Addiction

People, tāngata whai ora, whānau and communities must be at the centre of every response to addiction. Addiction is a major health and social issue in Aotearoa, impacting not only individuals but also whānau, hapori and communities. It disproportionately affects those facing inequity, discrimination, trauma and the ongoing impacts of colonisation, shaped by systemic injustice and social disadvantage. This theme shares stories and approaches that challenge the status quo, amplifying lived experience, promoting peer-led models and showcasing kaupapa Māori solutions driving real change, led by those most affected and those working alongside them.