If you would like to get in touch with your local MPs to ask them to raise awareness of FASD and the need for Government action, we’re making it as easy as possible for you, with info on how to contact your MP/s, and an email you can use to get you started. You could even consider making an appointment to go and see them for a chat!
Please consider passing this on to friends and family and ask them to do the same.
1. First, find your local MP/s:
• If you’re not sure of who the MPs are in your area, click here to go to a map of NZ electorates. Click on your area of the map, and a list of the MPs for the area will pop up. Don't feel you have to stick to any one political party!
• Decide who you want to write to, then find your MP’s email address here: https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/
• Click on their name and their email info will come up (bottom left of screen).
2. Next, write your email based on our template below:
• Feel free to use as much or as little as you like, but please clarify where possible what YOUR personal experience is with FASD in the second paragraph.
• Cut and paste the template below into your email to begin, then edit to your liking.
3. Let us know what happens!
Did you have a promising interaction with your local candidates about FASD? Send us an email at [email protected] and tell us about it! Let us know who you heard back from, so we can keep track of those who are interested in addressing FASD.
Dear [MP’s name]
I am a constituent of your electorate and I’m writing to let you know that you may not realise it, but there are people in your electorate who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and they, and their families, need your help.
FASD is a lifelong neurodisability caused by exposure to alcohol while in the womb. I am the caregiver of / a whānau member of / a professional who works with whānau living with FASD / a person living with FASD, [choose one option] and I’m asking for your support.
FASD is estimated by Te Whatu Ora to affect to 3-5% of babies born currently in Aotearoa New Zealand. That’s around eight babies born every day. It is more common than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy combined – it is by far the greatest contributor to neurodisability in Aotearoa.
Tamariki and rangatahi affected by FASD experience physical, behavioural and learning difficulties that affect their interactions within education, health and justice settings throughout their lives. Crucially, FASD is still not recognised as a disability eligible for Disability Support Services (DSS), despite its lifelong impact, unless the individual has a proven intellectual disability.
Less than 20% of those with FASD have an IQ less than 70, but major issues with memory, executive function and behavioural issues means that without support, life can be extremely challenging for them and their whānau, and can also have an enormous impact on our society.
Lack of Government action
• Way back in September 2021, the Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero and Children’s Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft identified the lack of Disability Support Services (DSS) for those with FASD as a serious human rights issue in their report to the Prime Minister.
• In February 2024, a Massey University study found that harm to others (HTO) through misuse of alcohol showed FASD was the worst offender, far outstripping alcohol-fuelled violence and traffic crashes.
• In March 2024 the Ministry of Health published the results of a study into the costs of alcohol harm they commissioned, which found that of the $9.1 billion that alcohol is estimated to cost Aotearoa annually, over half of all alcohol harm in Aotearoa is due to FASD – over $4.8 billion.
These numbers cannot be ignored, yet despite ex-Health Minister Shane Reti's commitment to invest in FASD awareness and support in 2024, very few of his action points have been implemented.
Future investment in FASD
As well as providing essential DSS for those with FASD we must:
Will you raise awareness on behalf of this large and vulnerable group in your constituency with your colleagues? Will you advocate for us by asking the Te Whatu Ora how FASD is going to be supported within Whaikaha, the Ministry for Disabled People? Will you ask the Government exactly how they plan to revitalise the FASD Action Plan? Those affected by FASD urgently need your help.
You can find out more on the FASD-CAN website here.
[optional] As a caregiver/individual with lived experience of FASD, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss these points further.
Ngā mihi
[your name]
