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Published: January 2026

  We are advocating for change from a coercive to a choice-based mental health system. The changes we are calling for can be made now. Repeal and replace the Mental Health Act New legislation must be co-designed with people with lived experience of compulsory treatment, uphold Te Tiriti o

Published: February 2026

: Our approach and initial findings report was released in June 2025. Urupare mōrearea: Crisis responses monitoring report This report focuses on crisis responses over a five-year period, from January 2020 to December 2024. Access and choice Our independent reports on the Access and Choice Programme

Published: 29 June, 2023

addiction,” said Te Hiringa Mahara CEO Karen Orsborn.   “Peer support workers connect with people in a unique way based on the rich experiences that they bring. The focus on strengths and connection is something that empowers people and inspires hope.   “Peer support workers are a vital

Published: February 2026

addiction workforce plan to address service capacity and workforce shortages by June 2025 (inclusive of clinical, peer and cultural workforces, Māori and lived experience leadership, and across primary, community, and specialist services). Health NZ develops an action plan by June 2025 to meet the needs

Published: 15 March, 2023

lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic can help support the mental health and wellbeing of communities recovering from other crises, like Cyclone Gabrielle. The report shows the following: Help provided will need to target people who already experience disadvantage, including people and whānau

Published: 5 June, 2024

addiction workforce across Aotearoa New Zealand about access to services and options available.  In this report we give people the space to express their views. This includes comments on the urgency of system change which will ensure people get support where and when they need it.  There are

Published: 13 December, 2022

wellbeing of older people in Aotearoa New Zealand. “Our report highlights that while older people tend to experience better wellbeing than other age groups, the more vulnerable elderly face more negative impacts of the pandemic than others, with impacts continuing to affect their wellbeing

Published: 17 June, 2020

– progress has been made in response to He Ara Oranga, but there is a lot of work to do before people on the ground can see change.” “He Ara Oranga called upon leaders to transform the mental health and addiction sector so that we’re supporting a wellbeing system – one that responds to peoples’ unique needs

Published: December 2025

approach to using these two tools. Every year we will provide an assessment of progress by responsible agencies towards recommendations we have made. The first assessment is being published in December 2025.  Download:  Our tools to create system change (PDF,  70KB)   Assessment of

Published: 20 May, 2025

principles. We acknowledge the Committee’s work to achieve agreement on the proposed changes. Their efforts and engagement with complex issues in mental health law and practice, weighing up different perspectives and values, are a sign of democracy at work. At the same time, significant issues