October 2004
New chair for Mental Health Commission
Workbridge chief executive Ruth Harrison will chair the Mental Health Commission from January next year, says Health
Minister Annette King.
Ms Harrison, who replaces current chair Jan Dowland, has 27 years’ experience in management and leadership, Ms King
says.
“I am sure she will carry on the excellent work of Jan Dowland, who has ably lead the Commission over the past two
years. Ms Harrison comes to the Commission with a clear vision for the future and a comprehensive understanding of the
needs of the sector,” she said. "She has an inclusive and collaborative management style, and both public and private
sector experience in organisational change, marketing, policy development, government process, contracting and strategy.
"During her time at Workbridge, a national not for profit organisation that helps people with disabilities gain
employment, she has shown that a strong voice from the sector is the way to achieve positive change. This is an
excellent approach to transfer to her work with the Mental Health Commission."
Ms Harrison has a masterate in public policy from Victoria University of Wellington. She has previously worked as
Director, Strategy and Community Services, at the Wellington City Council, and from 1994 to 1996 was Senior Private
Secretary, Policy, in the Social Welfare Minister’s office. She is currently chair of the Disability Sector Chief
Executives Group.
The Mental Health Commission was established in 1996 in response to the recommendations of the Mason Inquiry into Mental
Health Services. In 1998 the Commission produced the Blueprint for Mental Health Services, a policy document that guides
the implementation of the national mental health strategy. The Commission's terms of reference are to monitor and
facilitate implementation of the strategy, work to reduce discrimination against people with mental illness and address
mental health workforce issues.
“The Government is absolutely committed to the Commission’s work,” Ms King says. “The Commission’s life was due to end
this year, but I have extended it to 2007, and expanded its role. This year we announced an extra $250 million for
implementing the Blueprint, adding to the $257 million allocation announced in 2000-01. We will continue this rate of
increase until it is fully implemented.”
ENDS