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Published: 15 April, 2026

and for those communities.  “We also need to see stronger action to address the underlying drivers of mental distress, particularly for young people, where demand and unmet need continue to grow. To support meaningful engagement, Te Hiringa Mahara has released advice to help New Zealanders make

Published: 8 April, 2026

of the strategy. This was provided in May and June 2025, and then in February 2026. In the interest of transparency, and to support the development of the Strategy, that advice is now publicly available in the links below.    In May 2025, we told the Minister and Ministry that the

Published: 10 December, 2020

framework. The framework will support the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission’s function to monitor mental health services and addiction services and will be used to advocate for improvements to those services. This function was transferred from the Health and Disability Commissioner Act

Published: 31 March, 2026

Mahara called for an end to seclusion in Aotearoa, and a significant reduction, and eventual phase‑out, of compulsory community treatment orders. “We must move away from coercive responses to mental distress and invest in approaches that are early, supportive, and, most importantly, grounded in

Published: 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

Published: January 2026

This report and infographic on the state of wellbeing, and priorities to support greater wellbeing for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, was published in May 2024. Assessment of youth and rangatahi wellbeing and access to services infographic This quantitative assessment of mental health and wellbeing

Published: 10 March, 2026

friends, sending messages and sharing content, and accessing interest-based communities and support groups. Having access to safe online spaces is linked to greater wellbeing, reduced depression, decreased loneliness, and increased positive emotions. This is especially the case for young people

Published: January 2026

and equitable mental health and wellbeing outcomes. He Ara Āwhina (Pathways to Support) Monitoring framework provides the foundation for this work. She leads relationships across the health and community sectors at all levels, working collaboratively with tāngata whaiora, those with lived

Published: January 2026

Waitangi, human rights and supported decision making. The process to repeal and replace the Mental Health Act is underway but will take years to be agreed and implemented. We don’t have to wait for changes to be made now. Make changes in practice now Implement cultural and other practice changes in

Published: February 2026

co-define phase beginning in October 2020, the co-development phase, and the methods and measurement phase. Guide to language in He Ara Āwhina Read more about our guide to language in He Ara Āwhina. We created a framework called He Ara Āwhina, which means pathways to support. He Ara Āwhina was