Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched a new initiative today.
New Zealand's Pacific communities will receive a boost in addressing alcohol-related harm with a $330,000 funding initiative. The Pacific Strengthening and Innovation Fund aims to provide resources to empower locally-led approaches to prevent alcohol-related harm. This investment is the first significant alcohol prevention specific allocation in the health system for Pacific populations.
The Government has set a goal of increasing investment into prevention and early intervention, focusing on population needs for groups and communities that this fund will help achieve. Hazardous alcohol consumption can cause harm in these communities, with Pacific communities facing higher rates of hazardous drinking despite lower overall alcohol consumption rates.
The funding is part of the Government's commitment to addressing alcohol harm through enabling and providing support for locally driven solutions. This initiative joins wider work being done in areas like health and education.