Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

RDNZ’s Chief Executive Lisa Foster attended the launch of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission in Wellington yesterday.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission was established as an independent Crown entity on 9 February 2021. The Commission has been set up as the voice of people and communities across Aotearoa, to lead, monitor and collaborate for the betterment of Aotearoa New Zealand's mental health and wellbeing.

Lisa attended on behalf of all people living with a rare disorder and their whanau to ensure the voice of this vulnerable group is included.

“Our surveys show that more than a third of people with a rare disorder often feel unhappy and depressed,” says Lisa. “The rare community needs to be better supported through the mental health challenges they face.”

Lisa had the opportunity to speak with many key figures at the event including Ashley Bloomfield and mental health leaders, and explained to them the challenges faced by those living with a rare disorder. New Zealand lags behind most OECD countries in supporting people living with rare disorders to access vital health and social care, which can severely impact their mental health and wellbeing.

The Commission's key functions are to:

https://www.mhwc.govt.nz/