New Mental Health Service Launches in Waitaki to Boost Support

A new mental health service, Te Ama Mental Health Services, was officially launched on March 15, 2024, in Waitaki, New Zealand. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT) and Te Hā o Maru Health and Social Services. The launch event, held at the Brydone Hotel, was attended by approximately 60 people, including Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora acting manager Monique Gale.

The service aims to address a growing need for enhanced mental health support and resources in the district. OPIT chief executive Hana Fanene-Taiti expressed enthusiasm for the project’s focus on inclusivity, stating, “We’re really excited to be delivering a service together based on Māori kaupapa and Pacific models of care that is inclusive for everybody.”

Community-Driven Initiative

The establishment of Te Ama Mental Health Services stems from the findings of the Southern District Health Board-commissioned Te Huruhanga Time for Change review in 2021, which highlighted significant gaps in mental health and addiction services in Waitaki. Fanene-Taiti acknowledged the role of the Stronger Waitaki coalition, comprising around 170 individuals from various community organizations, in advocating for improved support. She credited former Stronger Waitaki lead Helen Algar for her dedication to this cause prior to the review.

The review prompted a series of workshops involving community members, service providers, and peer support groups. These discussions led to the collaboration between OPIT and Te Hā o Maru to develop a more effective model for mental health support. The initiative received backing from Health New Zealand, which provided resources to help set up the new service.

Holistic Approach to Mental Health

As of March 2024, a Pre and Post Crisis Support and Navigation Services Working Group has been formed to better address community needs. This group will work alongside the frontline team of Te Ama, which includes professionals such as Hannah Cruickshank (Pou Ama), Jacinta Te Maiharoa, and Sonya Trusler.

Malloy-Sharplin emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to mental health, stating, “We don’t see it as a whole bunch of diagnoses and someone struggling; we see it as a very spiritual thing for Māori.” He added that the service focuses on supporting families rather than just individuals, recognizing that familial support is crucial for effective mental health care.

As the project progresses, it is currently in the implementation phase, with service referrals becoming active this week. The pilot and testing of all systems is projected to conclude by the end of 2025, with full operational capacity expected by the end of January 2026. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of the Waitaki community, reinforcing the commitment to culturally responsive and equitable services for Māori, Pacific, and broader populations.