Kia Kōrero
Let's Talk – June 2026

Kia ora koutou katoa – welcome to the Platform Mental Health and Addiction NGO and community sector update for June 2026.

In this month's update, let's talk about...

• What's on my desk? 
• Meeting with Minister Doocey
• MH&A Sector Election Debate - Monday 31 August
• 2026/27 Cost Pressure CPI Uplift and Contract Agreement Renewal
• Building stronger connections: MH&A Partnership Update
• Requirement for certification of mental health and addictions service providers
• Update on Outcome Measurement in the MH&A NGO Sector
• Key Messages from the Mental Health and Addiction Data Stewardship Group
• Platform Member Online Portal
• Influenza Immunisation Update
• Platform Members AI Workshop - Copilot in Practice
• What you can do to support the Good Samaritan's Overdose Laws
• Consultations
• Navigate Policy Group - Policy Library Update
• Access to Online Resources
• Events
• What We're Reading 

What's on my desk?

This month we focused on strong advocacy for Platform members and the wider MH&A NGO sector, including engagement with Minister Doocey on key pressures impacting service delivery, such as rising fuel costs, funding certainty, and workforce sustainability. We advocated strongly for more realistic cost pressure uplifts and improved contracting arrangements for 2026/27 to provide certainty. Alongside this, work is progressing across sector priorities, including strengthening system partnerships, advancing outcome measurement (with encouraging evidence of high NGO engagement), and improving data systems. There are also important advocacy opportunities underway, including preparing submissions on the Good Samaritan overdose legislation and broader policy consultations.

As always, Platform remains committed to ensuring the voices of MH&A NGOs are heard, supporting members with practical tools and insights, and working collectively to improve access, equity, and outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau.

Ngā mihi nui,

Memo

Meeting with Minister Doocey

Platform met with Minister Doocey on 5 May to discuss matters which are crucial for mental health and addiction (MH&A) NGOs and community providers to continue to deliver timely and effective supports to tanga whai ora and whānau in the community. We also discussed how the NGO sector can support delivery of his priorities.

Key points discussed included the need to explicitly recognise MH&A NGOs as essential services in Phase 3 of the National Fuel Response Plan under Priority Bands B and C. We highlighted the ongoing impact of increased fuel costs, including the financial pressures on tangata whaiora and whānau to meet rising transport costs when accessing support, the challenges for the workforce in getting to work, and the need for MH&A NGOs to quickly adapt to service delivery to minimise costs whilst remaining responsive to need. We also noted potential impact to important supply chains for medicines and equipment. We strongly pointed out that this was not sustainable for many MH&A NGOs and that financial relief options are urgently needed.

We also emphasised the importance of funding and contracting certainty for 2026/27, including multi‑year contracts and timely cost pressure uplifts, to protect workforce stability and service delivery. The Minister re-affirmed his support for multi-year contract and increasing the pie within the MH&A ring-fence of services provided by MH&A NGOs in the community. We confirmed our discussions about these matters continue with Health NZ representatives.

We highlighted the value of peer‑led acute alternatives in reducing pressure on acute in-patient units and emergency departments, while noting that the Central Region did not have one. We note that more equitable regional coverage could be improved by having a peer led acute alternative in the Central Region and called for clearer planning criteria for these services.

We confirmed Platform’s commitment as the peak body for MH&A NGOs with a strong membership base to work closely with the Minister and government agencies who fund services to increase access, early intervention and prevention, workforce sustainability and system performance. The Minister accepted our invite to participate in Platform’s Mental Health and Addiction General Election Debate in August 2026.

MH&A Election Debate - Monday 31 August 2026

Members have received a placeholder calendar invitation for the MH&A Election Debate, to be held on Monday 31 August at Wellington College from 6–8pm. As in previous years, the event will also be live-streamed.

A post-Election Debate breakfast for members will follow on Tuesday 1 September.

Further details will be shared shortly.

This is our flagship event held once every three years, an unmissable occasion. We encourage you to secure your flights and accommodation to make the most of the experience.

2026/27 Cost Pressure CPI Uplift and Contract Agreement Renewal

On 20 May, Platform members received communication that Health NZ had confirmed the uplift for MH&A NGO providers for 2026/27. Health NZ confirmed it had decided on an uplift of 2.66%, reflecting standard inflationary cost pressures, with an additional 0.5% to recognise a range of non-inflationary cost impacts currently being experienced. We provided extensive information and evidence to show and demonstrate the cost pressures being experienced by Platform members. Based on what we provided we advocated for a minimum cost pressure uplift of 6.5% for the financial year 2026/27.

We will continue our advocacy effort in this area acknowledging that this uplift nowhere near recognises the real cost pressure experienced. Cost pressure uplifts will continue to be annual, and we will position early to engage with Health NZ to influence a more structured approach to consider cost pressure prior to funding and annual uplift decisions.

