May meetings for the South

THE government inquiry into mental health and addiction will hold meetings in Otago and Southland at the end of May.

The inquiry, chaired by former health and disability commissioner Ron Paterson, was established in January.

It has until October 31 to report back to Minister of Health David Clark with its findings and recommendations.

Nationally, the inquiry makes 23 stops and holds 15 public meetings in a fiveweek period.

Its first regional visit will be to Palmerston North on April 27, and the last visits to the West Coast and Kaikoura on July 4.

The inquiry visits Invercargill on May 28, when it will also hold a public meeting.

On May 29 it holds private sessions in Oamaru, and on May 30 it visits Dunedin, where it will also hold a public meeting. Venues and times are yet to be confirmed. The inquiry had considered but rejected setting up advisory panels, preferring instead to ‘‘engage directly and widely’’ Prof Paterson said.

‘‘Listening well to a wide range of communities and stakeholders is important for our inquiry,’’ he said in an email to stakeholders.

‘‘The panel members want to hear from everyone, including service users, their families/whanau, service providers, advocates, sector groups, and experts.

‘‘We want to hear all ideas, big or small, specific or broad, innovative or building on what’s already happening.’’

A consultation document will soon be released, along with webbased audio and video recordings,

People can already submit to the inquiry via email.