Mary O'Hagan

Mary O'Hagan has been involved in mental health issues for over 30 years, initially as a user of services and later in diverse advocacy, advisory, and leadership roles both nationally and internationally. They were a foundational figure in the 'mad' movement in New Zealand and served as the first chairperson of the World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry. O'Hagan was a commissioner at the Mental Health Commission of New Zealand from 2000 to 2007 and has acted as an advisor to the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Currently, they are the Director of Lived Experience at Wellways Australia and continue to lead initiatives focused on recovery, social inclusion, and the empowerment of people with lived experiences of mental distress. O'Hagan is also an award-winning author, recognized for their memoir, "Madness Made Me," and was honored as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015 for their contributions to mental health.