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 The Minister of Health, Hon Pete Hodgson, is to launch a Mental Health Commission publication, Te Haererenga mo to Whakaōranga 1996-2006, the Journey of Recovery for the New Zealand Mental Health Sector at the Enhancing our Com(mon)unity conference on Monday 30 April.

Registrations are still open for the conference, which runs until 2 May at the Rotorua Convention Centre, Rotorua (co-hosted by the Commission).

For information about registration email StandardsPlus@imaginebetter.co.nz or telephone (09) 262 5374 or write to Standards Plus, PO Box 23 725, Hunters Corner Manukau 2155.

 A report reviewing progress in New Zealand’s mental health and addiction sector over the past decade was launched today by Health Minister Pete Hodgson.

The report, Te Haererenga mo te Whakaōranga 1996-2006, the Journey of Recovery for the New Zealand Mental Health Sector [PDF 4.7mb], has been published by the Mental Health Commission.

Launching the report in Rotorua at the Enhancing our Com(mon) unity, a conference on creating social inclusion for people with mental illness, Pete Hodgson said New Zealand had come a long way in regard to the acknowledgement of mental health and addiction issues in our communities.

“We can be proud of our achievements, but as always, we need to do more."

The report recognises and celebrates the significant achievements in the sector following the 1995 government inquiry into mental health services led by Judge Ken Mason and identifies critical issues for the future

“The Commission felt that it was timely to look back over the decade and review what developments have occurred since Judge Mason’s landmark report,” says Chair Commissioner Ruth Harrison.

“This report shows the decade has seen rapid change and development of better services for people with experience of mental illness.

“The two most significant developments have been the adoption of a “recovery-based” approach within the services and the Whānau ora approach” to the delivery of mental health services.

“Another particularly pleasing development during the period has been the move towards New Zealand becoming a more inclusive society for people with experience of mental illness.

“This report is a tribute to all those who have played a part in developments in mental health and addiction services during the decade.

“But there is still more progress to be made. The Commission is looking forward to playing a lead role in helping to shape the services of mental health and addiction services in the future,” Ruth Harrison says.

 The Mental Health Commission welcomes the report of the Confidential Forum for Former In-Patients of Psychiatric Hospitals as an important landmark in an ongoing process of healing and reconciliation.

“We salute the courage of those who participated in the work of the Forum, and who were prepared to talk about debasing and humiliating experiences in state institutions,” Commission General Manager Selwyn Katene said.

“But we recognise that this is by no means the end of the road.

“The work of the Forum, chaired by former principal Family Court judge Patrick Mahony, has been but another step in a process of helping former mental health patients come to terms with their experiences.

“The Commission acknowledges that many of those who participated in the Forum are continuing to fight for apologies or compensation.

“We have no comment on legal actions, except to say that all those who endured traumatic experiences in state psychiatric institutions in the period before 1992 must be allowed to pursue whatever remedy they feel is necessary to bring about closure.

“It is important now that the hand of support and reconciliation that the Forum’s work represented continues to be extended to all who spent time in state psychiatric institutions, so that they get the assistance to which they are entitled.

“The Commission looks forward to studying the report closely, and working to ensure it is a catalyst for positive change for former patients and their families,” Mr Katene said.

 Mental Health Awareness week provides the platform for all New Zealanders to consider how we can as a society promote mental health and well-being for all, Mental Health Commission Chair Commissioner, Ruth Harrison said today

Achieving mental health and well-being for all New Zealanders is everyone’s business, she says.

“Well-being is about having opportunities to thrive (not just survive), contributing to society and having a sense of belonging.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, carries the theme: who we are and where we stand, Ko Papatuanuku toku Turangawaewae. The theme affirms everyone’s cultural roots and life experiences, and explores the idea that being mentally health includes celebrating our uniqueness and connecting with each other in our communities, Ruth Harrison says.

The Commission’s publication, which paints the picture of the future for mental health services in New Zealand, Te Hononga 2015, promotes mental health and well-being for all New Zealanders through connectedness whenever people come together, whether as families/whānau and communities, or as part of services, systems and sectors.

“Service responses must match need and address the issues relevant for each person and their families/whānau. In 2015 there will be a variety of responses tailored to suit individual and family/whānau needs,” she says.

Discrimination against people with experience of mental illness and or addiction will not be tolerated.

“Te Hononga 2015 depicts a society that actively promotes well-being for all New Zealanders. It is also acknowledges that discrimination is one of the biggest obstacles to recovery. The goal is for discrimination against people with mental illness and/or addiction to be abhorrent to all society by 2015.

It is up to all of us – politicians, the government sector, non government organisations, communities and families/whānau to make this happen,” she says.

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