Abstract: The interdepartmental Center for Postgraduate Studies is newly established within the University of Otago and intends to develop a research profile which is responsive to the health care of the community ad can provide a rigorous basis for teaching and postgraduate research. This study aims to determine:* the characteristics and needs of those people with a serious mental disorder who are cared for by community mental health nurses.* the characteristics of the community mental health nurse's role.* the environmental, political issues and policies which impact on the needs of patients and the role of the community mental health nurse.This is timely research given public concerns about mental health services, lack of integration in social and health policy and the impact of the Health Reforms on care delivery (National Health Committee, 1998; Howden-Chapman, 1998) but limited empirical data or systematic investigation of the issues from a service user, on the needs of users of community health services and their families, and the role of the community health nurse in meeting these needs