This report outlines the necessary changes to establish a regional system of gambling harm prevention services that are easily accessible, fair, and responsive to the needs and preferences of whānau. The insights provided are based on the perspectives of whānau, communities, and the sector.
Achieving a more effective gambling harm prevention service requires showcasing the interconnectedness of communities and a commitment to collaboration and partnerships aligned with community values and vision.
Te Oranganui submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI) to Te Aka Whai Ora for preventing ongoing and cumulative effects of gambling harm, with Healthy Families Whanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitīkei facilitating the co-design process and Waiora Hinengaro overseeing the implementation within the rohe (region).
The overarching goals of the Collaborative Design of Mental Health and Addiction Service Delivery initiative include expressing the aspirations and objectives of whānau, hapū, and iwi affected by gambling addiction; upholding the wairua of collective contribution for enhanced health and wellbeing for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand; transforming existing gambling services into a connected ecosystem that caters to community needs; and building capability and capacity for more efficient and rapid change across the service delivery system in the Whanganui rohe.
Key outcomes sought include a set of priorities identified by the ecosystem of services and whānau; approaches and services available and responsive to communities and their self-identified needs; and the development of public health initiatives in collaboration with priority populations to address the stigma of gambling addiction and harm within schools.
This approach aligns with the Te Pae Tata Health System Transformation initiative, aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders in 2022, and the Pae Ora – Healthy Futures Act of 2022, envisioning an equitable and flourishing Aotearoa where health is actively promoted and safeguarded.
We extend special thanks to Jarna Flintoff, who began an internship with Te Oranganui and joined our Healthy Families Whanganui, Rangtīkei, Ruapehu team during the recent summer break while awaiting her return to the University of Otago, leading out the “Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm Initiative”. Her dedication, efforts, and expertise greatly contributed to our progress. We also acknowledge and appreciate the guidance and contribution of Hine Potaka-Gardiner, Sharon Crombie, Peti Waaka, Shane Brown, and Cath Healey to this initiative. Furthermore, we are grateful to the whānau and the sector for sharing their stories and hopes for change, demonstrating the community's eagerness to be part of this transformative journey.
Link to report here.
CALL TO ACTION
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Mel Maniapoto-Bennett
Kaihautū Waiora Hinengaro
Waiora Hinengaro
Te Oranganui Trust
133 Wicksteed Street, Terrace House - Level 4
Chy Potaka-Osborne
Lead Systems Innovator
Waiora Whānau
Healthy Families Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu