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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: 2 September, 2025

Te Hiringa Mahara hosted a webinar exploring effective crisis response models based on our recently released Crisis response literature scan held on 24 September 2025. The session provided an overview of the literature scan and featured speakers showcasing examples of crisis response in practice

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: 16 June, 2026

As an integral part of our advocacy work, Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission often comments on and makes recommendations in response to consultation documents, regulations, draft bills, and regulations that may impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people in Aotearoa

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: 4 November, 2025

Crisis responses are a critical part of an effective mental health system, and we are calling for a nationally cohesive approach to crisis responses to be developed by June 2027. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have a collection of services with components that are working well. Elements of a good

Published: August 2025

Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is a kaitiaki (guardian) of mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our history We were established as a result of He Ara Oranga, the 2018 inquiry into mental health and addiction , as an independent Crown entity at arms-length

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: 11 May, 2023

Māori-led initiatives played a key role in protecting the health and wellbeing of communities, supporting connection with individuals and whānau, and sharing information and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is according to today’s Te Hiringa Mahara – the Mental Health and Wellbeing

Published: 30 November, 2022

Considerable progress has been made with the Access and Choice programme rollout over the last year, despite significant challenges for the primary care and mental health and addiction sectors in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is according to the second report on the programme by Te