Doocey said he wanted to ensure that when people reach out in a time of need, they get timely support.
“That’s why we’re getting more money out of Wellington to grassroots NGO, community and iwi providers, ones who have already worked in the FASD space,” he said.
The initiative is funded from the alcohol levy, a charge applied to alcohol producers and importers in New Zealand. It is set at $17.135m for 2026/27. An earlier increase to $16.62m for the 2025/26 period was the first increase since 2009.
It is a ring-fenced fund that can only be used for alcohol-harm-reduction measures.
Tania Rauna, project lead at the Gisborne site, said they are very grateful for the opportunity.
“This is the culmination of a 10-year dream that we have had as a community, that was led by Sarah Goldsbury,” Rauna said.
“She’s not here but I always have to acknowledge Sarah because without Sarah I wouldn’t have learnt that I’ve got FASD.”
Retired educational psychologist Grant Dargie said, looking around communities on the coast, “there has never been as many young mokopuna that have got developmental issues”.
Dargie said the reason for that is not easily put into a box.
“A diagnosis of FASD doesn’t necessarily mean you get any funding.
“So, the issue, minister, is not just about a diagnosis, but it’s about education and it’s about the Government coming forth with money to employ our support workers.”
Segina Te Ahuahu, representing Manaaki Ora Trust based in Rotorua, said it’s a privilege to help provide support for whānau who she said have been underserved for many years.
“In my own experience, there used to be waitlists of at least a year for people to be diagnosed, and I estimate at the moment there are probably longer waitlists that are operating across the motu.”
Stephanie James-Sadler, the chief executive officer of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Care Action Network (FASD-CAN), said they want to ensure they can support and serve their whānau and communities better.
“We’ve been working for 15 to 20 years on getting more access to assessment and diagnostic support for whānau, so this is an exciting day for us.”
The Gisborne service will be delivered by Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa in partnership with Turanga Health.
Manaaki Ora Trust and Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Hauora will deliver the Rotorua/Kawerau service.
Te Kupenga Hauora-Ahuriri, FASD-CAN and Health New Zealand’s Child Development Services will serve Hawke’s Bay.