The Mental Health Commission was established by the Mental Health Commission Act 1998. Its role is to:

• Monitor and report to Government on the performance of the Ministry of Health and District Health Board in the implementation of the Government's National Mental Health Strategy;
• Work with the sector to promote better understanding by the public of mental illness, and eliminate discrimination; and
• Strengthen the mental health workforce.

The Commission works to promote recovery approaches and to ensure that meeting the needs of service users and families is a priority in mental health services. The Commission has the flexibility to undertake whatever tasks are required to meet its responsibilities.