We have yet to hear from Health NZ about the next step regarding contract rollover process, contract approach, final version of the long form contract and transition to ALM.

Building Stronger Connections: MH&A Partnership Update

The National Mental Health and Addiction (MH&A) Partnership Group met on 23 April.

The group continues to work on a set of principles for integrated system-wide working. Once developed these principles are intended to formalise expectations and obligations, and to strengthen regional relationships, with Regional MH&A Leads connecting with regional Navigate groups to take a coordinated approach to programme delivery and problem solving.

The group continues to focus on contracting processes, the rollout of version 3 of the ALM longform contract, and when this is finalised, discussions about the cost pressure funding uplift for 2026/27 and timing.

We are currently gathering information about the impacts of the increase of petrol cost on delivery of services, developing messaging around the fuel crisis and determining whether guidance for NGO (akin to COVID-19) is necessary and if so when that will be.

Requirement for certification of mental health and addictions service providers

If you are a mental health and/or alcohol and other drugs community service provider, you may need to be certified under the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 (the Act).

The Act promotes the safe provision of health and disability services through certification of health or disability care services. HealthCERT is the team within the Ministry of Health responsible for ensuring certified health care providers deliver the required level of service under the Act and Ngā paerewa Health and disability services standard, which outlines the quality and safety requirements for health and disability services.

One of the services that requires certification are community-based mental health and/or addiction service providers who provide a health care service with five or more overnight beds. These facilities generally require clinical and non-clinical staff to support the residents’ daily needs (e.g., medication management, food, activities) and to develop a care plan to support their recovery.

If you deliver this type of service, please contact HealthCERT at certification@health.govt.nz to discuss further or visit the HealthCERT website for more information.

Update on Outcome Measurement in the MH&A NGO Sector

Thank you to all providers who contributed to the recent survey on outcome measurement in the MH&A NGO sector.

If you were unable to attend the online member forum presentation on the preliminary findings, you can access [here].

This work represents an important step forward for our sector. For the first time, we have a clearer picture of the extent of outcome measurement across MH&A NGOs. Notably, 96% of respondents reported collecting and using outcome data, challenging the perception that this activity is very limited within our sector.

Additional insights have been gathered through recent Kaupapa Māori, Child and Youth, Alcohol & Other Drug focus groups and from additional sources, providing further depth and context to the survey findings. We extend our thanks to those who participated in the focus groups.

While the issues involved are complex, some with no quick fixes within the scope of this project, this work establishes a strong evidence base to build shared understanding and consensus including supporting ongoing sector development and advocacy.

Engagement with service specific NGO sub-groups will continue as the work progresses, with further opportunities for providers to participate and contribute.

The final report is currently undergoing peer review and is expected to be published by 30 July 2026.

Key Messages from the Mental Health and Addiction Data Stewardship Group

The Mental Health and Addiction (MH&A) Data Stewardship Group (formerly the PRIMHD Data Governance Group) was re-established late last year and has met five times, most recently on 4 May. Membership includes representatives from Health NZ (national and regional MH&A, planning, funding and outcomes, data and analytics teams), the Ministry of Health, Te Pou, and NGOs.

The Group has confirmed its Terms of Reference, clarifying its purpose, scope, and ways of working. Its purpose is to guide the strategic direction of MH&A data collection, storage, and use, supporting data-driven and evidence-based commissioning and service delivery. It also provides oversight of the quality and usefulness of MH&A data to ensure it supports service commissioning, development, and delivery.

At the most recent meeting:

• Members were briefed on balancing measures being developed alongside mental health targets to ensure these are interpreted safely and fairly.
• A data specification issue was identified in the Specialist Access target. This was confirmed as an error correction, not a policy change, and will be implemented from Q4 with clear national communication.
• An update was provided on ongoing improvements to Access & Choice and PRIMHD data quality, including stronger validation processes and clearer data definitions.
• The group received an update on a new weekly progress report, which is improving the visibility of MH&A-related data activity.
• Quarterly reporting of seclusion data remains on track (with additional follow-up as needed) for inclusion in ODMHIS.

Overall, the group’s focus remains on ensuring mental health and addiction data is accurate, equitable, and fit for decision-making, supporting a more collaborative approach to data collection and use across the sector. This group meets monthly and will have updates set out following each meeting.

Platform Member Online Portal

If you missed a Platform Monthly Online Forum, or want quick access to meeting notes, submissions, and other key updates, you can find them all in the Platform Member Online Portal. It is a practical, central place to stay informed and make the most of your membership. If you have any questions about accessing or using the portal, please contact louise@platform.org.nz.

Influenza Immunisation Update

We encourage you to support tāngata whai ora to get influenza vaccinations.

