Workforce
Growing and supporting the addiction workforce are key areas of focus for NCAT. We will share relevant reports, policy and research here that describe Aotearoa’s addiction workforce, current issues and future directions.
Workforce snapshots
More than 2000 people work in addiction roles or service settings across Aotearoa.
There is currently no single source of data describing total size or composition of this workforce.
However a broad picture of the workforce is available from various government and NGO reports.
Te Whatu Ora adult mental health and addiction workforce: 2022
Te Pou, April 2023
Integrated primary mental health and addiction workforce: Profile update 1 July to 31 December 2022
Te Pou, April 2023
NGO workforce estimates:
2022 survey of adult alcohol and drug and mental health services
Te Pou, March 2023
Workforce policy
Policy that guides health workforce strategy in Aotearoa is driven by Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora at a national level.
Ara Poutama as a significant addiction services provider and employer also leads relevant policy for this workforce.
There is currently no national addiction workforce strategy.
Health Workforce Plan 2023/2024
Te Whatu Ora, Te Aka Whai Ora
July 2023
Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Action Plan, 2017-2021
Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora, April 2018
Workforce research
There is limited research available about the Aotearoa addiction workforce.
Some point-in-time surveys are available.
Gaps remain in understanding the current and future needs, and characteristics of the Aotearoa addiction workforce.
Workforce Stocktake: Final report to the Government Inquiry into Mental Health & Addiction – New Zealand mental health and addiction workforce: challenges and solutions
Te Pou, June 2018
The New Zealand addictions workforce: Characteristics & wellbeing
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), Flinders University
May 2018