Manatū Hauora has today published the Oranga Hinengaro System and Service Framework which sets the direction for the future mental health and addiction system and services over the next 10 years.

Kiri Richards, Associate Deputy Director-General, Mental Health and Addiction says the framework represents the next step in our transformation to support better mental wellbeing outcomes for all in Aotearoa.

‘It provides guidance to the health sector on how to commission, design and deliver services so that everyone can strengthen their own mental wellbeing, and when needed, there’s a range of quality support grounded in equity, te ao Māori values, and what tāngata whaiora, whānau and communities tell us they need,’ says Kiri.

Manatū Hauora worked closely with Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora to develop this guidance document, while also working alongside tāngata whaiora, whānau and providers so their voices and aspirations are strongly reflected within it.

‘At the core is an absolute commitment to a mental health and addiction system, and all support and services, that will recognise and elevate the voices of Māori and tāngata whaiora,’ she says.

Bringing this framework to life will require collective action by Manatū Hauora, Te Aka Whai Ora, Te Whatu Ora and mental health and addiction service providers including Hauora Māori partners, Lived Experience leaders, NGOs and primary health organisations.

Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora will lead the implementation of the framework, beginning with:

  • a detailed stocktake/equity map to validate the current landscape
  • work on an equitable funding model for various population groups around the country, and to identify funding gaps
  • a review of which services should be delivered nationally, regionally and locally
  • development of an innovation hub and/or national service networks to assist with consistency nationally.

While at Manatū Hauora we will develop a monitoring and accountability framework to track progress towards the future system.

However, bringing this framework to life will require action from all of us as we work towards the vision set out in Kia Manawanui Aotearoa – long term pathway to mental wellbeing. That is an equitable and thriving Aotearoa where mental wellbeing is promoted and protected, people are supported to stay well, and they can get the support they need, when and where they need it.

Read more about the framework at Oranga Hinengaro System and Service Framework.