Our Story
History
Health Action was originally established as a community-based health promotion organisation in Whakatū (Nelson), New Zealand in 1985 and became a Registered Charitable Trust on 20 March 1992. Our founders are Dr. Doug Short and Mr. Colin Gunn.
Some of our previous history is written in a book entitled Health Action Trust 1985 - 2010; 25 Years in Nelson Community Health - written by Rosey Duncan. You are welcome to call in to our office and ask our administrator for a free copy.
Our work is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the five components of the Ottawa Charter which are:
Building healthy public policy
Creating supportive environments
Strengthening community action
Re-orienting health services
Personal skill development
What We Do
We provide Intentional Peer Support services working in Mental Health & Addictions for Nelson Marlborough Health as well as health promotion (alcohol and other drugs, and mental health) in the Nelson/Tasman region. You can read about each of our services using the "WHAT WE DO" tab at the top of each page.
Our health promotion work uses a community action approach; we work closely alongside other groups to assist them to develop solutions that will create lasting change and improve health.
Health Action works closely with a range of groups and agencies at both local and national level.
Our Core Values
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Innovative & Productive
Respectful
Collaborative
Integrity
Inclusive
Caring & compassionate
Environmentally conscious
Lived Experience
