More community-based alcohol and drug services are now available for people living in Central, following the launch of the new alcohol and other drug (AOD) addictions service run by Te Kāika in Dunedin and funded by Te Whatu Ora.

The service is available to all adults who seek support in their recovery, including those with current and/or past involvement with Corrections. 

The new services will have an expert workforce who will be culturally safe and confident with providing support services to Māori and Pasifika.

Tāngata whaiora (a person seeking health) and their whānau will experience an open-door-whare steeped in Te Ao Māori, where kaimahi warmly manaaki them into an environment that caters to their recovery needs.

Participants will have the benefit of clinical outpatient services, outreach services with wānanga, whānau ora approaches, therapeutic interventions, and peer support delivered within a Te Ao Māori framework. 

Tāngata whaiora will also be able to connect directly with the other Te Kāika services to receive care and support.

Te Whatu Ora executive director of mental health, addiction and intellectual disability Toni Gutchlag said it’s great to see the launch of a new service that meets a need for our community.

“It will provide alcohol and other drug addiction services within a Te Ao Māori framework, closer to home and within a broader range of health services at Te Kāika.”

Te Kāika chief executive officer Matt Matahaere said the team was delighted to launch this addictions service, which offers both clinical interventions and support for tāngata whaiora and their whānau.

“A key part of this vision is to open a new low-cost health centre and reduce financial and cultural barriers to accessing health services and support in the community.”

The service can be accessed by self-referral, referral by whānau, referral by GP and referral by other external parties.

Those requiring the service, or wanting to refer whānau into the service, can express interest at [email protected]. It is not a crisis intervention service.

Information about the service is also available on the Te Kāika website.