New Podcast Launches For Mental Health And Addiction Support Workers As Pay Equity Claim Shelved
Press Release – Te Pou
A new podcast has been launched celebrating the work of our largest mental health and addiction workforce.It comes as law changes have suddenly denied that workforce access to a pay equity claim it has been working towards for more than three years.
There are more than 5,000 full-time equivalent support workers in mental health and addiction services. They are an essential yet often undervalued, under-resourced, and underpaid role.
Support workers make up around one-third (33%) of the overall MHA workforce, and are the largest single workforce, followed by nurses (25%).
Research, including He Ara Oranga – the Government inquiry into mental health and addiction, has highlighted key challenges facing support workers, including the recruitment, retention and recognition of people working in this role.
To support and celebrate this vital workforce, Te Pou has created The Difference, a four-episode podcast series by and for support workers working in the mental health and addiction sector, which launches today.
Te Pou's chief executive Rae Lamb says it's more important than ever to celebrate the importance of this workforce and their role in supporting people's recovery.
Hosted by Te Pou project lead Alexia Black, The Difference features support workers from across the motu and from a diversity of organisations – including Pathways and Mahitahi Trust in Auckland, Springhill treatment centre in Napier, Real in Nelson, and Moana House in Dunedin – talking about their work, and current challenges and opportunities for the sector.
Topics include using your lived experience in your mahi, worker wellbeing, and vicarious trauma, leadership, career pathways and workforce retention, and the importance of reflective practice.
The episodes, which are being released once a fortnight from Thursday May 15, will be of interest to current support workers and their managers, those considering a career in support work, and the broader health workforce.
Te Pou, a national mental health and addiction workforce development agency, is committed to providing support workers with training and resources, and growing sector awareness of the vital role support workers play in our communities.
'Support workers and peer support workers are with people, day in and day out,' says Alexia. 'They are there when people need a listening ear or someone to walk beside them. They work so hard and yet are largely invisible when it comes to investment in the sector.
'I really hope this podcast shines a light on the strengths, skills and commitment of this workforce to improving the lives of tāngata whai ora and whānau. We really would be lost without them.'
Listen to The Difference on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
In addition, Te Pou has created a webpage with learning resources for support workers in mental health and addiction. To find out more, visit https://www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/strengthening-the-mental-health-and-addiction-support-workforce
Notes:
Sources: Mental health and addiction workforce report (Te Pou, October 2023), He Ara Oranga (Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction (November 2018).
Episode release schedule (every two weeks on a Thursday):
Episode 1: May 15 – Using your lived experience in your mahi
Join Izzy Young, a peer support specialist with Real (Nelson), and James Huata, peer support worker from Moana House (Dunedin) as they talk to podcast host Alexia Black about how to use lived experience in your mahi. They both share their personal journeys and experiences of struggle, healing and reconnection. They discuss how they use their lived experience in their daily life as support workers.
Episode 2: May 29 – Worker wellbeing and vicarious trauma
Jonathan Miller is a team coach at Pathways in Auckland, managing a mobile community support team. With five years as a community support worker and two as a manager, he is passionate about support worker wellbeing. He talks to podcast host Alexia Black about his master's research, which focused on support workers' perspectives on their own wellbeing. Their kōrero covers vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue, with some practical tips for support workers on how to look after their own mental health on the job.
Episode 3: June 12 – Reflective practice
Tashie Hoffman is a peer support specialist at Springhill Treatment Centre in Napier. After overcoming addiction and completing rehab, she stayed connected to the recovery community and was offered a role at the centre. She talks about her journey, and the value of reflective practice in her mahi.
Episode 4: June 26 – Leadership
Tremain Tauhinu has more than 30 years' experience in intellectual disability and mental health services. From Mangere East, Auckland, he has worked in roles from labourer to property manager. Now, as a team lead at Mahitahi Trust, he supports tāngata whai ora with complex needs to re-engage with their communities. He talks about career development and leadership for support workers. What are the opportunities and challenges for recruitment, retention and growth for the sector?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
21 hours ago
- Scoop
Successful Childhood Immunisation Programme Delivering Results
Press Release – New Zealand Government The Immunising our Tamariki programme focuses on reaching children and families who are yet to receive their immunisation through traditional pathways such as GP practices, particularly in communities with historically low immunisation rates. Minister of Health A successful programme to help Māori health providers lift childhood immunisation rates will be renewed, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 'The Immunising our Tamariki programme, originally launched in 2023 by Hon Dr Shane Reti, invested $50 million in Māori health providers to deliver targeted, community-based immunisation outreach. It aims to lift childhood immunisation rates for babies and children who may not be reached through traditional health channels such as GPs or pharmacies.' 'Since March 2024, the programme has delivered 41,719 scheduled childhood immunisations for children under 24 months, including 3,301 in May – the highest monthly total since it began,' Mr Brown says. 'In total, more than 132,000 vaccinations have been administered through the programme, with a record 18,555 given in April 2025 alone as part of preparations for winter – including influenza and other immunisations. It's a clear example of how backing local health providers and frontline workers delivers better outcomes for the communities they know best. 'The Immunising our Tamariki programme focuses on reaching children and families who are yet to receive their immunisation through traditional pathways such as GP practices, particularly in communities with historically low immunisation rates. 'We know we need to significantly lift immunisation rates for Māori to meet the Government's target of 95 per cent of children being fully immunised by 24 months of age. Targeted, localised outreach services are critical to achieving that goal. 'About 40 per cent of people immunised through the programme are also non-Māori, reflecting the essential role that community providers play in delivering low-cost, trusted health services for all New Zealanders.' As part of the programme's renewal to 30 June 2026, Health New Zealand will implement several changes to maximise its impact: All funding will go directly to frontline service delivery and qualified immunisation staff. Newly commissioned services must include clinical capacity to vaccinate – such as authorised vaccinators and cold chain infrastructure – so new providers can begin immunising immediately. Support will continue for Māori health providers to build trust and momentum in communities with high-needs, building on the groundwork laid during the COVID-19 response. 'These improvements will help deliver tens of thousands more immunisations in the year ahead, while relieving pressure on GPs and hospitals. 'One of the most important things we can do to protect children and families is to stay up to date with immunisations. This programme is a smart, targeted way of doing just that,' Mr Brown says.
