05/11/2025
Te Ama Mental Health Services launches in Waitaki.
The Oamaru Pacific Island Trust (OPIT), in partnership with Te Hā o Maru Health and Social Services and supported by Health NZ, proudly announces the launch of Te Ama Mental Health Services — a new initiative designed to provide pre- and post-crisis mental health support across Waitaki.
This new service stems from the Time for Change – Te Hurihanga review commissioned by the former Southern District Health Board in 2021. The independent review of mental health and addiction services in the Waitaki district identified a shortage of resourcing and community support.
The review’s findings highlighted the need for equity-first thinking and a new model of care. In response, nine workshops were held in 2022, followed by two additional workshops in May 2023 led by the Stronger Waitaki network. These consultations resulted in a new model of care that emphasises a whānau-based approach, navigator roles, holistic wraparound support, and culturally appropriate responses tailored for Māori, Pacific, and the wider Waitaki community.
Hana Fanene- Taiti, CE for OPIT said:
“we are really humbled to kaitiaki this new service for the community, and it’s come at such a critical time where there is so much mental distress, financial and economic pressures on our families, particularly for rural areas like Waitaki. We know the service will continue to develop and evolve over time and our new Te Ama team look forward to serving the needs of our community in this capacity”.
Over the past few months, OPIT and Te Hā o Maru formed a working group with Shona Jackson, Manager of Waitaki Community Mental Health Service to establish and stand up the new service. It seeks to complement and add value to what our Waitaki Community Mental Health Service Crisis Team and wider services provides.
Mani Malloy-Sharplin, CE for Te Hā o Maru said:
“it’s important for us to approach mental health holistically rather than only clinically, instead of working with the individual we work with the whanau and look at all areas of the whanau and where it needs strengthening”.
OPIT also acknowledges the significant support of Le Afio’aga o Aotearoa, who have provided back-office and contract management expertise during the establishment of the service.
Referrals to Te Ama Mental Health Services will begin through the Waitaki Community Mental Health Service, where the crisis team will triage clients. Those who fall short of the ‘in crisis’ threshold may be referred to Te Ama for further support.
The Te Ama team includes Clinical Lead Hannah Cruikshank, Kai Ama Sonya Trusler, Jacinta Te Maiharoa, Saane Oakes-Hanipale, and Administrator Sophia Sam. Together, they will deliver holistic, wraparound support grounded in Kaupapa Māori and Pacific values.
Te Ama Mental Health Services is currently in Stage 2 of implementation, with full service delivery expected by January 2026.
