Kia Kōrero
Let's Talk – April 2025

Kia ora koutou katoa – welcome to the Platform mental health and addiction NGO and community sector update for April 2025.

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

• What's on my desk?
• What we took away from Platform Members' Leadership Day 2025
• A Sound Investment: A Spotlight on the Impact and Value of the Mental Health & Addiction NGO services in New Zealand
• In the room with Hon Minister Doocey, Minister for Mental Health
• Police Mental Health Change Programme
• Pay Equity Claims Update
• Influenza immunisation update
• Access to online resources
• Consultations we are participating in
• Events
• What we’re reading

What's on my desk?

Last week key events were held during three consecutive days in Wellington. A Summit for Strengthening Addiction and Harm Reduction Responses was held on Tuesday at the Parliament buildings, followed by the Addiction Leadership Day on Wednesday and finally on Thursday the Platform Members Leadership Day both held at Te Papa. Across these three events over 300 leaders came together to hear the latest sector updates, share information, discuss key challenges and opportunities while also connecting in person through plenty of informal conversations.

The themes across all three events were similar. The needs of tangata whaiora are growing and becoming more complex. The Mental Health and Addiction NGO sector has opportunities to lead in prevention initiatives, intervene early, improve access, and expand the workforce—provided it is listened to, given input into policy and service design, and supported in a sustainable way by funders.

Minister Doocey talked at all three events. He referred to the five Mental Health and Addiction targets with a segway to the development of a mental health and wellbeing strategy recounting this to be a ‘road map or action plan or an implementation plan’.

As we enter the last quarter of the financial year, our efforts will continue to focus on key engagements to progress important matters on behalf of Platform members and the wider mental health and addiction NGO and community.

Ngā mihi nui,

Memo

What we took away from Platform Members Leadership Day 2025

Less than a week ago over 120 leaders from Platform members organisations gathered in Wellington for our Platform Members Leadership Day with the theme Reshaping, Re-energising. Our only one event each year to connect in person and talk not only about what the programme and speakers offered but many other areas we do not get the chance to talk about through our monthly online forums and regional navigate group forums. Thank you to everyone who attended, our speakers, and moderators.

Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health, opened our day acknowledging the Mental Health and Addiction NGO sector is an indispensable part of the health system, adding value and making an impact as shown through our recently published resource A Sound Investment (see below). As part of his opening address the Minister announced a change to the match funding threshold criteria for the mental health and addiction community innovation fund. Reducing this from $250,000.00 per application to $100,000.00. The aim being to make the fund more accessible to NGOs. You can read more about it here.

A two Cross-Party member panel consisting of Kahurangi Carter (the new chair of the group) and Ingrid Leary gave insights into the complexity of political processes to achieve the most desired partisan approach and the different perspectives about government policies and priorities.

It was great to hear insights from Phillipa Gaines about what it took to produce the resource A Sound Investment, and the leadership challenge I put to our members around data, standardised outputs and outcomes and regular electronic workforce reporting to a national repository.

The CTU perspective on the operating environment for employers, unions and employees whether they are members of unions or not, was informative and compelling on some of the collective action strategies which can be adopted to effect change in areas of mutual interest. He asked us to support their CTU campaign in locations across the country, planned for Thursday, 1 May. You can access details about the campaign here.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and not to be feared or ignored. A fascinating, entertaining and educative presentation with a live demonstration on some of the ways in which CHATGPT can be useful. It was clear that AI is a tool, not something that will take over and replace the fundamentals of our work built on relationships and communication.

The second part of the afternoon in roundtable discussions, we gathered ideas about priorities, tactics and potential slogans for a public campaign. We ended the day with a presentation about social investment. This showed that this work is complex, especially where there are organisations with multiple government contracts. The message was clear that complexity and burden of reporting needs to be reduced.

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and supported us on the day. We could not put on this event without support and engagement from our member organisations. Please continue to share slogan/campaign title ideas!

A Sound Investment: A Spotlight on the Impact and Value of the Mental Health & Addiction NGO services in New Zealand

A big shout out to our 55 members who responded to our expression of interest seeking practice examples of innovative and collaborative MH&A service delivery by NGOs & community providers. From the 55 responses to the expression of interest process we selected 26 practice examples. We compiled these into two separate resources which would not have been possible without this level of interest.

Our new report A Sound Investment released profiles on some amazing innovative programmes or practice examples and demonstrates how the Mental Health and Addiction NGO sector is an indispensable part of the health system making impact and adding value. You can access the main report and an addendum here.

We have designed this report to be a resource for members and the sector to use to show to politicians, policy makers, funders and other key stakeholders the capability and capacity of the mental health and addiction NGO sector to have impact and add value by supporting people who are struggling with their mental health and/or addiction challenges to get well, stay well and live healthy lives.

We shared this report with Minister Doocey, Minister’s Brown, Willis, Upston and Collins.

