Following community scoping to identify need, Plunket's Postnatal Adjustment Programme was established in April 1999 and began working with clients from September 1999.

It offers health promotion intervention which is directed towards increasing competence and social support for vulnerable Maori and non-Maori women and families/whanau who experience the effects of distress and depression associated with parenting young children.

This is achieved by comprehensive assessment of referred clients in their own home. Options of care are explored in partnership and range from: enhanced awareness and increased utilisation of existing supports, participation in facilitated group for empathic support and education, one on one support via telephone or further home visits until a suitable alternative is in place, i.e. referral for counselling or additional mental health services, involvement in a Maori programme based on the four cornerstones of Maori health from the Mason Durie model of Te Whare Tapa Wha.

The contract includes raising the public awareness of the effects of postnatal distress/depression. This is achieved by liaison/education of groups and individuals, both professional and community.