Skip to main content

For the full experience please download a modern browser. Click here to find a modern browser or discuss with your IT department.

Jason Jones (he/him)

Project Lead Addiction

I joined the Te Pou Addictions Team in January 2023. As project lead, I oversee initiatives to develop the addictions mental health support workforce.

My life began in a small Rangitikei community before exploring, working and living in multiple countries. My experience has ranged from building elephant fences in Africa’s Okavango delta, “hustling” in corporate London, and working as an organic rice farmer in Japan. While travelling I followed the supply chain from drug production centres in destabilised countries through to distribution in the West. Passing through myriad drug cultures and subcultures I experienced the reality that the drug world is as diverse and interconnected as we are.

More recently I have held a range of roles across both the NGO and government sectors. I began my career in addictions in a modified therapeutic community within the prison setting. Continuing further into the forensic addictions space I was involved with interviewing the early “501” deportees from Australia and supported rangatahi within the youth court process as well as within a secure youth forensic inpatient mental health service.

The goal within my work is to support best practice within our own vibrant, unique and diverse cultural environment. Within this, the voice of tāngata whai ora needs to be honoured.