2020 General Election campaign

Key Messages 

Platform|Atamira put together some key messages for the 2020 election on behalf of the community mental health & addiction sector.

Our Key Messages:

1. Communities have the answers, trust them and let's make it happen
2. The community sector is critical and valued
3. A system where no one is excluded

The following two documents can be used to support discussions with politicians.

• Key messages document: outlining our key messages and why they are important for the continued success of the community Mental Health & Addiction sector.
• Accompanying references to use when speaking to your local prospective electoral candidates.

Mental Health and Addiction Forum

The Navigate Groups and Platform co-hosted an online national political forum focused on community mental health, addiction, and wellbeing on Wednesday 23 September 2020. 

Confirmed candidates included:

• Louisa Wall (Labour)
• Matt Doocey (National)
• Chlöe Swarbrick (Greens)
• Chris Ballie (Act)
• Jenny Marcroft (NZ First)
• Mariameno Kapa-Kingi (Māori Party)

 More information and a recording of the virtual forum is available here. 

Cannabis Referendum

In July 2020, Platform & The New Zealand Drug Foundation co-hosted 'The Referendum to Legalise Cannabis: What You Need To Know', with special guest Rt Hon Helen Clark. A panel consisting of Rt Hon Helen Clark, Tuari Potiki, Prof. Joe Boden and Kali Mercier answered questions on how a 'Yes' vote would impact on community mental health and addiction organisations.

Topics discussed include law reform policy at home and abroad, and the health and criminal justice implications of cannabis law reform, particularly for young people and Māori.

View the full webinar here.