Kia Kōrero
Let's Talk – September 2026

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

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

• What's on my desk
• Platform hosts successful MH&A Sector General Election Debate
• Platform meets with Minister Doocey: Strengthening Mental Health and Addiction NGO Services
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Launch
• Outcome measurement report published
• MH&A Partnership Group Update: Workforce, Strategy Implementation and Sector Collaboration 
• MH&A Data Stewardship Group - Key Areas of Work
• Platform Members' Workshop - Next Steps in AI
• Consultations
• Navigate Policy Group - Policy Library Update
• Access to online resources
• Events
• What We're Reading 

What's on my desk

August has been another busy month for Platform as we continue to advocate for a strong, sustainable mental health and addiction NGO sector.

A key highlight was the Mental Health and Addiction General Election Debate, which attracted more than 400 participants in person and online. The event provided an important opportunity for the sector to hear directly from political parties and to elevate the priorities of NGO providers, whānau, and communities across Aotearoa. Around 50 member leaders reflected, shared insights and exchanged perspectives at the post general election debate breakfast.

We also met with Minister Doocey to discuss issues including multi-year contracts, reducing compliance burdens, workforce development, and strengthening outcome measurement. These conversations remain critical as we work to ensure NGOs are well supported to deliver quality services.

The launch of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036 marks another significant milestone. Thank you to the many members who contributed feedback and helped inform Platform's advocacy throughout the consultation process.

This newsletter also includes updates on our outcome’s measurement work with Te Pou, key discussions from national partnership and data stewardship groups, and recent member capability-building initiatives, including our AI workshop.

As always, our achievements are made possible by the expertise, commitment, and leadership of our members. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to strengthen the sector and improve outcomes for people, whānau, and communities.

Ngā mihi nui,

Memo

Platform hosts successful MH&A General Election Debate

On Monday evening, Platform hosted a highly successful Mental Health and Addiction Election Debate at the Allan Gibbs Centre, Wellington College. Around 400 participants attended in person and online highlighting the strong sector interest in the future of mental health and addiction services in Aotearoa. Some flights into Wellington were disrupted due to bad weather or technical issues which resulted in some attendees being unable to attend including panellist Laura McClure (ACT).

Expertly facilitated by Michael Morrah, the panel brought together representatives from across the political spectrum: Kahurangi Carter (Greens), Ingrid Leary (Labour), Hon Matthew Doocey (National), Jenny Marcroft (NZ First), and Jessica Hammond (Opportunity Party).

The debate generated a strong sense of energy and engagement, with attendees contributing a wide range of questions and perspectives. It provided an important opportunity for the sector to hear directly from political parties about their priorities for mental health and addiction, including workforce challenges and service access.

Platform has been clear in communicating its key priorities to all political parties ahead of the election. You can read our 2026 General Election key messages here.

While there were differing views on some issues, several common themes emerged, including support for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036 and implementation plan, the need to address the social determinants of health, improve access to services, and strengthen the workforce.

The following morning, member leaders came together kanohi ki te kanohi for a post-election debate breakfast. The discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on key themes from the debate, share insights, and consider the opportunities for the sector and next steps for Platform.

A sincere thank you to our members for their contributions and support to enable us to host the MH&A 2026 General Election Debate.

As the election approaches, Platform will continue to advocate for the needs of the mental health and addiction sector, engaging with political parties and decision-makers to influence policy and secure positive outcomes for the communities we serve.

Platform meets with Minister Doocey: Strengthening Mental Health and Addiction NGO Services

We recently met with Minister for Mental Health to discuss key issues affecting the mental health and addiction NGO sector. During the meeting, we:

• Highlighted inconsistencies in the rollout of multi-year contracts, welcoming Health NZ's commitment to upholding three-year contract terms.
• Discussed proposed contract requirements relating to data protection, information storage, and child safety. While supporting the intent of these changes, we advocated for a more streamlined and consistent approach to reduce compliance and administrative burden for NGOs.
• Highlighted the importance of measuring outcomes, not just access and timeliness. Drawing on our and Te Pou’s recent outcome measurement report, we emphasised the need for a nationally consistent approach to demonstrating impact of services.
• Welcomed the refresh of the Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Plan and advocated for greater focus on NGO workforce retention, workforce data, digital capability, and the development of Māori, Pacific, peer, and community-led workforces.

