The Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction is now open for submissions with the launch of its Consultation Document in Palmerston North today.

The Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction is now open for submissions with the launch of its Consultation Document in Palmerston North today.

The document will be launched at a hui in Palmerston North this morning. Today’s event will include a haka powhiri followed by the presentation of a Collective Intersectoral Submission to the Inquiry Panel and a Q &A session.

Chair of the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry Ron Paterson says today is an important day.

“The Panel is looking forward to being in Palmerston North for the day, hearing the intersectoral submission and launching the Consultation Document alongside iwi, health sector and community representatives.

“Today signals the commencement of the formal submission process. The Inquiry panel is calling for public submissions and we are encouraging as many people as possible to make a submission. To achieve this we have set up a number of ways submissions can be made including online submissions through our website, a Freephone number and by mail. A series of ‘Meet the Panel ‘sessions around New Zealand gets underway from next week and will continue until early July.

“Our website mentalhealth.inquiry.govt.nz goes live today and we’re also launching on social media.”

Ron Paterson says accessibility is really important for the Inquiry. “We’re providing a range of accessible options for people. This includes a multi format consultation document – easy read, Te reo, Hindi, Tongan, Samoan are all available and a sign language video that will be available shortly.

“Submissions are being sought until 5 June. This is a tight timeframe, but we’re determined to meet the Government’s timeframe of delivering our Report by the end of October.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a solutions based report that generates hope and set a clear direction for the next five to ten years that Government, the mental health and addiction sectors, and the broader community can pick up and implement,” says Ron Paterson.

The Consultation Document can be accessed at https://mentalhealth.inquiry.govt.nz/consultation-document/have-your-say/

Further information about the Inquiry can be found at our website https://mentalhealth.inquiry.govt.nz/
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