11. Question No. 11—Health (Māori Health)TĀMATI COFFEY (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health)Question No. 11—Health (Māori Health)11. TĀMATI COFFEY (Labour) to the Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health): What recent announcements has he made regarding the roll-out of Kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction services?Hon PEENI HENARE (Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health)): Thank you Mr Speaker. This morning I was on Hongoeka Marae with health provider Ora Toa to recognise their new kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction service Ngā Kete Aronui. This is a fantastic example of the value of by Māori for Māori health services delivering effective mental health and addiction support to whānau who need it in a culturally competent way. We know that when these services are delivered in a way underpinned by mātauranga Māori many whānau are more likely to reach out for support and have a positive experience in doing so. Ngā Kete Aronui is one of 29 new or recently established kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction services across Aotearoa funded as a result of the Government's groundbreaking Access and Choice programme.Tāmati Coffey: How is the roll-out of these services progressing on a nationwide level?Hon PEENI HENARE: Over the past few weeks I visited 13 of these new services rolling out across the North Island Te Ika-a-Māui. From Waitematā to Wellington Tai Rāwhiti to Tāneatua it is a heartening experience seeing tailored culturally competent wellbeing services being delivered by Māori for Māori and making a real difference. As I have said we have now reached a total of 29 new services across Aotearoa since our commitment to taking mental health seriously in Budget 2019. From early 2020 until May this year these growing kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction services have delivered more than 20000 sessions for those with mild to moderate mental health and addiction issues. We know that Māori have struggled over the years to get meaningful equitable support for their mental wellbeing which is why we committed to funding these new by Māori for kaupapa Māori mental health services.Tāmati Coffey: What reactions has he seen to these new services?Hon PEENI HENARE: Recently I visited the Poutiri Trust's chief executive Kirsty Maxwell-Crawford and she said that the new Mataora service in the Bay of Plenty is a significant boost for supporting its work in the area of mental wellbeing. I quote: It means we can respond to whānau in need who have taken the brave step of reaching out for help. We have increasing numbers of whānau contacting us in times of stress whānau wanting counselling or to access a Māori therapeutic service. Mataora allows us to be responsive to their needs". Te Tihi o Ruahine chief executive Materoa Mar said that the new Te Ara Tōtika service in the central North Island helps "develop more connected pathways for whānau and stronger relationships between service providers" and the service is "a wrap around one connecting people with education social health and wellbeing". Nothing is compared to hearing the voices of those who have engaged with these services. Their stories are about getting support when they really needed it and have been truly moving. I would encourage anyone listening out there to reach out for help to one of these services when they require it."