Ko wai mātou Who we are

Te Hiringa Mahara (Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission) is kaitiaki (guardian) of mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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 from the government of the day. An Initial Commission was set-up in November 2019 to start on high priority projects as well as beginning establishment of the new organisation.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Act 2020 was passed in June 2020, and we began to fulfil our new legislative functions in February 2021. Functions of the Mental Health Commissioner transferred to the new organisation at this time.

Our objective is to contribute to better and equitable mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all people in Aotearoa. We perform an enduring role in transforming Aotearoa New Zealand's approach to mental health and wellbeing.

We are committed to being grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We have made a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Māori and whānau. This is front and centre of who we are and what we do. 

We are committed to prioritising the voices of people who experience mental distress, substance harm, gambling harm or addiction, and advocating for their needs and aspirations.

See our Strategy on a page and Brand story

Key documents

T e Tiriti o Waitangi Position Statement [PDF, 148 KB]

Te Tiriti o Waitangi Position Statement - Te Reo [PDF 151 KB]

Te Tiriti o Waitangi Position Statement glossary [PDF, 705 KB]

Lived Experience Position Statement [PDF 205 KB]