Better mental health and wellbeing for our people

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.