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Published: May 2026

over the past decade. The research is clear that supporting young people earlier, before distress escalates, can reduce the long-term impacts on their mental health, wellbeing, education, employment, and family outcomes. It also reduces the demand on the mental health system which is under pressure

Published: 20 April, 2026

persistent inequities for Māori and Pacific peoples that must be addressed. “We need to see a shift in the system to ensure human rights are upheld in practice. A new Mental Health Act is needed to support the reduction and ultimately the end of seclusion and enable clear pathways for safe and

Published: 7 May, 2026

extreme weather events in recent years, and we can expect mental distress and harm from problematic substance use to increase after future events. These events take a heavy toll on people and communities, and the impacts can last well beyond the initial emergency. “Mental health support must be included

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: 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

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: 24 June, 2026

to help decision-makers focus effort and investment where it can make the greatest difference, so people and whānau can get support earlier, closer to home, and in ways that work for them.' 'The mental health system cannot solve these issues on its own, but it must play its part well.' 'The roadmap

Published: June 2026

who need it the most. Progress has been inconsistent across the six shifts we monitor. We are calling for better and equitable outcomes for Māori at all levels of the system, and more focus on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Find out more   Improving wellbeing