46045 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

46045 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter (January to March 2024) on the action area ‘Enable the development of Pacific values-based gambling-harm prevention and minimisation services’ under ‘Objective 4: Strengthen the health and health equity of Māori, Pacific peoples, Asian peoples and young people / rangatahi’ within the Ministry of Health’s Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2022/23 to 2024/25?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that during the January to March 2024 quarter, Health New Zealand worked closely with contracted Pacific health service provider Mapu Maia on the establishment phase of a range of new public health and clinical intervention services focused on preventing and minimising gambling harm in Pacific populations. I am further advised that in addition to clinical intervention and public health services, Mapu Maia is also contracted to deliver a bespoke youth-focused public health initiative to address inequity by increasing awareness and improving access to gambling harm support for young people. Once running, this service will provide access to youth-specific self-help tools, resources, and culturally appropriate pathways and support.