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
New Modular Units Will Expand Bed Capacity During Hospital Upgrades
Minister of Health At least four new rapidly deployable relocatable inpatient units will be rolled out across the country to ensure hospitals can continue delivering care to patients while major infrastructure projects are underway, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 'These new inpatient units – part of the Government's $1 billion Budget 2025 investment in hospital infrastructure – will help ensure patients can receive their surgeries while permanent hospital redevelopments are progressed,' Mr Brown says. 'Each unit will provide between 28 and 32 beds, delivering a rapid uplift of at least 112 inpatient beds across the country. With a design life of up to 50 years, these relocatable units can be moved between sites depending on clinical need and demand, providing a flexible and future-proof solution.' Mr Brown confirmed that the first of the new units will be delivered in Nelson, where it will support service delivery during the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital. One unit for Hawkes Bay announced earlier this year will also be part of this deployment. 'This is a smart, cost-effective, and adaptable approach that will enable Health New Zealand to maintain continuity of care while we invest in long-term hospital infrastructure. It's another example of the Government delivering practical, results-focused solutions to improve access to healthcare.' The relocatable inpatient units will be designed and built to meet relevant design standards, ensuring the same high standard of care as permanent hospital facilities. 'This approach has already proven effective at Wellington Regional Hospital, where a temporary inpatient ward was successfully deployed during the copper pipe remediation programme. A similar unit is currently being built at Hawke's Bay Hospital. 'By expanding on these proven models, we can respond more quickly to population needs and relieve pressure on hospitals while long-term builds are underway. 'This Government is focused on delivering practical solutions that improve access to care and support our long-term plan to build a health system that works for all New Zealanders. 'Whether it's through innovative builds like these relocatable units or progressing major redevelopments, we're making sure the health system has the capacity it needs – not just for today, but for years to come,' Mr Brown says. Notes: An Advance Notice will be published today on GETS – the Government Electronic Tender Service – inviting construction providers to propose innovative, modular, and transportable inpatient unit designs that meet Health New Zealand's clinical and operational requirements and can be delivered quickly and cost-effectively. The tender will be for the three inpatient units announced as part of Budget 2025 and the Hawke's Bay unit.
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Successful Childhood Immunisation Programme Delivering Results
Minister of Health A successful programme to help Māori health providers lift childhood immunisation rates will be renewed, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "The Immunising our Tamariki programme, originally launched in 2023 by Hon Dr Shane Reti, invested $50 million in Māori health providers to deliver targeted, community-based immunisation outreach. It aims to lift childhood immunisation rates for babies and children who may not be reached through traditional health channels such as GPs or pharmacies." 'Since March 2024, the programme has delivered 41,719 scheduled childhood immunisations for children under 24 months, including 3,301 in May – the highest monthly total since it began,' Mr Brown says. 'In total, more than 132,000 vaccinations have been administered through the programme, with a record 18,555 given in April 2025 alone as part of preparations for winter – including influenza and other immunisations. It's a clear example of how backing local health providers and frontline workers delivers better outcomes for the communities they know best. 'The Immunising our Tamariki programme focuses on reaching children and families who are yet to receive their immunisation through traditional pathways such as GP practices, particularly in communities with historically low immunisation rates. 'We know we need to significantly lift immunisation rates for Māori to meet the Government's target of 95 per cent of children being fully immunised by 24 months of age. Targeted, localised outreach services are critical to achieving that goal. 'About 40 per cent of people immunised through the programme are also non-Māori, reflecting the essential role that community providers play in delivering low-cost, trusted health services for all New Zealanders.' As part of the programme's renewal to 30 June 2026, Health New Zealand will implement several changes to maximise its impact: All funding will go directly to frontline service delivery and qualified immunisation staff. Newly commissioned services must include clinical capacity to vaccinate – such as authorised vaccinators and cold chain infrastructure – so new providers can begin immunising immediately. Support will continue for Māori health providers to build trust and momentum in communities with high-needs, building on the groundwork laid during the COVID-19 response. 'These improvements will help deliver tens of thousands more immunisations in the year ahead, while relieving pressure on GPs and hospitals. 'One of the most important things we can do to protect children and families is to stay up to date with immunisations. This programme is a smart, targeted way of doing just that,' Mr Brown says.
