The Government has announced details of the initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission which will play a key role in
driving better mental health in New Zealand.
The previous National Government closed down the Mental Health Commission in 2012.
“We are taking mental health seriously and so did the Mental Health Commission,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
“It was held in high regard and did a good job of providing leadership and accelerating progress across the sector. We
want it back to hold us and future governments to account.
“The initial commission will track our progress on the range of actions we’re taking to tackle the long-term challenge
of improving mental healthcare across New Zealand.
“It will report back directly to the Minister of Health within one year,” Jacinda Ardern said.
The initial commission will lay the groundwork for the permanent Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission in February
2021, following legislation to set up the crown entity.
The initial commission will:
• Provide independent scrutiny of the Government’s progress in improving New Zealand’s mental health and wellbeing
• Promote collaboration between mental health and wellbeing entities
• Develop advice for the permanent Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission so it can make swift progress once it has been
established, including a work programme, outcomes and monitoring framework
The Government has appointed Hayden Wano as the Chair of the initial Commission and four other members. Mr Wano is of Te
Atiawa, Taranaki and Ngāti Awa descent and brings over 40 years’ health sector experience in mental health, community
and medical services to this role.
Health Minister David Clark said Mr Wano is widely respected and is ideally suited to the role.
“A key focus for Mr Wano and the initial commission will be looking at the wider range of factors that contribute to
people’s overall mental wellbeing.
“That includes looking across social welfare, housing, education and justice as well as talking to those with experience
of mental health and addiction,” David Clark said.
Re-establishing the Commission was a key recommendation of the Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction and delivers on
the Government’s commitment in the Speech from the Throne. It was funded in the Wellbeing Budget in May.
Today’s announcement follows the release on Tuesday of the Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan and the start of
the primary mental healthcare roll-out across the country.