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Published: 22 May, 2026

This week, Monday 18-Sun 24 May, is Youth Week in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a time to recognise both the wonderful and the challenging experiences of our rangatahi, and listen closely to what matters most to them. This year’s theme, “Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard | Taringa

Published: January 2026

mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our 2025-29 strategy responded describes three key shifts; we will have a much clearer focus on people with lived experience of mental distress or addiction through our work. We will utilise knowledge and insights to

Published: 22 September, 2021

, and bringing focus to the right things, meaningful change can happen on the ground.” Hayden Wano says the Commission Board has been calling for a clear implementation plan for the direction set by He Ara Oranga and wants to see five critical areas prioritised: upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and

Published: 8 December, 2021

Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report highlights need to listen to and work alongside people with highest need and those disproportionately experiencing inequity Te Rau Tira Wellbeing Outcomes Report 2021 [PDF, 9 MB]  found that most communities in Aotearoa New Zealand tend to

Published: 23 October, 2024

deserve in our Acute options for mental health care insights paper . While services are diverse, there are some key elements that contribute to their success. It is well known that the type of care someone experiences while in distress has a big impact on their recovery. People respond in very

Published: 20 May, 2025

people has not risen at the same level as other parts of the system. Youth-focused mental health services are important as young people are currently facing longer wait times for specialist mental health and addiction services. Over the last five years there has been a general decline in young people

Published: 20 May, 2025

In this article Sonya Russell, Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, outlines progress by Parliament to repeal and replace the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992.  With its 17 April report on the Mental Health Bill, the Health Select Committee has

Published: March 2024

into kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services, shed light on the significant disparities faced by Māori in mental health outcomes, and called for changes that are needed to address these inequities.   Hei taua huirangi ka tuku atu mātou i tētahi tirohanga whānui o ngā haumitanga

Published: 16 June, 2022

have no therapeutic value, and called for investment that will provide the choice of services needed to enhance safety for all. Karen Orsborn: Time to end coercive practices in mental health care OPINION: People in Aotearoa New Zealand experiencing significant mental distress continue to be subject

Published: January 2026

Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara. During 2020, Karen led the establishment of Te Hiringa Mahara as Head of Secretariat for the Initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Karen has held a variety of health management and leadership roles that focus on improving outcomes for people through working