New Appointments Strengthen Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Board

In a significant step toward improving mental health governance and accountability, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced new appointments to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Board, including two new members, two reappointments, and the appointment of a new Deputy Chair.

The refreshed board will play a crucial role in overseeing how the Government's mental health reforms are implemented and ensuring that services across New Zealand meet the needs of communities.

Strengthening Oversight and Accountability

Minister Doocey emphasized that the Commission's role is to hold the Government to account for delivering meaningful results in mental health care. "The Government is focused on delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response," he said. "It is the Commission's role to ensure we are delivering those results."

The Minister reaffirmed that mental health remains one of the Government's top social priorities, and the appointments are designed to ensure that the Commission continues to provide robust, independent oversight of New Zealand's mental health system.

Leadership and New Appointments

Dr Barbara Disley, an existing board member with an extensive background in mental health reform and service leadership, has been appointed Deputy Chair for a five-year term. Dr Disley has long been a leading figure in New Zealand's mental health landscape, having previously served as the founding Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission in the late 1990s. Her reappointment signals continuity and experience in guiding national policy direction.

Hayden Wano will continue as Chair of the Commission, providing ongoing leadership during a period of significant transformation in the mental health sector.

Two new board members have been appointed:

• Josiah Tualamali'i, a prominent youth advocate and Pacific mental health leader, known for his work advancing youth participation and equity in mental health systems.

• Rae Lamb, a respected public sector leader and former Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner, with deep experience in patient safety, ethics, and health system accountability.

Their inclusion is expected to bring both diverse perspectives and new energy to the Commission's mission of improving outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Reappointments and Continuing Service

Two existing members — Professor Sunny Collings and Tuari Potiki — have been reappointed for further terms, reflecting their strong contributions and continued leadership in the mental health and wellbeing field.

• Professor Collings, a leading academic and health policy expert, is known for her research in suicide prevention, mental health service delivery, and health system reform.

• Tuari Potiki brings extensive experience in Māori health, addictions, and community leadership, ensuring that the Commission's work continues to reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and culturally grounded approaches.

Wayne Langford will also continue his current term as a member, providing consistency and regional insight, particularly in addressing rural mental health challenges.

Recognising Departing Members

Minister Doocey extended his gratitude to outgoing board members Kevin Hague and Alexander El Amanni for their "significant contributions" during their tenure. Both played key roles in shaping the Commission's early work, including the monitoring of national progress following the 2018 Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction.

A Renewed Vision for Mental Health Reform

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, established in 2021, serves as an independent watchdog to monitor, evaluate, and report on the performance of New Zealand's mental health and addiction services. Its work ensures that policy promises translate into tangible improvements on the ground — particularly in access, quality, and outcomes.

Minister Doocey said that the refreshed board composition would "strengthen the Commission's capability to drive meaningful change." He noted that the new mix of experience — spanning governance, clinical expertise, community leadership, and lived experience — would help ensure services are responsive to the realities faced by New Zealanders in need of mental health support.

"As leaders in mental health and wellbeing, the Commission's board members are powerful advocates for ensuring services meet the needs of New Zealanders," Mr Doocey said. "It is great to have such strong mental health advocates bringing specialist expertise and diverse perspectives to the table."

With the appointments now confirmed, the new board will continue its work in strengthening the mental health system, ensuring accountability across agencies, and advancing wellbeing outcomes for all communities — urban and rural, young and old, Māori and non-Māori alike.