There are calls for more peer support workers to play a bigger role in the mental health and addiction system.

A new paper released by Te Hiringa Mahara - the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission - is highlighting the significant contribution peer support workers make, thanks to their unique first-hand understanding of distress, addiction and recovery.

At the moment they account for almost 3.5 percent of the total workforce.

Chief executive of Te Hiringa Mahara, Karen Orsborn spoke to Perlina Lau.