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Published: 9 April, 2025

move ahead when they are ready. In areas where improvements can be introduced now, there is the opportunity for people in need to be better supported by a health response. People need to have confidence in the plans and implementation approach.  It is important that NZ Police and HealthNZ Te Whatu

Published: 5 July, 2022

Hayden Wano said the new name embraced the Commission’s role as the kaitiaki of mental health and wellbeing and was an expression of the commitment to being an organisation grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.   “We started by making a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving mental

Published: 25 March, 2026

the Government’s  progress to improve access overall, there remains a long way to go when it comes to young people,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Director of Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership Sonya Russell. “When young people need support, we must make sure they get the help they need before

Published: July 2025

joining our lived experience mailing list advocating together to bring about change sharing your views, experiences and hopes for the future when we are monitoring parts of the mental health, addiction and wellbeing system.

Published: 18 February, 2025

. “Rangatahi and young people aged under 25 make up over 10,000 of the 16,000 fewer people being seen. This requires urgent attention.” “We want to see improved access so people get timely support when they need it.” The reasons behind a reduction in access to services were reported in our 2024 Kua

Published: 10 July, 2025

assessment released on 25 June is our first assessment comparing the status of wellbeing for people who interact with mental health and addiction services when compared compared to the rest of the population. It found that people who interact with mental health and addiction services experience systemic

Published: 11 June, 2025

same ends. An important step is for the Government’s new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy to reflect this thinking.” “We can’t rely on small changes to improve outcomes for people – it will take commitment to changes across the board. We want to see outcomes achieved when we look back at the 10

Published: 29 May, 2025

years there has been a drop in the number of people accessing treatment and support. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is concerned that people may not be able to access support when they need it,” said Sonya Russell, Director Mental Health and Addiction System Leadership.   In 2023

Published: 4 November, 2025

crisis response system are often delivered as standalone services or locally driven initiatives. There are proven approaches that need to be scaled-up nationwide, such as 24/7 access to phone-based crisis support, to ensure people get access to crisis support when and where they need it.  Our reporting

Published: 16 June, 2022

are trained in intentional peer support. Furthermore, a warm, home-like setting often has a positive calming effect and levels of distress, and risk, are often reduced when people are able to receive services, care and support in these environments. It is our strong view that such services should be