He Aka Hui series – He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata!

Addiction is a critical health and social issue in Aotearoa, impacting public health and society at large. It disproportionately affects populations who face inequity and discrimination and is impacted by systemic injustice and disadvantage.

The whakatauakī, He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, frames our latest He Aka Hui series, which focuses on addiction and its impact on whānau, lived experience, and clinicians. At the heart of it all, the most important focus is the people.

The impact of addiction extends beyond the individual to whānau / families and communities. To effectively address these challenges, it’s essential to explore the factors contributing to addiction, including the ongoing impacts of colonisation, and adopt an inclusive approach that involves service users, whānau, iwi, hapū, communities, social networks, and government.

This series brings together kaikōrero from across the sector, including frontline clinicians, policymakers, those with lived experience, indigenous knowledge holders, and sector leaders. Together, we will explore diverse perspectives and showcase innovative solutions aimed at driving meaningful change in addiction treatment and recovery.

Be part of the conversation. Join us to tackle the challenges and co-create solutions for the people and communities of Aotearoa.

Whāriki would like to acknowledge Anna Tonks, Regional Manager, Mentally Well and System Design Manager, Te Ikaroa Central Region Commissioning, and Rebecca Greig, Programme Manager, Mental Health & Addiction, Nelson Marlborough | Te Tau Ihu, for their invaluable co-design and collaboration in creating this series. Thank you for your support, innovative ideas, and expertise—it has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.

 

He Aka Hui series Part 1

He taonga nō te mamae: kia ora ai i te waranga

Treasures from the pain: pathway of life through addiction

He Aka Hui series Part 2 of our Addiction Series

Kia kotahi rā:  

Integrating cultural and clinical approaches to addiction and wellbeing in Aotearoa. Join us to hear from indigenous knowledge holders and clinicians to hear how Te Ao Māori and Pasifika interventions and models are supporting tāngata, whānau and hapori  (people, family and communities) to address and overcome addiction issues.

Thursday 27 March, 10.30am-12pm

Keep an eye out for details on:

Part 3: Addiction Harm Reduction Initiatives – April

Part 4: Co-Existing Problems, Te Ariari o te Oranga – October