Inquiry holds extra hearing in Ka¯ piti

The panel managing the Government’s Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry has agreed to hold an extra hearing in Ka¯ piti.

“I would like to thank panel chair Professor Ron Patterson for responding to an appeal from my office to hold a hearing locally to hear the voices of Ka¯ piti residents,” mayor K Gurunathan said.

Details as to when and where will be confirmed soon.

It’s expected to be late July or early August.

“On behalf of local public health advocates I had written to them in February with a registration of interest to participate in the inquiry.

“Followed by a reminder in May after the panel overlooked Ka¯ piti’s inclusion.”

In apologising for the oversight Professor Patterson said, “In planning how to most effectively and equitably engage with communities throughout New Zealand, and hear as many different voices as possible within the tight timeframe of the inquiry, we decided to hold Meet the Panel forums in each of the 20 district health board region’s.

“Unfortunately, it proved

On behalf of local public health advocates I had written to them in February with a registration of interest to participate in the inquiry. K Gurunathan kapiti mayor

impossible to hold these sessions in all areas.

“The meeting nearest to Ka¯ piti was held in Porirua on May 17.”

Mr Gurunathan said, “I thank Professor Patterson for responding so positively and identifying a gap in their nationwide programme of targeted forums and the offer for the panel to hold a special session in Ka¯ piti in response to the concerns raised by Ka¯ piti.”