Mental Health and Addiction National Clinical Network

The Mental Health and Addiction National Clinical Network helps improve care and outcomes for all whānau with mental health and addiction challenges.

On this page

About the Mental Health and Addiction National Clinical Network

Mental health and addiction challenges affect as many as 50 to 80% of New Zealanders during their life.

  • About 1 in 5 people experience mental health and addiction issues in any given year.
  • Severe cases can reduce life expectancy by 25 years.
  • It has a higher impact on Māori, Pacific, and low-income communities.

The Mental Health and Addiction National Clinical Network works to tackle these inequities by:

  • promoting high-quality care through national standards and models of care
  • empowering whānau by listening to them and meeting their needs
  • collaboration and innovation in healthcare practices
  • supporting healthcare professionals to share knowledge.

Network members

Name Role Location

Clive Bensemann

Network Co-lead
Medical Practitioner Phsychiatrist

Auckland

Rozi Pukepuke

Network Co-lead
Social Worker

Tauranga

Anne Brebner

Nurse; Chief Clinical Advisor

Auckland

Ben Birks Ang

Deputy Executive Director New Zealand Drug Foundation

Auckland

Darryl Bishop

Nurse
CEO Ember Korowai Takitini
Co-chair Navigate Northern NGO

Auckland

David Codyre

Psychiatrist
Clinical Director Wellness Support Team
Clinical Director Tu Whakaruruhau
Clinical Lead MH&A, Whakarongorau

Auckland

Dean Rangihuna

Principal Advisor Hauora Māori service Directorate

Canterbury

Denise Kingi-Uluave

Psychologist
CEO, Le Va

Auckland

Jessica Apanui

Principal Advisor Lived Experience and Addictions

Auckland

Jordana Bealing

Regional Lived Experience Lead

Wellington

Kelly Feng

Medical Doctor
Social Worker
CEO Asian Family Services

Auckland

Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford

CEO Poutiri Trust
Undergrad Psychology Student

Rotorua

Kyra Sycamore

Specialist Mental Health Pharmacist

Christchurch

 

Psychiatrist
National Addiction Clinical Forum Co-Chair

Auckland

Paul Oxnam

Psychologist
Executive Clinical Director Mental Health, Addiction and Intellectual Disability Service

Wellington

Rachael Muir

Nurse
Clinical Nurse Director
Chair DOMHNs

Auckland

Rees Tohiteururangi Tapsell

Psychiatrist
Director of Clinical Services, Mental Health and Addictions

Waikato

Ronald Karaitiana

Social Worker
Manager Partnering and Engagement Kahu Taurima

Wellington

Ruth Cunningham

Public Health Physician
Associate Professor

Epidemiologist

Wellington

Sonya Russell

Director MHA Sector Leadership
NGO Lead

Auckland

Tanya Wright

Clinical Lead CAMHS Integration
Consultant Psychiatrist

Auckland

Contact us

Email us if you want more information about the Cancer National Clinical Network.

MentalHealthandAddictionNetwork@tewhatora.govt.nz