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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

Ram Raid Offending and Related Measures Amendment Bill, RANZCP submission to the New Zealand Parliament | Pāremata Aotearoa, October 2023

Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19, October 2023

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa’s Disclosure of harm following an adverse event Consultation, September 2023

Aotearoa New Zealand Election Priorities 2023 

Broaden the initial Special Authority Number for methylphenidate, RANZCP submission to Pharmac, June 2023

Telehealth Consultation, submission letter to the Medical Council of New Zealand, June 2023

Special authority criteria for Class B stimulants – submission letter to Pharmac, June 2023

Safe Access to Opioids Engagement Survey. RANZCP Submission Letter to Manarū Hauora April 2023

Review of Adult Decision Making Capacity Law: Preliminary Issues Paper, RANZCP NZ submission to Ngā Huarahi Whakatau, March 2023. 

Investment Priorities for Budget 2023/RANZCP NZ Submission to the NZ government, February 2023. 

Proposal to amend Pharmaceutical Schedule Rules on prescribing and dispensing of Class B controlled drugs, RANZCP NZ letter to Pharmac - Te Pātaka Whaioranga

Mamaenga roa: Model of Care for people living with chronic pain/Joint letter from NZ RANZCP and NZ College of Clinical Psychologists to Ministry of Health, December 2022

Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill Consultation, RANZCP NZ Letter to Social Services and Community Committee, November 2022. 

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