The Gambling Act 2003 (the Act) sets out requirements for an ‘integrated problem gambling strategy focused on public health’. This consultation paper seeks comment on the proposed direction and content of a draft Strategy on mental health and addiction and includes: 

• the problem definition and needs assessment, which informs the proposed Strategy as required under the Gambling Act 2003 (the Act)
• the strategic plan, including the strategic framework that sets out the goal, outcomes, priorities and actions for the Strategy 
• the service plan for the three years, including the amount of funding required to deliver the gambling harm prevention and minimisation activities described in the Strategy 
• the problem gambling levy rates and weighting options per sector for the next three years.

The consultation document and appendices draw on the independent Needs Assessment which analyses gambling harm in New Zealand and is required under the Act.

The New Zealand Government has set a clear direction for mental health and addiction with a priority focus on:

• increasing access to mental health and addiction support 
• growing the mental health and addiction workforce 
• strengthening the focus on the prevention of and early intervention 
• improving the effectiveness of mental health and addiction support. 

Consultation closes 6 October 2024.