Co-existing problems workforce development needs survey report

Co-existing problems refer to when people experience more than one addiction or mental health challenge at the same time. The presence of co-existing problems can complicate people’s hauora journey and add to their experience of health and social inequities. There are many ways that kaimahi, services, and organisations can respond to tāngata whai ora with co-existing problems to uphold their mana and achieve their health and wellbeing aspirations. There are specific co-existing problems frameworks that can guide practice, like Te Ariari o te Oranga (currently being updated).

In April and May 2026, Te Pou surveyed addiction and mental health kaimahi to understand their confidence in knowledge and skills for working alongside tāngata whai ora with co-existing problems, use of co-existing problems frameworks, and their workforce and organisational development needs. One hundred and fifty-two kaimahi completed the survey.

The survey found that:

• kaimahi often work alongside tāngata whai ora with co-existing problems
• about 1 in 5 kaimahi are not confident in screening and assessment, and maintaining their own learning
• they use a mix of approaches to respond to tāngata whai ora with co-existing problems including Māori models of health like Te Whare Tapa Whā, co-existing problems frameworks, tools and resources, and collaborative and integrated practice approaches
• some kaimahi reported no prior training and many stated they want more training and development relevant to their roles
• organisational and systems development opportunities are also needed to enable kaimahi to upskill in their practice to better support tāngata whai ora to meet their hauora aspirations.

Read the summary report.