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2023-2024 work plan

A suite of eight work streams have been designed for the 2023-24 years, in alignment with the RANZCP’s Strategic Plan. Members and College support were assigned to each group at the Tu Te Akaaka Roa – NZ National Council meeting. 

The work streams are:

  • Workforce Development – led by Arran Culver
  • Cultural Competence and Safety – a joint piece of work with Te Kaunihera, co-led by Mark Lawrence and Claire Paterson
  • Engagement with Primary Care – led by David Codyre
  • Preparation for the new Mental Health Act (2024) – led by Oliver Hansby
  • Affiliate Engagement – in conjunction with the Overseas Trained Psychiatrists Committee, led by Alison Masters
  • Communication – led by Hiran Thabrew

Our goals

The Tu Te Akaaka Roa - New Zealand National Committee is committed to:

  • advancing the psychiatry profession
  • improving outcomes for people living with mental health and addiction issues.

These goals are underpinned by three key principles:

  • place tangata whaiora (consumer) at the centre of policy decisions
  • value whānau (family) input and participation as core to our mahi
  • prioritise reducing health inequities particularly for Māori, Pacific and other high needs people.

In addition, Tu Te Akaaka Roa – New Zealand National Committee supports members practising in New Zealand, working closely with College Faculties, Sections, and interest groups (e.g. for overseas trained psychiatrists and Training Representative Committee).

Future of mental health and addiction in Aotearoa

Tu Te Akaaka Roa is committed to the Treaty of Waitangi. This commitment is reflected in each Member’s practice and in the wider mahi undertaken in Aotearoa. 

A visual depiction of this commitment is demonstrated in The Future of Mental Health and Addiction in Aotearoa [PDF; 1.6 MB].

Working with stakeholders

Tu Te Akaaka Roa works with a number of stakeholders to advance shared kaupapa, including:

  • Ministers – including the Minister and Associate Ministers of Health
  • Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora
  • Oranga Tamariki
  • Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)
  • Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa (Medical Council of New Zealand)
  • Te Kaunihera o Ngā Kāreti Rata o Aotearoa (Council of Medical Colleges)
  • Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa (Māori Medical Practitioners)
  • Te Huringa Tuarua (Mental Health and Well-being Commission)
  • The Mental Health Foundation
  • New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP)
  • ACC
  • Pharmac

Recent policy and advocacy

Psychiatry Training Pipeline Report, October 2024

Review of preventive detention and post-sentence orders, October 2024

Proposal to remove renewals for stimulant medication, September 2024

Proposal to fund lisdexamfetamine, September 2024

Medical aspects of fitness to drive - Draft guide for health practitioners, September 2024

Review of the End of Life Choice Act 2019, August 2024

Inquiry into the Aged Care Sector's Current and Future Capacity to Provide Support Services for People Experiencing Neurological Cognitive Disorders, August 2024

Expedited Pathway for Registration in the Provisional Vocational Scope of practice, August 2024

Proposal to widen access to Aripiprazole Long-Acting Injections, July 2024

Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill, July 2024

Review of the Health and Disability Commissioner Act and Code of Rights, July 2024

Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill Submission, July 2024

Adult Decision-making Law Review: Second Issues Paper, June 2024

A New Approach to Regulating Shooting Clubs and Ranges, June 2024

Draft Statement on ‘Treating yourself and those close to you’, May 2024

Open Letter to Minister of Mental Health and Minister of Finance, May 2024

Budget Policy Statement 2024, May 2024

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