Mental health millions not reaching Māori providers

Gideon Porter Te Waka Whaiora - Mental health millions not reaching Māori providers

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The head of a Porirua-based mental health and addiction service says massive increases in funding into the sector aren’t being used effectively because disparities in Māori and Pasifika funding aren’t being addressed.

Carol Koha, of Te Waka Whaiora, says her organisation’s funding is based on one full-time equivalent staffer to 15 clients, but in reality, its caseload is closer to one to 40.

She says Māori and Pasifika providers have greater experience and cultural ties with their clients but they see the funding instead landing with mainstream providers.

“I don’t believe we don’t have enough money for mental health or addictions. I think it’s inappropriately divvied out and we’ve got too many of the same providers, organisations delivering the same services,” Ms Kohasays.

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