Three community-based FASD / Te Iho Tātai-ō-Rongo Hubs were announced earlier this year by the Hon. Matt Doocey, the Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health. The Hubs are in Rotorua / Kawerau, Ahuriri / Napier and Tairāwhiti / Gisborne (see media release).
This three-year, Government-funded pilot project will provide FASD assessment, diagnosis and support to their local whānau. The three hubs are now in varying stages of activity, from working to bring local stakeholders and expertise together, to raising awareness of FASD and upskilling cross-sector professionals – or even beginning their first initial assessments.
The Gisborne hub is covered by Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa in partnership with Turanga Health; Manaaki Ora Trust and Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Hauora will serve Rotorua/Kawerau, and Te Kupenga Hauora-Ahuriri (TKH), FASD-CAN and Health New Zealand’s Child Development Services (CDS) will serve Hawke’s Bay.
The way that each hub provides their assessment and support services will differ, shaped by the specific needs of its own community. Differing methodologies will also provide a broader experience and data to evaluate effectiveness.
The programme is expected to provide at least 200 diagnoses and provide support to 400 whānau / families.
Below is an update about the three hubs as at late October 2026.
Photo: Ahuriri training and whanaungatanga session with FASD-CAN and TKH kaimahi.
RuruHana Brownie and Ebony Sullivan, FASD-CAN
Ka Tipu Ka Ora (KTKO) launched on 1 September 2026, FASD Awareness Day, with referrals opening on 1 October. Based at Te Kupenga Hauora (TKH) Ahuriri / Napier, the hub aims to make it easier for whānau to access professional FASD assessment, navigation, practical resources and wraparound support through a connected, whānau-centred pathway.
Since the launch, Ka Tipu Ka Ora Whānau Navigators, including FASD-CAN’s Ebony Sullivan, have been attending community events, meeting local organisations and sharing information about the new service. Ebony and James Uri of TKH have been meeting with cross-sector organisations including the Ministry of Education, Oranga Tamariki, Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC), VOYCE, Awhi Charitable Trust, WIT and the Disability Resource Centre. These relationships will help strengthen referral pathways and improve coordination between the services supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
On 14 October, the Ka Tipu Ka Ora team met representatives from two other developing FASD hubs in Rotorua and Tairāwhiti. The meeting provided an opportunity to compare service models, share early learnings and discuss ways to make the services more accessible.
Ka Tipu Ka Ora will continue building community relationships and learning alongside the Rotorua/Kawerau and Tairāwhiti hubs as all three services develop.
Complete a referral to Ka Tipu Ka Ora.
• Contact Ebony Sullivan, FASD-CAN Navigator at the Ahuriri / Napier Hub for more information.
E: [email protected]
Teesh Dowie-Lewis, FASD-CAN Navigator, Kirikiriroa
A gathering on October 22 marked the development of the new FASD Hub for Rotorua and Kawerau, Tuku Atu, Tuku Mai. The celebration honoured the years of dedication and hard work that have contributed to reaching this important stage and acknowledged the contributions of Manaaki Ora and Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Hauora.
The assessment and support here is strongly based in Te Whare o Oro, a kaupapa Māori framework that brings together mātauranga Māori, cultural identity and knowledge of FASD. This framework looks beyond diagnosis to consider the whole person, including their strengths as well as their challenges; their relationships, experiences and environment.
As a foster caregiver with decades of experience in Kirikiriroa, FASD-CAN Navigator Teesh Dowie-Lewis was invited to attend. “Before the celebration, I completed a two-day Te Whare o Oro training, as well as a third day of learning, and found the entire experience deeply inspiring and meaningful,” said Teesh. “It provided a different perspective on how we understand and support people with FASD and reinforced the importance of connection and of seeing behavioural symptoms through a culturally-responsive lens."
“A heartfelt congratulations to everyone whose commitment and vision helped make this possible.”
• Contact Sonia Rapana-Hawkins, Project Coordinator at Manaaki Ora for more information about the Rotorua / Kawerau Hub.
E: [email protected]
Sheena Ifopo, Coordinator, Te Runanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa
Our team within Te Pā Harakeke, based at Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa (TROTAK), are working to establish a locally led FASD pathway that responds to the needs of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across Tairāwhiti. With significant need in our rohe and no established, coordinated pathway currently in place, our priority is to build a strong foundation that includes assessment, diagnosis and ongoing wraparound support for whānau.
Our multidisciplinary diagnostic team brings together expertise in paediatrics, psychology and speech-language therapy. Alongside this, we are strengthening relationships across the Ministry of Education, Oranga Tamariki, Child Development Services, ACC, the justice and social sector and community providers. Through regular workforce hui, we are working towards a shared understanding of FASD, breaking down silos and improving how services respond collectively to tamariki and whānau.
Workforce development is another key priority. This month, we are hosting Te Tiriti o Waitangi training with Dr Veronica Tawhai, followed by Te Whare o Oro training in the new year, further building our collective kete of knowledge and FASD-informed practice.
Looking ahead, our focus is to move from planning to practice, establishing a sustainable service that responds to the needs of our community and makes a meaningful difference for whānau across Tairāwhiti.
• Contact: Sheena Ifopo for more information about Te Pā Harakeke, the FASD Hub in Te Tairāwhiti
E: [email protected]
