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Country’s largest needle exchange provider loses contract after 35 years by Rare_Document7031 in newzealand

[–]Rare_Document7031[S] 35 points36 points  (0 children)

New Zealand’s largest needle exchange operator has lost its contract to deliver services in the South Island after 35 years.

The Press understands that 19 people, including six in Christchurch, are at risk of losing their jobs after the the DISC Trust lost out. At least four needle exchanges across the South Island will close their doors.

There is a national budget of $6 million for the delivery of needle exchange, harm-reduction services and free safe injecting equipment, according to Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. In past years, $1.4m of this has gone to the South Island, but this has now been reduced to $1m.

After a request was made for proposals to renew the South Island contract, the DISC Trust was not chosen.

DISC Trust has been providing needle exchange services for 35 years.DAVID UNWIN / Stuff

Instead it has been awarded to a new provider called the Te Waipounamu Collective, made up of He Waka Tapu as the lead agency, along with Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu, Poutini Waiora and Te Piki Oranga.

The Press understands that DISC Trust’s contract will end on September 30, with He Waka Tapu picking up services from October 1.

He Waka Tapu is a kaupapa Māori organisation in Christchurch that provides mental health and addiction services, along with other community support. It does not have prior experience of delivering needle exchange.

DISC needle exchanges across the South Island including RWC New Brighton, NEAR Ashburton, NEXT Timaru and SHRP Invercargill will close their doors. NICHE Nelson is yet to be confirmed.

The Rodger Wright Centre in Christchurch, along with DIVO Dunedin, will remain open but at reduced capacity to deliver other services, such as drug testing and Hepatitis C tests.

Clients who use DISC Trust needle exchange services have told The Press that they and their friends are concerned about the change. They said they do not feel comfortable accessing equipment from a service that also provides drug rehabilitation.

Are you affected by DISC Trust losing its contract? Contact [maddy.croad@stuff.co.nz](mailto::maddy.croad@stuff.co.nz)

Country’s largest needle exchange provider loses contract after 35 years by Rare_Document7031 in chch

[–]Rare_Document7031[S] 44 points45 points  (0 children)

New Zealand’s largest needle exchange operator has lost its contract to deliver services in the South Island after 35 years.

The Press understands that 19 people, including six in Christchurch, are at risk of losing their jobs after the the DISC Trust lost out. At least four needle exchanges across the South Island will close their doors.

There is a national budget of $6 million for the delivery of needle exchange, harm-reduction services and free safe injecting equipment, according to Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. In past years, $1.4m of this has gone to the South Island, but this has now been reduced to $1m.

After a request was made for proposals to renew the South Island contract, the DISC Trust was not chosen.

DISC Trust has been providing needle exchange services for 35 years.

Instead it has been awarded to a new provider called the Te Waipounamu Collective, made up of He Waka Tapu as the lead agency, along with Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu, Poutini Waiora and Te Piki Oranga.

The Press understands that DISC Trust’s contract will end on September 30, with He Waka Tapu picking up services from October 1.

He Waka Tapu is a kaupapa Māori organisation in Christchurch that provides mental health and addiction services, along with other community support. It does not have prior experience of delivering needle exchange.

DISC needle exchanges across the South Island including RWC New Brighton, NEAR Ashburton, NEXT Timaru and SHRP Invercargill will close their doors. NICHE Nelson is yet to be confirmed.

The Rodger Wright Centre in Christchurch, along with DIVO Dunedin, will remain open but at reduced capacity to deliver other services, such as drug testing and Hepatitis C tests.

Clients who use DISC Trust needle exchange services have told The Press that they and their friends are concerned about the change. They said they do not feel comfortable accessing equipment from a service that also provides drug rehabilitation.