It was encouraging to receive the Minister's support for many of the solutions and recommendations discussed, reinforcing a shared commitment to a strong and sustainable NGO sector.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Launch

On 6 August, Minister Doocey and the Ministry of Health launched the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036 along with the first 3-year implementation plan. The launch was well attended and included an address from the Minister and a panel discussion with spokespersons from across the sector, including Platform CE Memo Musa.

The event marked an important milestone with the release of the first government strategy focused on mental health and wellbeing. This strategy sets out the Government's long-term vision, priorities and actions to improve mental health and wellbeing, reduce addiction-related harm, strengthen the workforce, and improve access to and quality of support and services over the next 10-years.

While not all of the feedback we provided in our submission on the draft strategy was reflected in the final version, there have been improvements in some areas including a stronger focus on prevention, early intervention and continuity of care. We would like to acknowledge and thank members who provided feedback on the draft strategy and participated in our workshops during the consultation period. 

Outcome measurement report published

Platform and Te Pou's joint outcomes measurement project has reached an important milestone, with the report Mental health and addiction NGO outcome measurement in Aotearoa and the accompanying NGO outcome measurement survey findings report now finalised and shared with Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health.

The reports provide a strong foundation for progressing a more nationally consistent approach to routine outcome measurement across the MH&A NGO sector. They bring together NGO insights from across Aotearoa and highlight the opportunities and challenges involved in strengthening outcome measurement in ways that are meaningful for services, tāngata whai ora, and the wider system.

Health NZ and the Ministry of Health have confirmed their support for the recommendations in the report. The next phase will explore the infrastructure, processes, and partnerships required to make this achievable and valuable for the NGOs and the wider health system. Once this has been completed, we will provide an update on next steps and opportunities for member involvement. 

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project, including survey participants and members of the NGO Advisory Group, whose expertise and insights were invaluable.

Read the reports here: NGO Capability, Impact and Value - Platform Trust | Growing healthy and connected communities

MH&A Partnership Group Update: Workforce, Strategy Implementation and Sector Collaboration 

The Partnership Group met recently, with discussions focused on workforce sustainability, implementation of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, supporting MH&A NGO partners through change, and strengthening collaboration across the sector.

Workforce remains a priority

The group previewed an early draft of the MH&A Workforce Plan 2024-27 refresh, including high-level system priorities for the MH&A sector including those relevant to the MH&A NGO sector and the ongoing Workforce Centres review to support a sustainable and future-ready workforce.

Implementing the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Members discussed how the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036 strategic priorities and action can be translated into meaningful implementation across the MH&A sector. The group agreed to identify opportunities to support implementation, monitor progress, and provide leadership on strategic priorities and actions relevant to the MH&A NGO and community sector.

Supporting MH&A NGO partners

Updates were provided on 2026/27 contract renewals, the transition to the Agreement and Lifecycle Management (ALM) system, and contract renewals and term, contract requirements relating to data protection, information security, and the Child Safety Assurance Programme.

Strengthening partnerships

The group welcomed Chief Nurse Rachael Muir and discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration across clinical, community, and lived experience nursing leadership.

Future commissioning work

The MH&A Commissioning Framework was identified as a key area of future focus to support effective planning and investment.

Clear and consistent communication

Members reinforced the importance of coordinated sector messaging and ensuring providers are kept informed about major developments and upcoming changes.

MH&A Data Stewardship Group - Key Areas of Work

The MH&A Data Stewardship Group continues to advance work to improve the quality, consistency, and use of mental health and addiction data across Aotearoa.

Data Quality and Completeness

The Group reviewed progress on national data quality improvement initiatives, including PRIMHD reporting and activity data. A key focus was strengthening NGO PRIMHD completeness reporting and supporting more meaningful use of data across the sector.