This resource helps us continue our journey to tell a compelling story about the work of the sector, to help people understand and grasp the diverse innovative services, the positive outcomes and supports people are getting, contribution to increasing access, the need to support our diverse workforce to be paid for what they do, not where they work, and what we can do to scale up services in the community with appropriate policy and funding settings. This is to show our sector is a significant part of the solution to pressures in other parts of the system, especially Health NZ specialist services.

We encourage you to share this resource with your local MPs and other stakeholders, pick out a practice example that helps show what your organisation is doing to support tangata whaiora in the community.

We acknowledge key partners Te Pou, the Commission and Health NZ who provided input, analysis and constructive feedback. And to our amazing small project team of Phillipa and Abigail who has since left to pursue other opportunities.

In the room with Hon Minister Doocey, Minister for Mental Health

We take very seriously the opportunity to have dialogue with the Minister. It gives us a small window to provide accurate and time relevant information about what is happening in the MH&A NGO sector, and the impact of decisions by Health New Zealand and other public sector agencies.

During March we had our first meeting this year with the Minister. We presented the report A Sound Investment, highlighting some practice examples in it, and the impact and value of the mental health and addiction sector as part of a wider mental health and addiction system. We affirmed that the mental health and addiction sector is an indispensable part of the system which must be supported, valued and strengthened. This was acknowledged by the Minister with a further discussion about opportunity to grow community based acute alternatives which might include day programmes.

As we have done in previous meetings, we had a difficult conversation about the role government should have in unlocking the deadlock on the pay equity for support workers, the responsibilities of the various parties (employers and unions) as set out in the Equal Pay Act, the impending Health NZ advice to the Ministers of Health, Finance and Public Service which was not disclosed.

Similarly, we pressed on the need to ensure service coverage and continuity for tangata whaiora is maintained by having provider contract renewals done well ahead of the end of the financial year. Accepting this is a Health NZ responsibility, we shared our observations about not learning by repeating the same processes of the past few years when this has been done too late and not giving the sector certainty and assurance about sustainability. Unlike this financial year, we also noted the need for a consistent contracting funding uplift across all sectors as all providers respond to the same cost pressures.

We spelt out the need for the sector to proactively engage in and contribute to mental health and addiction target processes and development of the mental health wellbeing strategy, which is legislated to be produced by October 2025. This follows on from the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Act being passed into law in October 2024.

In these meetings it is very tricky getting the right balance between supporting the Minister’s priorities yet at the same time exercising our peak body role to independently raise important advocacy matters by being upfront about things which impact on our sector that should be tackled.

Police Mental Health Change Programme

During March MH&A NGO leaders, alongside Platform, continued to monitor changes which were implemented in phase one and those proposed to be progressed in phase two. The aim being to ensure impact is minimised on mental health and addiction NGO providers and the support they provide to people, and their engagement with Police.

Due to changes covered in the last newsletter, the Health NZ forum on Police’s mental health change programme met on one occasion. Phase two of the transition process programme has been pushed out to start on Monday 14 April instead of Monday 31 March.

This is due to further work required to understand the parameters of police powers of detention under section 109 of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, in relation to the proposed change to a 60-minute handover of detained persons in Emergency Departments. Specifically, when the responsibilities of the Police and Health start and end.

In parallel, Health NZ and Police have conducted assessments into the degree to which different police and Health NZ districts are ready to adopt and implement the Phase Two changes. It is acknowledged that some districts are more ready than others and consequently implementation will be staged in different tranches depending on agencies’ district readiness.

The changes in the governance arrangements for this programme of work with Karla Bergquist, Director Specialist Mental Health & Addiction, Health NZ and Tusha Penny, Assistant Commissioner Iwi and Communities, Police being co-chairs are welcome.

It is acknowledged that because of the changes to Phase Two implementation timelines, the implementation of Phase Three and Four will likely be delayed pending formal decisions and work.

Work continues to understand what is required to support these changes.

In the meantime, if you come across an issue which needs to be raised with Health NZ, please e-mail MHPolicechanges@tewhatuora.govt.nz (This inbox is monitored regularly)

Pay equity claims update

Our work to progress pay equity claim processes continued during March. Below we summarise activity which took place under each pay equity claim.

Original care and support worker pay equity claim

An Employment Relations Authority (ERA) administrative conference call was held on Monday 10 March between the lawyers who will represent the named employers, which include Pathways and Emerge, the unions lawyer and an ERA member. The purpose was to discuss what is required to be provided to the ERA and the timetable for information to be provided. It was agreed to delay the ERA investigation meeting to August 2025 to allow all parties to be prepared and provide the necessary information. As we have previously advised the ERA has convened this because the unions applied the pay equity wage rates for care and support workers covered by the claim to be fixed.

Health New Zealand representatives met with peak body (NZACA/NZDSN/HCHA & Platform) to advise that they are going to use the care and support worker workforce data submitted by employers during October to inform the advice they are developing for the Minister of Health, Minister of Finance and Minister for Public Service. It is unclear what this advice will cover as no input has been sought from the employers named in this claim. 

The PSA recently provided an update to its members titled “Today marks 1000 days since your pay equity claim was filed”. This includes a PSA calculation of the amount each support worker is out of pocket every week the Government fails to resolve or settle the claim, an update on the ERA process and details of the CTU campaign.

