New Service funded from Proceeds of Crime Fund for the Bay of Plenty
- Jun 17, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 13, 2023
Pou Oranga Whaiora: New Service funded from Proceeds of Crime Fund for the Bay of Plenty to address methamphetamine harm reduction. The service will be located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Te Pou Oranga o Whakatōhea on behalf of the Eastern Bay Iwi Provider Alliance (Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau, Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngati Awa, Tūhoe Hauora) partnering with BOP Police, BOPDHB and Ministry of Health was successful in its proposal to develop, implement and deliver the Pou Oranga Whaiora programme. Within the Eastern Bay of Plenty, the proposal aims to:
Achieve a sustained reduction in methamphetamine harm and harm caused by the use of other substances resulting in lower levels of family harm call outs and local criminal activity.
Work in partnership with the New Zealand Police, to support an increased policing focus on prevention.
Empower tangata whai ora and whānau to achieve improvements in their health and social wellbeing.
Work in partnership with local Health Agencies and other services (e.g., Whanau Ora) to strengthen access pathways for tangata whai ora and whānau to seek services from other local health services and social supports.
The Pou Oranga Whaiora programme will be achieved by the establishment and delivery of: A community based whānau support service incorporating both clinical treatment and mātauranga Māori healing modalities. There will be a co-design and establishment stage over 6 months and then the community service will be delivered by full time equivalent staff members comprising whanau connectors, social workers, employment support worker AOD counsellors. A supported accommodation facility and service. This will include sourcing and renovating a 7-bed residential facility, which is expected to take up to 18 months. The residential service will then be delivered by psychiatrist, registered health care professionals, support workers and facility manager rostered to cover 24/7 service. The service will be established and implemented over the next two years, The codesign process will commence in July 2022 with a series of stakeholder and community hui to be held across the Eastern Bay.
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The establishment of the Pou Oranga Whaiora programme represents a significant effort to tackle the multifaceted issues surrounding substance abuse in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. It is crucial to assess how effectively the integration of mātauranga Māori healing modalities will enhance the overall effectiveness of the Rollxo service. Understanding community engagement will be key to its success.
The establishment of the Pou Oranga Whaiora programme represents a comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. However, the effectiveness hinges on community engagement and the collaboration of all stakeholders. The potential integration of traditional healing alongside clinical treatment is crucial, yet the impact will depend on how well these methods align with local needs and values. It calls to mind the role in providing alternative solutions for those struggling. A balanced evaluation of both can reveal deeper insights into harm reduction strategies.
The Pou Oranga Whaiora initiative raises important questions about the efficacy of community-based programs in tackling substance-related issues. It aims to address the health disparities tied to methamphetamine harm, but the concept of a “highroller” lifestyle often complicates recovery efforts. This program must navigate community perceptions and systemic barriers to truly empower those affected and foster sustainable change.