Tēnā koe i runga i ngā āhuatanga nui o te wā nei.

I am pleased to invite you to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Hui Taumata on Thursday 8 June 2023, at Parliament Buildings, 9.00am-1.00pm.

The FASD Hui Taumata is an important next step of work between Manatū Hauora and WAI 2624 claimant Mr Raawiri David Ratuu, who has been working on behalf of those affected by alcohol-related discrimination.

In March 2022, Mr Ratuu and witnesses presented evidence about FASD and its impacts to the Waitangi Tribunal during the disability phase of the Wai 2575 inquiry. Mr Ratuu claimed that the sale, supply, and consumption of alcohol in Aotearoa disproportionately affects Māori health outcomes and is a key driver of health inequalities between Māori and non- Māori.

The Waitangi Tribunal invited the Crown to work with the claimant to address FASD-specific matters in advance of its final report. Manatū Hauora are working closely with Mr Ratuu to improve cross-sectoral collaboration, awareness and action on FASD. The FASD Hui Taumata is a result of this work and will support future work together on this important kaupapa.

The FASD Hui Taumata creates a platform for those with lived experience of FASD, alongside experts and advocates from the FASD community, to discuss with central government agencies the most effective ways to improve action and advance collaborative efforts to prevent alcohol-related harm in Aotearoa.

I hope you can join us for this important discussion.

Nā reira, ko te tūmanako ka tae koe otirā koutou ki tēnei huinga whakahirahira.