News and Notices

Government Inquiry into Mental Health & Addiction: Public meetings


Members of the public are invited to meet with the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction panel in Nelson next week (3 May). People in Marlborough have the option to attend by video conference from Wairau Hospital, Blenheim.

Inquiry Chair Professor Ron Paterson says it is important that Inquiry panel members listen well to a wide range of communities and stakeholders.

To ensure as many perspectives as possible are heard, panel members are travelling around New Zealand attending a series of regional meetings to hear from people with a range of backgrounds and views.

Nelson meeting:

Thursday 3 May, 5pm
Seminar Centre, Braemar Campus, Nelson Hospital

Blenheim video link:

Thursday 3 May, 5pm
Meeting room 1, Arthur Wicks building (level 1), Wairau Hospital, Blenheim

Panel members are keen to hear from interested parties and other groups and individuals who want to share their thoughts and ideas for improvements.  This includes Māori, Pacific peoples, young people, and people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ groups, people living in rural communities, the elderly, veterans, minority, immigrant and refugee populations, victims of violence and people in correctional facilities.

About the Inquiry:

On 31 January 2018 the Government established an inquiry into mental health and addiction in response to widespread concern about mental health and addiction services in the mental health sector and the broader community.

The ultimate goal of the Inquiry is to improve the mental health and addiction outcomes of New Zealanders.

The Inquiry is wide ranging and will look at how good mental health is promoted and supported in New Zealand and  how the services  currently respond to the needs of people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges, including people affected by suicide.

Anyone with an interest in the Inquiry is encouraged to record their interest online www.mentalhealth.inquiry.govt.nz or email [email protected].

More information about the Inquiry, the panel and the schedule of regional visits is available on the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction website.