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Published: February 2026

critical to transforming models of care and addressing wider workforce shortages. There is huge potential for further development of the Māori lived experience workforce, who bring a Te Ao Māori perspective, which incorporates mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and kawa. Peer support is often

Published: 29 June, 2023

to draw on this workforce’s unique first-hand understanding of distress, addiction and recovery, and to substantially grow and better support this crucial workforce.  “There is a strong case for the peer workforce to play a greater role in supporting people experiencing mental distress or

Published: 21 March, 2024

The announcement today by the Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey that a new mental health and addiction peer support service will be set up in hospital emergency departments is a positive move.   “People who are experiencing mental distress who arrive at an emergency department will

Published: January 2026

options for non-Māori. We are already seeing changes, but we need to see more Currently, Access and Choice allocates 20% of ringfenced funding for Kaupapa Māori services, which is heading in the right direction. Increases in future years for Kaupapa Māori services will contribute significantly towards

Published: 16 June, 2026

This report assesses how the mental health and addiction system is performing to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes for tāngata whaiora and whānau. Progress is reported on six key system shifts that, taken together, would transform the mental health and addiction system. The six shifts

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: May 2026

In this new report we have sought to identify the factors that are associated with improved mental wellbeing outcomes for tāngata whaiora. Published May 2026. Report Wellbeing assessment: people who interact with mental health and addiction services (2025) Our first assessment comparing status of

Published: 10 March, 2026

In this article Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive, outlines what needs to be done to promote online safety for rangatahi and young people.  Online spaces are now integrated into many young people’s lives, and Aotearoa New Zealand has some of the highest rates of youth engagement in online media

Published: 7 May, 2026

as essential to climate response and recovery,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Chief Executive, Karen Orsborn.  “Support for those already facing inequities, such as people and whānau with lived experience of distress, is critical. Further, timely access to mental health and addiction services should

Published: June 2026

Better mental health and wellbeing for our people Te Hiringa Mahara - Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is a kaitiaki of mental health and wellbeing. We contribute to better and equitable mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our work News and resources