Addiction leaders unite to find shared solutions

‘Tutū maiea marangai, whakatere ana Poupaka – When the easterly wind rises, Poupaka goes sailing’ was the theme for the National Addiction Leadership Day held on 31 July in Māngere, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Hosted by the National Committee for Addiction Treatment in partnership with Te Pou, the event was attended by Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health, who gave the opening address.

(L to R) Toleafoa Mark Esekielu, Hon Matt Doocey, Helen Schmidt-Spopaga, Maikali Kilioni

Le Va’s senior manager – mental health and addiction, Toleafoa Mark Esekielu, said of the event, “It was great to connect and reconnect with such passionate addiction rangatira and kaimahi.

“Wonderful to hear about all the vast work that is happening across the sector and to share the part Le Va is contributing with our inaugural addiction scholarship programme, funded by Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora.”

Toleafoa presented on Le Va’s work in the sector and our new Addiction and Problem Gambling Harm Scholarship.

Intended to increase the capacity and capability of the workforce, the scholarship is available to those studying towards a qualification that contributes to reducing harms from alcohol and other drugs.

The first cohort of 44 students got underway in 2024, receiving tailored support in the form of financial assistance, cultural support, mentoring and career planning.

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Find out more about Le Va’s mental health and addiction scholarships, supporting the development of the mental health and addiction workforce in Aotearoa.

https://www.leva.co.nz/training-education/scholarships/