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Published: 13 December, 2023

rangatahi and young people, and other populations who experience disadvantage. Having strong relationships with communities is important for our collective kaupapa. We conducted our first stakeholder engagement survey to better understand their experiences engaging with us. In this survey, 70% of

Published: 25 July, 2023

to Jemaima for her contribution to the board, acknowledging her thought leadership, expertise and dedication.   Prior to joining Te Hiringa Mahara board Jemaima contributed to the mental wellbeing of Aotearoa through her work with the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction in 2018, and

Published: 4 November, 2025

monitoring report , along with commentary about what a good crisis response system could look like for Aotearoa New Zealand. Our panelists were:  Sonya Russell, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Hinengaro, Waranga | Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Te Hiringa Mahara Kerri Butler

Published: 2 September, 2025

improvements.   Our panelists were: Sonya Russell, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Hinengaro, Waranga | Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Ruth Borrett, Chief Operating Officer, Ember Korowai Takitini. Ruth will be speaking about

Published: 16 June, 2022

, and crisis co-response teams involving paramedics, mental health clinicians, peers and police staff. Over the past 10 years, such services have demonstrated that they can support people safely, and that people's levels of distress decrease when they are aided by people with lived experience who

Published: 31 March, 2026

disproportionately subjected to some of the most harmful practices in our mental health system,” says Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Sonya Russell. “Māori account for 55 percent of all adults placed in seclusion, despite making up just 17 percent of the population. Māori are also more likely

Published: November 2025

. We are guided by our commitment to people with lived and living experience, Māori and other priority populations, alongside whānau and those who support tangata whaiora.  Annual report 2023 - 2024 [PDF 1.1MB]     Annual Report 2022 - 2023   Our third annual report, which

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: February 2024

. What people share with us will help us to better understand changes in the number of people who use mental health and addiction services. Who do we want to hear from? We want to hear from people who have experience of mental distress, alcohol or other drug harm, gambling harm, or addiction who have

Published: 4 September, 2023

work together, so it is heartening to see Cross-Party political support and leadership in Parliament prioritising rangatahi and young people. This needs to be sustained over the long term if we are going to achieve the transformation we need." Rangatahi and young people are a priority for Te Hiringa