To coincide with the launch of the new NCAT website, we’re taking a moment with each of the NCAT committee over the next few months. We’ll be asking them about their reflections on working in the addiction sector and their time with NCAT — where it’s been and where they’d like to see it go. First up, NCAT Co-Chair and CEO of Mirror Services, Deb Fraser.
Supporting the current and future workforce and their employers is a strategic priority for NCAT.
Thinking about your own career in the addiction sector, is there any advice you would give to your younger self about those first few years in the sector?
I trained and entered the workforce in the early 90’s; communications and technology has advanced so much since then, and now influences how & where we work. However, the advice I would give my younger self would still be, you are super courageous, keep reaching out to those that inspire you, those that practice tika, pono and aroha in their mahi. You are not alone in this journey and there are so many amazing, skilled, experienced people that can mentor you. Identify those Kaihautū and keep tapped into them. Plus, don’t procrastinate with study, you are going to do it anyway, so do it now. Use technology to link with mentors, influencers, use it to your advantage.
Was there a pivot point or other contributing factor that prompted your decision to stay in the sector and/or move into a management or leadership position?
Four years into my first full time AOD role, other job offers came up and I was faced with a decision. My decision was to take up the opportunity of a management role where I was already working. Which opened up a chance to fulfil a moemoea (vision) of what was possible to achieve alongside tāngata whai ora and their whānau. When I look back on that I realised lived experience was my superpower, it gave me the opportunity to practice key spiritual principles that I believe are essential in leadership and management.
NCAT has a unique position, bringing together representatives from across the addiction sector.
In your own words, what is the value NCAT can bring that is more than the sum of its parts?
The key value is the influence that NCAT has in keeping a high-level profile on addictions nationally. Ensuring the addiction sector is connected and hearing what representatives need and making sure the sector has a strong informed and empowered voice and is heard. This provides NCAT with the ability to advocate and promote key areas like a profile on addictions issues. Highlighting important workforce challenges and considering solutions, addressing inequities and stigma, leadership, and sustainability for the sector. The fact we are solely orientated on the addiction sector and what it needs means we have a clear message and focus. We are continuing to hold the vision of an optimal addiction treatment and support system for Aotearoa. Moving with the sector to improve and build on the possibilities for those that need help and support.
What is something you are passionate about supporting in the addiction sector and in your role on NCAT?
Making sure we have the chance to build on the clinical, cultural and leadership knowledge and expertise across the workforce. Ensuring that addiction has a profile alongside other health and social conditions and is resourced comparatively, so tāngata whai ora can access the help they want and need.
What is one thing the incoming Government might do to make a real difference for our sector?
To implement policy from a mana enhancing social agenda that supports a health-based approach to substance use. Policy is based on research, expertise (which includes lived experience) and is evidence-based or emerging evidence. Ensure they have a highly engaged Health Minister and related ministries who are focused on delivering equitable and well-resourced services.