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Mental Health and Addiction Change Programme

Our vision

"Mental health and wellbeing for everyone, in our communities - individuals, whānau and communities supported by trusted health services that respect people’s unique sense of culture, spirituality and wellbeing."

Mental Health and Addiction services are changing so we can:

  • Support people within their local communities
  • Deliver modern, safe, high-quality, holistic care that meets people’s needs
  • Make the best use of our resources to achieve equitable health outcomes
  • Enable and support safe and rewarding places for people to work.

We will:

  • Work in partnership with Māori, honouring our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
  • Provide opportunities to work with, and listen to Māori, Pacific peoples, people with lived experience, and disabled communities.
  • Ensure people are at the centre of the Programme, from initial planning through to implementation stages.
  • Draw on He Ara Oranga, Living Life Well, and other reports on the need to transform mental health and addiction services.​​​

Four workstreams in the programme

​​​​​​​There are four workstreams in the Programme, which complement one another but are able to progress independently. Find out more about the workstreams and projects that sit within them

Programme news

07 Mar 2025

Peer support service to help people at ED with mental distress

Anyone arriving at Wellington Hospital’s Emergency Department with mental distress will soon be able to get help from people who have experienced their own mental health issues.

03 Aug 2024

Concept paper handed over at Matariki ceremony

A milestone was celebrated in the work towards a Māori Mental Health and Addiction Service in Te Awakairangi.

19 Jun 2024

Dennis Duerr on the power of peer support

"Peer support is a shortcut to hope, empathy, respect, and togetherness. It allows you to walk alongside someone in their recovery."

Last updated 7 March 2025.