Search

Published: 24 July, 2024

documenting the harms that have impacted the lives of thousands of New Zealanders, but to also recognise and understand the subsequent trauma and distress that people live with as a result.   We acknowledge the pain, loss and anger of those who contributed their voices to this inquiry and

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: 25 August, 2022

The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Bill, intended to strengthen the oversight of Oranga Tamariki and improve the care and support provided to young people in care, has passed its third reading in Parliament. Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and

Published: 20 April, 2026

, we have not seen movement in this critical area. “Behind this Bill are 5000 voices who shared their experiences during the government’s Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction back in 2018,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Director of Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Sonya Russell. “The

Published: 29 October, 2024

passed into law with unanimous support from MPs. When the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill was introduced in October 2021, we advocated for the inclusion of a mental health and addiction strategy under the legislation. While six other strategies were specified, mental health and addiction was not included

Published: 18 August, 2022

Transforming the mental health and addiction system must remain a priority as Aotearoa New Zealand continues to deal with the fallout from the pandemic, writes Karen Orsborn. COVID-19 is one of the most significant societal events many of us will experience in our lives. It is not over yet

Published: 3 December, 2025

Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission has legal functions and powers, including the mandate to make recommendations. With any recommendations we make, we are committed to following up on progress towards and assessing achievement of them. This public accountability mechanism

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: 14 February, 2023

of rural communities in Aotearoa New Zealand . Around 16% of the population live in rural areas, and around 35% in total live outside of large urban areas - these figures are higher for Māori. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated pre-existing challenges and has had large impacts on

Published: 30 November, 2022

allocated to the priority initiative in the 2019 Wellbeing Budget. “We are past the halfway point of the programme, and now is a good time to pause and reflect on whether the investment into community and primary care is paying the dividends identified in He Ara Oranga ,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Chair