kua Tīmata Te Haerenga | The Journey has Begun report , accompanying Voices report or visit the updated He Ara

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: 20 April, 2026

It is one year since the Mental Health Bill was returned to Parliament for its second reading, and Te Hiringa Mahara is calling on the Government to ensure this is passed into law this year. On 17 April 2025, the Health Select Committee handed the Bill back to Parliament to be finalised. Since then

Published: January 2026

populations who are at greater risk of experiencing poorer mental health and wellbeing. Board members are appointed for their governance and mental health and wellbeing sector expertise but do not act as representatives or advocates for specific communities. They do, of course, draw on their perspectives

Published: 20 May, 2025

Gains – Child Wellbeing at Risk in an Unpredictable World .  Recent findings from the new UNICEF report show worsening youth mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is not new information but seeing how we measure up internationally clearly tells us that we are simply not doing enough. We