The Pharmac-funded flu vaccine is Influvac Tetra. This is the same vaccine used in 2024 and 2025. The following groups are eligible for funded flu immunisation which is unchanged from 2024: 

• Pregnant people  
• People 65 years of age and over
• People under 65 years of age with certain eligible health conditions
• People under 65 years of age with serious mental health and addiction conditions
• Children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness 

Please ensure funded immunisation is offered to the above groups at every opportunity.

You can find the full eligibility details, including specific eligible conditions, online on PHARMAC’s website. 

Platform Member AI Workshop - Copilot in Practice

Last Thursday’s online Platform Members’ AI Workshop built on earlier sessions, with a practical focus on how Microsoft Copilot can be applied in day-to-day work.

Co-hosted by Mosaic Partners, the session included live demonstrations of Copilot Chat, showing how members can use the free version to streamline everyday tasks such as drafting content, summarising information, and supporting reporting workflows.

The workshop also provided a clear overview of Copilot Premium, including what additional functionality it unlocks and where a paid licence adds real value – alongside where it may not be necessary.

A key focus was on safe and responsible use. The session explored how data is handled within Copilot and outlined practical safeguards organisations can put in place to manage risk and protect sensitive information.

Members had the opportunity to ask targeted questions, enabling them to test how these tools could support their own roles – and to leave with a clearer sense of where AI can genuinely improve efficiency, and where its limits still sit.

We plan to run a further AI session with Mosaic in the coming months, with a focus on building and using AI Agents. We will be in touch with Platform members shortly to gauge interest in this workshop.

What you can do to support the Good Samaritan's Overdose Laws

The Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill, also known as the Good Samaritan’s Overdose Law, went through it first reading in Parliament during late April. This Bill will provide explicit protection for people who are seeking help for themselves or others in the event of an overdose or other ‘drug-related acute adverse reaction’. The bill is now with the Health Select Committee and submissions are open until Tuesday 16 June 2026. You can read about the Bill and how to make your submission here.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has developed a fact sheet about the Bill and Good Samaritan overdose laws more generally which you can read here. Your organisation can show your support by sign up here including receiving updates from the New Zealand Drug Foundation about Good Samaritan overdose laws and other drug news.

Consultations

We are currently working on a submission on the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill. You can read more about this and provide feedback here.

During May we prepared feedback and contributed to the following consultations and surveys:

• Ministry of Health: Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026 to 2036. You can view the submission that Platform made on the Strategy here.
• Sale and supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill.
• Community Research annual check survey
• National Representative Project Partners:  survey around the design of a MH&A Lived Experience Representative Body for tangata whaiora and whānau.

We supported a Community Constellation letter to the Minister of Internal Affairs raising concerns about significant changes to the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board structure announced in early May. These changes, which take effect on 1 July 2026, represent the most substantial restructuring of community funding in over two decades.

Navigate Policy Group - Policy Library Update

Our national Navigate Policy Group had no scheduled meeting during the month of May. However, there are scheduled policy reviews for the month of June. We will continue to keep members updated on the developments to the Policy Library. In the meantime, updated policy templates can still be accessed here.

Access to online resources

Navigator Trust New Zealand recently shared new resources which could help support the work of your organisations. You can check out the new resources below:

• Diversity and Inclusion: These resources that are designed to help organisations assess, explore and implement a range of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. They provide tips and templates to help employers and employees better understand and integrate diversity into the workplace.

• Get to know KiwiSaver changes effective from 1 April 2026: The Government introduced changes to KiwiSaver which came into effect on 1 April 2026. More changes will come into effect on 1 April 2028. This resource provides an outline of the changes being implemented so you can plan and understand the impact this will have on your financial budgets.

• Not for profits mastering Artificial Intelligence (AI) prompt writing: This guide from Infoxchange Digital Transformation will help your workforces master AI prompt writing.

You can also find more resources that support NGO and community providers to thrive here:

• CommunityNet Aotearoa
• NZ Navigator
• Digital Stuff We Love

Events

FREE ONLINE TRAINING - Know how to respond how to respond when a your person opens up about something online.

Net Safe is offering free online safety training designed for anyone who works or volunteers with young people. The training focuses on how to respond when a young person first shares something that has happened to them online, and how to support them to access the right help.

You don’t need to be an online safety expert to take part. The module takes around 45 minutes to complete and is expected to be available from June (Net Safe will let you know as soon as it’s live).

You can register your interest here:

https://forms.office.com/r/DebDz293ce

What we're reading

Get in touch with the Platform team!

The Platform team is always available to interact with members on mental health and addiction NGO and community sector matters should you have any queries, concerns, or ideas. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of being a Platform member and joining our collective voice, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

Memo Musa (Chief Executive): memo@platform.org.nz
Simon Katz (Policy Analyst): simon@platform.org.nz
Louise Hill (Membership Engagement Coordinator): louise@platform.org.nz