Matapiata | Addiction Harm Reduction initiatives

This He Aka Hui in the Whāriki Addiction Series focused on harm reduction in the context of alcohol and other drug use in Aotearoa. This session brought together voices from practice, policy, and community to explore harm reduction approaches that centre equity, cultural integrity, and lived experience. 

Alcohol and drug-related harm continues to disproportionately impact Māori, Pacific, and other minoritised communities. The kōrero explored what harm reduction looks like when it’s grounded in tikanga, community knowledge, and mana-enhancing practice and how policy and frontline interventions can better reflect the needs of those most affected. 

We were privileged to have been joined by:
Dr Andre McLachlan, who will share a Te Ao Māori perspective on harm reduction, drawing on mātauranga Māori and tikanga-based approaches.
Ben Birks Ang from the New Zealand Drug Foundation, who will speak to the delivery of practical harm reduction services — including drug checking, safer use education, and health-based policy advocacy. 

Watch the amazing session below and their respective presentations. Addiction Harm Reduction-Ben Birks Ang Māori Harm Reduction-Andre McLachlan