The Government's highlighted an Achilles' heel with a $664 million mental health programme that's missing targets. 

Labour's 2019 'Wellbeing' Budget saw the Access and Choice Programme receive its funding over five years. 

It's aiming to support 325 thousand people per year, but during 2023-24 saw just over 207 thousand.  

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey told Andrew Dickens utilization is a weak point. 

He says a warm handover to GPs is good for those who need to be seen urgently, but it means there's a workforce being under used. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Government's highlighted an Achilles' heel with a $664 million mental health programme that's missing targets.&nbsp;
Labour's 2019 'Wellbeing' Budget saw the Access and Choice Programme receive its funding over five years.&nbsp;
It's aiming to support 325 thousand people per year, but during 2023-24 saw just over 207 thousand. &nbsp;
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey told Andrew Dickens utilization is a weak point.&nbsp;
He says a warm handover to GPs is good for those who need to be seen urgently, but it means there's a workforce being under used.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Matt Doocey: Mental Health Minister on the Access and Choice Programme missing its targets

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/31637d91-3e25-4b7c-8aa0-b2b301792ee5/transcript

Auckland FC are heading for their first A-League grand final at a sold-out stadium. 

It’s both the first time a grand final has been played in New Zealand, and the first time a Kiwi team has made it this far in the competition.  

Auckland FC Fan Group’s Tim Adams told Ryan Bridge that the game is going to be insane. 

“The ability to comprehend being in a final and being in a home final after having a club for only two years, it’s actually just crazy.” 

He says the hardcore fans are going to make sure it’s an event that won’t be forgotten. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Auckland FC are heading for their first A-League grand final at a sold-out stadium.&nbsp;
It’s both the first time a grand final has been played in New Zealand, and the first time a Kiwi team has made it this far in the competition. &nbsp;
Auckland FC Fan Group’s Tim Adams told Ryan Bridge that the game is going to be insane.&nbsp;
“The ability to comprehend being in a final and being in a home final after having a club for only two years, it’s actually just crazy.”&nbsp;
He says the hardcore fans are going to make sure it’s an event that won’t be forgotten.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Tim Adams: Auckland FC Fan Group Representative previews the A-League Grand Final clash

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/586256b8-e188-444b-858b-b4520002b5be/transcript

There are concerns elderly people will be left behind in a housing support overhaul. 

This year's Budget includes hiking the amount social housing tenants have to pay, from 25% of their income to 30%. 

It means low-income earners in private rentals receive an average increase of nearly $15 a week. 

Social Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd told Ryan Bridge thousands of people in social housing are older, and many can't afford current rental prices. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

There are concerns elderly people will be left behind in a housing support overhaul.&nbsp;
This year's Budget includes hiking the amount social housing tenants have to pay, from 25% of their income to 30%.&nbsp;
It means low-income earners in private rentals receive an average increase of nearly $15 a week.&nbsp;
Social Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd told Ryan Bridge thousands of people in social housing are older, and many can't afford current rental prices.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Paul Giberd: Social Housing Aotearoa CEO on the social housing overhaul and possible impact on elderly people

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/276e7842-1922-4f1a-b8bb-b451018ac849/transcript

Pharmac's looking to expand free flu vaccines to the group with the highest rates of influenza. 

The agency's looking at providing jabs to an extra 260 thousand children, between six months and five-years-old, from next year.  

Otago University Public Health Professor Michael Baker told Ryan Bridge a small number in this age range die from influenza every year.  

He says given they often infect other family members, other countries around the world are already funding vaccines for under-fives.  

Baker says vaccines remain the best way to develop immunity. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Pharmac's looking to expand free flu vaccines to the group with the highest rates of influenza.&nbsp;
The agency's looking at providing jabs to an extra 260 thousand children, between six months and five-years-old, from next year. &nbsp;
Otago University Public Health Professor Michael Baker told Ryan Bridge a small number in this age range die from influenza every year. &nbsp;
He says given they often infect other family members, other countries around the world are already funding vaccines for under-fives. &nbsp;
Baker says vaccines remain the best way to develop immunity.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Michael Baker: Otago University Public Health Professor on Pharmac's proposal to expand free flu vaccines

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ff827efb-12ce-4016-869f-b4510187d932/transcript

Matt Doocey: Mental Health Minister on the Access and Choice Programme missing its targets

In 1 playlist(s)

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips