FASD-CAN is delighted to be part of a significant new initiative that will improve access to FASD assessment, diagnosis and support in Aotearoa.
At a launch event in Gisborne on Thursday July 10, Health Minister Matt Doocey announced a $9 million investment over three years to establish New Zealand's first dedicated community-based FASD assessment, diagnosis and support services.
For more than 20 years, we've been advocating for better access to FASD services, and this new investment is an important step towards making that a reality.
Funded through the Alcohol Levy, the initiative delivers on key commitments in the FASD Action Plan 2025–2028.
The new services are based in Ahuriri/Napier, Rotorua/Kawerau and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne, bringing assessment, diagnosis, early intervention and ongoing support together in trusted community settings. The aim is to make services easier to access and ensure children, young people and their whānau receive practical support that continues beyond diagnosis.
The three community-based FASD services are being delivered by:
· Manaaki Ora Trust, in collaboration with Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Hauora, serving Rotorua and Kawerau.
· Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa (TROTAK), in partnership with Turanga Health, serving Tairāwhiti/Gisborne.
· Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri, in collaboration with FASD-CAN and Child Development Services, serving Hawke's Bay.
Our Kaiwhakatere / Navigator, RuruHana Brownie, will mentor a new FASD-CAN kaimahi who will support whānau across the Hawkes Bay rohe as the service grows.
Alongside assessment and diagnosis, the hubs will also provide:
· Workforce development across health, education and social services
· Community education
· Pre- and post-diagnosis support for whānau.
One of the biggest barriers for families has been accessing a diagnosis. Too often, people have experienced long wait times for Government (free) services, sky-high costs for private diagnosis, fragmented pathways and inconsistent follow-up services.
These three new hubs are designed to change that by bringing together clinical expertise, kaupapa Māori approaches and strong community partnerships in trusted community setups.
Currently, less than 5% of people living with FASD in Aotearoa receive a formal diagnosis. For many families, finally having an explanation can be life-changing. It helps people understand that their brain works differently for a reason, opening the door to better support, greater understanding and more informed decisions about the future.
Over the next three years, the programme is expected to deliver at least 200 comprehensive FASD assessments and provide tailored support for at least 400 individuals and whānau.
Independent evaluation of the programme will help identify what works best and inform future investment across Aotearoa.
We're excited to be part of this collaboration and look forward to working alongside our partners to help improve the lives of people with FASD and their whānau.
Photo: L-R back row:
Anne McLeod, Ministry of Health
RuruHana Brownie, FASD-CAN Navigator
Stephanie James-Sadler, FASD-CAN CEO
Kath Allen-Ropiha
Patrice Tai’i
