Southern region

Welcome to the southern region workforce development page. Here we hope to provide information on the workforce development activities the South Island mental health and addictions sector is engaged in.

An overview of the sector and some key regional organisations and groups are described. Relevant, upcoming events will be listed here, such as hui, conferences, workshops, training, scholarships and publication releases.

These pages will also be used to spotlight some of the excellent work that is going on in the sector in this region. You are encouraged to tell us of your organisation's initiatives so that others may be informed.

On this page:

• Southern region DHB geographical coverage
• Southern region DHB overview
• Organisations and groups
• Regional workforce coordinator contact details

Southern region DHB geographical coverage

The southern region encompasses all of the South Island. The main centres in this region are Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Timaru, Nelson and Greymouth. Much of the region's population is based in rural areas.

There are considerable distances between each of the main centres, providing significant logistical challenges. The majority of people live on the East, North and South Coasts. The West Coast has the longest coastline but is sparsely populated compared to other districts. The centre of the South Island is dominated by high mountain ranges and hence is much less inhabited.

There are six District Health Boards (DHBs) within the southern region, which have responsibility for ensuring their population has access to mental health and addiction services. Several specialist services are provided regionally by Canterbury DHB and Otago DHB.

These six DHBs are assisted by the South Island Shared Service Agency Limited (SISSAL). SISSAL has a mental health team, which coordinates and provides resources to support the South Island Regional Mental Health Network (SIRMHN). The DHB boundaries are illustrated in the map (click the image to see in a larger view).

DHB overview

Below is a brief summary of each DHB in the southern region. The information is taken from their respective websites and their District Annual Plans (available from the DHB websites).

Nelson Marlborough DHB (NMDHB)

Leading the Way to Health Conscious Families.
Situated in the north of the South Island, NMDHB covers the three districts of Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough. The population is 134,500 of which 8 per cent are Maori. 15 per cent of the inhabitants are over 65, and 35 per cent reside in rural settlements.

NMDHB funds a range of mental health services from primary mental health to acute inpatient facilities. Services are provided either directly by NMDHB, or by agencies contracted by NMDHB.

Canterbury DHB (CDHB)

To promote, enhance and facilitate the health and well-being of the people of the Canterbury District.
With a population of 466,416, CDHB is the largest DHB in the South Island and receives close to half the population-based funding available to the region from the Ministry of Health. There are six districts covered by the CDHB - Christchurch City, Hurinui, Waimakariri, Selwyn, Ashburton and Kaikoura.

7.2 per cent of the population are Maori, with the tangata whenua being Ngai Tahu, Nga Puhi and Ngati Porou. Those identifying as Pacific take up 2.2 per cent of the population. The Asian population is around 6.1 per cent. Most of the people from these cultures live in the Christchurch City district.

A quarter of the overall population, live outside urban Christchurch with 7,000 people residing in remote areas. 34% per cent of people in Canterbury are under 25.

A wide range of mental health services are delivered by CDHB at a number of locations. Some of these services are regional and accessible to the whole southern region. Most of the community providers of mental health services are funded by the CDHB.

South Canterbury DHB (SCDHB) 

To enhance the health and independence of the people of South Canterbury.
Half the 55,318 people who reside in this DHB live rurally. The districts within the DHB's boundary are Timaru, Waimate and Mackenzie. Maori and Pacific together only make up 7 per cent of the population. 10,510 (19%) of people are older than 65.

Timaru is the hub for delivery of a range of mental health services. SCDHB provides a 15 bed inpatient unit, community mental health services for adults along with children and adolescents, and an alcohol and other drug service. SCDHB funds community organisations to provide other mental health services.

West Coast DHB (WCDHB)

To be the New Zealand centre of excellence for rural health services.
The WCDHB has the lowest population density of any DHB in New Zealand. The overall population is 31,326 and spread throughout three districts - Westland, Grey and Buller. Maori make up 9 per cent of the population, with Pacific and Asian having 0.9 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.

Each of the three districts has a community mental health team that delivers a range of services. Inpatient facilities are at Grey hospital in Greymouth. There are a few non-government organisations (NGOs) providing services to the community.

Otago DHB* (ODHB)

Working together to promote wellness and independence.
ODHB has 179,394 people spread across the five districts it has responsibility for. These are Dunedin City, Central Otago, Clutha, Waitaki and the Wanaka ward of Queenstown Lakes District. There are 11,300 Maori making up 6.3 per cent of the population. 1.4 per cent identifies as Pacific (2,600).

Dunedin is the hub for the coordination and delivery of a large range of mental health services to Otago. Comprehensive inpatient and community services are provided by the DHB. Many of the community services are delivered by a wide range of NGOs.

Southland DHB* (SDHB)

Quality and Humanity in Health.
There are four districts where SDHB operate - Invercargill City, Southland district, Gore district and Queenstown district. The population is 107,000. Maori make up 11.2 per cent of the population with the mana whenua being Ngai Tahu. 1.1 per cent of the population is Pacific.

Given the rural nature of Southland, many of the clinical mental health services are delivered by small community mental health teams. Inpatient services are provided at Southland hospital in Invercargill. A variety of NGOs work collaboratively with the Southland DHB to provide a comprehensive array of community services.

* ODHB and SDHB now have some of their functions, such as planning and funding, human resources and finance, provided through the Southern Alliance.

Southern region organisations and groups

The South Island has a number of groups/organisations that operate at a regional level. A few are described below, together with links to access further information.

South Island Regional Mental Health Network (SIRMHN)

Consumers/tangata whaiora have access to high quality mental health services that enable them to achieve their goals for recovery.
The SIRMHN is made up of representatives from the six South Island DHBs who are appointed by their planning and funding general manager. Meeting six weekly, this group provides advice to South Island regional general managers (planning & funding) on regional planning and funding priorities and activities for the mental health and addiction sector.

South Island Shared Service Agency Limited (SISSAL)

Supporting the South Island District Health Boards.
SISSAL is owned by the six South Island DHBs and provides a range of shared service functions to assist the DHBs in their roles as health and disability service funders for their resident populations. The SISSAL mental health team coordinates and provides resources to support the SIRMHN and specific DHBs to improve outcomes in mental health.

For more information on the southern region

Stuart Gray
stuart.gray   "at" tepou.co.nz
Mobile: 027 207 4037; Landline: (03) 365 8607
Address: 396 Colombo Street (P O Box 7683), Sydenham, Christchurch 8240.

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Page last updated: 17 December 2009