10548 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

10548 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter October – December 2023 to ‘Continue the He Ara Oranga partnership between police, mental health and addiction services, community groups and Iwi service-providers giving methamphetamine-users the opportunity to get therapeutic help and employment support’ under section 2.5 ‘Oranga hinengaro | People living with mental distress, illness and addictions’ within Te Whatu Ora’s Te Pae Tata: Interim New Zealand Health Plan 2022?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the October - December 2023 quarter, the partnership between Police, Health New Zealand, community groups and iwi providers continued to provide therapeutic support and employment support to methamphetamine users in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland District). I am further advised that in the quarter there was increased client engagement with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) counsellors, and in the number of people receiving weekly counselling. In addition, I am advised that during the quarter initiatives in the Eastern Bay of Plenty were further embedded, including recruitment and workforce training. A soft launch of the service was held, at which the outcome of the co-design process was presented.