Kaupapa Māori services report
The report provides an overview of investment into kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services, sheds light on the significant disparities faced by Māori in mental health outcomes, and calls for the need for change to address these inequities. It was released on 27 June 2023.
Despite increased investment in kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services over the last five years, the level of investment into kaupapa Māori services remains at less than 11 per cent of the total mental health and addiction expenditure.
In addition:
- Māori, who make up 17 per cent of the population and have higher rates of mental distress than other populations groups, have been advocating for equitable funding for kaupapa Māori services for decades.
- The proportion of tāngata whaiora Māori accessing Māori specialist mental health and addiction services has decreased over the last five-year period from 30 per cent in 2017/18 to 26 per cent in the last financial year (2021/22).
To ensure a more balanced allocation of resources, we call for an increase in funding for kaupapa Māori services to address inequities in the funding model. This includes an allocation of any new mental health and addictions investment allocated to kaupapa Māori services.
We also advocate for a comprehensive mental health and addiction prevalence survey to strengthen evidence-based decision-making. Our He Ara Āwhina pathways to support framework will support this.