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Tū Te Akaaka Roa NZ National Office

Chair Dr Hiran Thabrew nzoffice@ranzcp.org
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2026 work plan

A suite of ten work streams have been designed for 2026, in alignment with the RANZCP’s Strategic Plan. Members and College support were assigned to each group at Tū Te Akaaka Roa – NZ National Committee meetings.

The ten work streams are:

  1. Workforce development – led by Hiran Thabrew, supported by Katherine Minett and Regina Hegemann
  2. Cultural competence and safety – a joint piece of work with Te Kaunihera, co-led by Chris Ansley and Matira Taikato, supported by Katherine Minett
  3. Engagement with primary care – led by David Codyre, supported by Katherine Minett and Brontë Jefferies
  4. Preparation for the Mental Health Bill – led by Oliver Hansby, supported by Katherine Minett, Brontë Jefferies, and Regina Hegemann
  5. Affiliate engagement – led by Alison Masters, supported by Katherine Minett and Regina Hegemann
  6. Communications – led by Hiran Thabrew, supported by Katherine Minett, Brontë Jefferies, and Regina Hegemann
  7. Rural workforce development – led by Alison Masters, supported by Regina Hegemann
  8. Improving the digital health literacy of NZ psychiatrists and trainees – led by Hiran Thabrew, supported by Katherine Minett
  9. Psychiatry training for GPs – led by Hiran Thabrew, supported by Katherine Minett and Regina Hegemann
  10. Whakapapa project – led by Chris Ansley, supported by Katherine Minett

Our goals

The Tū Te Akaaka Roa - New Zealand National Committee is committed to:

  • advancing the psychiatry profession
  • improving outcomes for people living with mental health and addiction issues.

These goals are underpinned by three key principles:

  • place tangata whaiora (consumer) at the centre of policy decisions
  • value whānau (family) input and participation as core to our mahi
  • prioritise reducing health inequities particularly for Māori, Pacific and other high needs people.

In addition, Tū Te Akaaka Roa – New Zealand National Committee supports members practising in New Zealand, working closely with College Faculties, Sections, and interest groups (e.g. for overseas trained psychiatrists and Training Representative Committee).

Future of mental health and addiction in Aotearoa

Tū Te Akaaka Roa is committed to the Treaty of Waitangi. This commitment is reflected in each Member’s practice and in the wider mahi undertaken in Aotearoa. 

A visual depiction of this commitment is demonstrated in The Future of Mental Health and Addiction in Aotearoa [PDF; 1.6 MB].

Working better with Māori

Watch Dr Hiran Thabrew interview Dr Mark Lawrence and Dr Matira Taikato.

Working with stakeholders

Tū Te Akaaka Roa works with a number of stakeholders to advance shared kaupapa, including:

  • Ministers – including the Minister and Associate Ministers of Health
  • Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora
  • Oranga Tamariki
  • Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)
  • Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa (Medical Council of New Zealand)
  • Te Kaunihera o Ngā Kāreti Rata o Aotearoa (Council of Medical Colleges)
  • Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa (Māori Medical Practitioners)
  • Te Huringa Tuarua (Mental Health and Well-being Commission)
  • The Mental Health Foundation
  • New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP)
  • ACC
  • Pharmac

Policy and advocacy

The Aotearoa NZ National Office of the RANZCP advocates on behalf of members on a range of issues.

Browse recent submissions

Webinars

Use of interRAI assessment and screening system - presented by Dr John Hirdes

Info sheets

Electroconvulsive therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand [member login required]