Wellington, May 12 NZPA - Mental Health Commission chairman Peter McGeorge has resigned from the role to take up a posting in Sydney, Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman announced today.

Dr McGeorge, who has been chairman since January 2008, will stay on until July before taking up the position of director of mental health at St Vincent's Hospital.

Dr Coleman said Dr McGeorge's dedication and commitment to raising the profile of mental health issues had been one of his stand-out achievements, and he had been a strong advocate for people and families affected by mental health issues.

"Peter's been a great asset for the Mental Health Commission and I wish him all the best for the future," he said.