Minister of Health Andrew Little has congratulated the inaugural Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission and its board,
as the Commission marks its first day as an independent Crown entity.
“This is a very significant day for the Commission,” said Andrew Little.
“Its members will be dedicated to contributing to better and equitable mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all
people in New Zealand. The inaugural Commission has a strong board to support the Government’s goals around mental
health and wellbeing and I want to wish chair Hayden Wano and his team all the best for their mahi which lies ahead.
“Hayden also chaired the initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission ministerial advisory group, prior to the
permanent Commission commencing. He has extensive governance experience and a strong background in the health sector,
and his ongoing involvement will be a significant factor in the success of the Commission.
“The board’s membership comprises a diverse range of skills, backgrounds and experience and I am confident it will
represent Aotearoa New Zealand’s broad population well and make a tangible difference to our health and social systems
in the years to come.
“I want to thank the Inquiry Panel that led the inquiry into mental health and addiction in 2018. They delivered an
honest account of the mental health and addiction landscape, including recommendations which have now resulted in
change.
“At this time, I also want to acknowledge the work of the outgoing Mental Health Commissioner Kevin Allan. Kevin began
his term in 2016 and I recognise his work in helping ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in
the community and have access to high quality health, disability, and social services.”
The following members have been appointed to the Commission, which as an independent Crown entity has its membership
appointed by the Governor-General.
· Hayden Wano (Chair), who has over 40 years’ health sector experience including in the areas of mental health,
community services and medical services. He is Chief Executive of Tui Ora Ltd, a Taranaki-based Māori development
organisation and provider of social and health services.
· Sunny Collings, who became the Chief Executive of the Health Research Council in February this year, following nine
years as Dean and Head of Campus at the University of Otago, Wellington. She has a background as a researcher and
clinician, having practiced as a Consultant Psychiatrist for over 25 years.
· Alex El Amanni, who has been working in mental health and addiction services and studying mental health and addiction
for the last 10 years. He currently works as a Lead Addiction Advisor for Kāhui Tū Kaha, a Ngāti Whātua not-for-profit
provider of housing and mental health services.
· Kevin Hague, who is a member of the Initial Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission and brings a wealth of knowledge
and experience from different sectors, including parliamentary experience. He is Chief Executive of Forest & Bird, and was previously Executive Director of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Chief Executive of the West Coast
District Health Board.
· Taimi Allan, who is the Chief Executive of Changing Minds, a not-for-profit organisation operated entirely by those
with personal experience of recovery from mental health and/or addiction issues. Changing Minds focuses on providing
information, advice and advocacy on a range of health and social issues, and leading collaborative social change
projects.
· Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, who has a public/community health background and was one of the six panellists on the 2018
Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry. She is the Co-Head of School, Te Wānanga o Waipapa, School of Māori Studies and
Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland.
Further information on the Commission and its work can be found at https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/mental-health-and-addiction/he-ara-oranga-response/mental-health-and-wellbeing-commission.