History of the Commission

The Commission is an autonomous Crown entity under the Mental Health Commission Act 1998 (the Act).

In 1995, a government inquiry was set up to investigate concerns regarding the adequacy of mental health services following a programme of de-institutionalisation and relocation to community living and to consider the role of alcohol and drug services in relation to mental health.

The report of the inquiry, which became known as the Mason Report, was critical of services provided to people with experience of mental distress and to their families, whānau.

The Mason Report requested the Government to set up a Mental Health Commission, which would “act as a catalyst to improve performance and lift the priority given to mental health in New Zealand”.

The Commission was established in 1996, initially for five years, and has subsequently had its term extended. The Mental Health Commission Amendment Act 2007 contains the current expiry date of 31 August 2015.

The Commission is responsible to the Minister of Health, and is funded from Vote Health.

The Commission occupies a unique position and role within the mental health and addiction sector.

Its statutory functions promote collaboration with a wide variety of government departments, other Crown entities, NGOs and community organisations, professional bodies, academic institutions, clinicians, people with experience of mental distress and/or addiction and their families, whānau and community members.