August 03, 2022
Māori mental health network growing
Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare says there are now 29 kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction services across Aotearoa.
Mr Henare was in Porirua this morning to open the latest service, Ora Toa’s Ngā Kete Aronui.
He says Māori have struggled over the years to get meaningful equitable support.
Providing services for tāngata whaiora and whānau that are underpinned by mātauranga Māori ensures a culturally safe and inclusive environment in which Māori are much more likely to have a positive experience accessing support.
From when the first service started in early 2020 until May, kaupapa Māori services have delivered more than 20,000 sessions for those with mild to moderate mental health and addiction issues.
Mr Henare says caring for tāngata whaiora on this scale would not have been possible had it not been for the Government’s record investment in mental health.