It is disappointing that this continues to drag on. Even more so the lack of engagement by the lead funder is baffling.

Second support worker pay equity claim

The work to validate the care and support worker work profile progressed. As we have previously advised the approach agreed was to test and validate the job profile developed in the original claim above. Two main processes for validation were used: a survey of managers, and workshops with employees which were held as scheduled at the end of February.

A total of 31 employees attended, representing a good cross-section of workplaces, roles and all sectors. Out of a cross-section of 21 managers, who were invited to participate in the survey, 17 responded.

The very useful insights of employees and managers were analysed. The report of findings will provide a view on validation and alignment between the work of the original claim employees and that of Claim 2.  A confirmed work profile will be part of the report. The report is due by the end of March and will be provided to the parties to the Claim to consider.

The next phase of work to assess the existence and extent of any undervaluation, relative to the findings from the original claim. The employer steering group is considering a proposal for a streamlined but sufficiently robust process to do this next phase.

There was some engagement with the lead funder Health NZ at which there was no commitment to any support other than confirming the development of advice to Ministers mentioned above.

Third support worker pay equity claim

There are no MH&A NGO providers named in this claim. However, this claim is progressing by following the same approach and processes as claim two above. A plan and timeframes for smaller workplace focus groups and a survey to a small cross-section of employees and managers is being worked on and will be available to Claim 3 employers soon.

An overall sector solution for pay equity for care and support workers remains the goal for all employers named across the three claims. Engagement with Health New Zealand as lead funder is also centred around achieving a whole of sector pay equity solution.

Frontline managers/co-ordinators claim

As mentioned in the last newsletter an indicative plan and indicative timetable to complete employee interviews, compile a work assessment profile for the roles covered in this claim. Work is yet to be progressed by the parties to identify comparators.

Employers also continue to be very concerned about the impact of pay relativity or differential and associated funding, which has been highlighted to the lead funder Health New Zealand and to Minister Doocey on numerous occasions.

Influenza immunisation update

That time of the year is upon us when it is timely to support tangata whaiora to get influenza vaccinations.

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. 

Access to online resources

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

1. Inter-cultural capability eLearning - a self-directed introductory course
2. Digital learning programme - Techsoup - webinars, on-demand courses and more, designed for people working in non-profits
3. Privacy ABC - privacy training and a non-profit focused privacy webinar
4. Privacy Commission e-learning -free self-paced e-learning courses
5. What are the rules for running a formal meeting? - a guide

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

·       CommunityNet Aotearoa

·       NZ Navigator

·       Digital Stuff We Love

Consultations we are participating in

1.     The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking feedback on a proposed 5th edition of the Government Procurement Rules. The proposed edition has been streamlined and simplified to make them easier to understand and apply. The rules have four parts, core values, procurement lifecycle steps, Procurement System Requirements, and general information. Submissions will close on Friday 8 April 2025 at 5pm. We encourage you to make a submission.

Find out more and how to make a submission here Read the proposed Government Procurement Rules: Responsible expenditure of public funds here

2.     Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council is inviting organisations to share feedback on the draft Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). There are currently 10 CMRs, the current Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council plan is to have one core CMR for all Community, Health, Education and Social Services industries, with separate appendices stating specific industry-related requirements. Submissions close Friday 4 April.

3.     Toitū te Waiora, the Workforce Development Council for Community, Health, Education, and Social Services, is developing two new qualifications:

·       New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3)

·       New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 4) 

Following sector consultation as part of the Health and Wellbeing Qualification review, the disability support sector needs qualifications designed specifically for disability support workers. These new qualifications will help ensure better training, recognition, and outcomes for the workforce and the wider disability community. Find out more about this consultation here.

During March we participated and contributed to these consultation processes which have now closed:

·       Inland Revenue: Taxation and the not-for-profit sector. The consultation considered whether certain tax concessions available to the Charities or not-for-profit sector continue to be effective. It also explored whether tax obligations can be simplified, and compliance costs minimised. Consultation closed on Monday 31 March 2025.

·       Toitū te Waiora Community, Health, Education and Social Services, Workforce Development Council: Review of the New Zealand Certificate in Public Health and Health Promotion (Level 5). You can read about this review here. We encourage you to familiarize yourself and respond accordingly.

Events

Free Webinar on Eating Disorders and Technology: Challenges and Opportunities

Thursday May 15,

10:00 - 11:00 AM NZST

LOCATION: Online (Zoom)

Eating disorders affect around 8% of the global population, impacting individuals and their communities across diverse backgrounds. This webinar, hosted by eMHIC and the Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (CoRe-ED), explores the potential of digital technologies in supporting those affected.

Their expert panel will discuss strategies for implementing effective digital solutions, scalable interventions, and the opportunities and challenges of integrating digital tools into eating disorder care from various perspectives, including lived experience and international health initiatives.

You can register here: https://emhicglobal.com/webinars/

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
Natasha Snook (Membership Engagement Coordinator): Natasha@platform.org.nz