Balancing Measures and Performance Reporting

Work continues to develop balancing measures alongside mental health targets to provide a more comprehensive view of service performance and outcomes.

Access and Choice

Early findings from the Access and Choice audit pilot showed strong alignment between provider systems and national reporting data, confirming the need to support future data assurance processes.

KPI Programme and Analytics

The Group received an update on the KPI Programme, now funded through to June 2027, and discussed how advanced analytics can strengthen understanding of service performance, activity, and outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence Initiatives

Updates included the national Heidi AI pilot, involving clinicians across all districts, and demonstrations of AI-enabled analytics tools designed to improve access to insights and reduce reporting effort.

Outcome Measurement

The Group considered approaches to strengthen the use of outcome measures, highlighting their value for service improvement, accountability, and better outcomes for tāngata whai ora and whānau.

The Group remains committed to supporting better data-driven planning, performance monitoring, and decision-making across the MH&A sector.

Platform Members' Workshop - Next Steps in AI

On Thursday 20 August, Platform members joined Next Steps in AI, an interactive online workshop facilitated by Andrew Nicol from Mosaic Partners. Building on Platform's earlier AI sessions, the workshop was designed for those already using tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude and looking to move beyond the basics.

The session explored practical ways to get better results from AI through advanced prompting techniques, including the Prompt with CRAFTS framework. Members learned how to tailor AI tools to their specific roles, organisations and ways of working, helping them generate more relevant and useful outputs.

A key focus was on turning everyday tasks into reusable workflows. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, participants explored how to develop custom instructions, create reusable prompts, and build their first AI assets and skills to support ongoing efficiency and productivity.

The workshop also provided opportunities for members to ask questions and share experiences, helping demystify more advanced AI capabilities and increase confidence in applying them in day-to-day work.

Platform will continue to offer AI learning and development opportunities for members where there is sufficient interest and demand, and we will keep members informed of future workshops and events.

Consultations

During July and August 2026, we worked on the participated and contributed submissions on the following consultations and surveys:

• Proposed changes to the Police Vetting Service
• Legislation (Definition of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill
• Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill
• Ministry of Social Development – Review of Social Housing

Navigate Policy Group - Policy Library Update

Our national Navigate Policy Group had no scheduled meeting during the month of August. However, there are scheduled policy reviews for the month of September. 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:

Charities, elections and political parties: These resources provide guidance and information around the extra care charities need to take during general elections. Charities need to ensure they are independent from political parties and candidates, particularly in election years.

Charities Governance Review: All registered charities (under the Charities Act 2005) are required to review their governance procedures at least once every three years. These resources provide information about what is involved in a governance review which needs to be done by October 2026, unless you have already done one within the last three years.

Working Well Guide and Resources: The Mental Health Foundation’s Working Well Guide and resources provide organisations with the tools to create a culture that enhances and protects people’s mental health.

Working remotely tools and links: This resource introduces links to digital tools and information that can help you and your team work remotely in an effective and safe manner.

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

• Community Net Aotearoa
• NZ Navigator
• Digital Stuff We Love

Events 

The 2026 Hauora Hinengaro Hui Taumata Mental Health Conference programme is now live and registrations are open.

Expect an honest look at what rangatahi and young people want from mental health services, and discussions on key mental health and wellbeing issues for young people today. Youth voice will be woven through the entire day. We'll also reconnect with our 2025 theme to cover what's improved in crisis responses.

Join with hundreds of other people to learn about and debate how to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand. This event is for clinicians, peer workers, managers, lived experience community, whānau, carers, researchers, educators, policy makers and sector partners.

When: Wednesday 11 November 2026

Where: Pullman Hotel, Tāmaki Makaurau

If you book by 27 September 2026, you'll get the Early Bird rate.

If you're thinking of bringing a group of 5 or more from the same organisation, email TheMHS team and they will set you up with a group discount.

We're making the conference bigger than last year, with 2 keynote addresses, 2 concurrent streams and a networking event to close things out.

Program Link

Registration Link

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