6 -7 October 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

Transforming mental health conference

Transforming Mental Health: Innovation, Access & Accountability

Aotearoa’s mental health landscape is in need of transformative change. As demand on services grows, so too does the urgency to pause, reflect, and reimagine how we deliver care. This Conference arrives at a critical moment — bringing together policy-makers, counsel, practitioners, patient reps and thought leaders from across the sector to connect, share common challenges and spark innovation.

This is more than just a conference; it’s a space for honest dialogue and fresh thinking, all grounded in the lived experiences of those committed everyday to deliver the best mental care. Together, we’ll explore how to build a more inclusive, human and responsive system whilst shining a light on the overlooked and underserved.

Key themes not to be missed

Mental health and Policy

Stay current on system reforms and deep dive into the Mental Health Bill 2025.

Addiction & mental health

Understand integrated mental health & addiction services. Explore how we are trying to address gambling and other addictions.

Case studies deep dive

Get inspired by peer led & lived experience leadership and how these are improving outcomes.

Addressing the underserved

Recognise mental health in vulnerable and marginalised populations.

Explore what is Equitable, Accessible & Culturally Safe Care.

NZ's youth mental health

Examine the social, digital, cultural, and economic pressures faced by our young people.

Learn about insights from school-based psychologists.

New models for mental health

What is the role of digital tools and innovation?

How do we shift to a community-led approach – challenges and implications?

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Our 2025 key lineup brings together influential leaders, clinicians, and innovators driving change in mental health.
Check out more today.

Shae Ronald

Chief Executive

Youthline

Clive Aspin

Associate Professor

School of Health
Victoria University of Wellington

Maree Guerin

Clinical Implementation Lead IPMHA South Canterbury

Health New Zealand

Why you should be there

Stay informed on the Mental Health Bill 2025 and sector-wide transformation
Gain insights from clinical leaders, policy experts, and those with lived experience
Explore culturally safe care models and community-led approaches
Dive into new models of integrated care, digital tools, and early intervention
Access strategies to strengthen resilience, safety, and support for frontline teams
Build meaningful connections across health, social services, education, and beyond

Who should attend?

Mental Health Professionals – psychologists, nurses, social workers, and ED staff
Service Leaders & Management – across Health NZ, NGOs, and community providers
Policy Makers & Government Advisors
Peer Support Workers & Lived Experience Advocates
Primary Care & Addiction Specialists – including PHOs and integrated care teams
Māori & Pacific Health Providers & Leaders
Youth-Focused Practitioners – educators, school counsellors, youth workers, and Rangatahi advocates
Researchers, Academics & Innovators – in mental health, digital health, system reformers

Transforming Mental Health scholarship scheme

If you are a mental health service user or have lived experience of mental health issues and wish to attend the conference in a personal capacity, Brightstar is delighted to make available a limited number of free conference tickets. Register your interest in being considered for a scholarship place by completing the application form.
Applications close 22 September.

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

Crowne Plaza Auckland by IHG
128 Albert Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010

Agenda

8:30	Registration and Coffee
8:45	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Divika Ratnam, Clinical Lead - Primary Mental Health, Pinnacle Health
9:10	Uncharted territory: Challenges and opportunities in the New mental health crisis response model Exploring the shift away from police-led crisis responses toward community, health, and peer-led models of care Identifying barriers in implementing new approaches, including workforce shortages, funding gaps, and inconsistent regional rollout Recognising the role of lived experience, peer support, and kaupapa in reshaping crisis care Understanding what the new model means for the workforce – ensuring clinicians, responders, and support staff feel adequately trained and safe when supporting people in extreme distress
9:50	The Mental Health Bill 2025: Legal, clinical, and ethical implications Discussing the Mental Health Bill 2025 – what changes will it bring and why does it matter Understanding the legal implications for practitioners, whānau, and people experiencing distress Clinical impacts on models of care, risk management, and consent Navigating the ethical challenges in balancing rights, safety, and autonomy Impacts on Māori and Pacific communities and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi The practical readiness of the sector to implement this transformation Iris Reuvecamp, Barrister, Vida Law
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Why are the suicide rates so high? Māori suicide, system failure, and the fight for equity Exploring the statistics of Māori suicide, particularly among Rangatahi, and understanding the drivers behind high Māori suicide rates Highlighting the misfit between mainstream services and Māori realities Emphasising the need for equity by enabling Māori leadership, kaupapa Māori responses, and system-level change to restore mana and ensure culturally grounded support Highlighting the role of whānau, hapū, iwi, and lived experience in co-designing suicide prevention strategies that reflect Māori values and aspirations Dr. Clive Aspin, Associate Professor, School of health, Victoria University of Wellington
11:50	Integrating mental health and addiction care – Treating the patient, not just the substance use Recognising the strong overlap between substance use challenges and underlying or co-existing mental health conditions Exploring the risks of fragmented care when addiction and mental health services operate in isolation Addressing the stigma and system bias that often result in patients being turned away or deprioritised due to substance use Discussing models of care that centre whānau, identity, trauma, and cultural safety as part of both addiction and mental health recovery Understanding the complexity of dual diagnosis and transforming how we care Jo Appleby, Lecturer, Auckland University of Technology Suzette Jackson, Addiction Programme Lead & Lecturer, Auckland University of Technology Debra Lampshire, Professional Teaching Fellow, The University of Auckland
12:30	Lunch Break & Networking
13:30	Addressing gambling harm in Aotearoa: Balancing growth with support Examining the growth of online gambling and new casino approvals in New Zealand within the broader social and economic landscape Exploring the challenges facing the mental health workforce, particularly the shortage of clinicians trained in gambling-related harm Discussing the current disconnect between gambling industry growth and investment in support services for those affected Highlighting innovative approaches and emerging solutions, including integrated care models, community-based support, and culturally appropriate interventions Understanding the wider impacts of gambling harm, including financial strain, social isolation, shame, and suicide risk—and how a whole-of-system response can help mitigate these Dallas Hibbs, CEO, He Waka Tapu New Zealand
14:00	The changing landscape of primary youth mental health in Aotearoa: Increasing risk, complexity, and youth-led solutions An overview of Youthline’s role as a leader in youth development and mental health support Findings from the 2023 State of the Generation report, highlighting key challenges identified by young people Analysis of current Helpline data showing increased demand and complexity in youth mental health presentations A spotlight on Counselling Your Way (CYW), Youthline’s youth-led, co-designed mental health initiative Insights into what young people are telling us they need from mental health and support services Insights into what young people are telling us they need from mental health and support services We will incorporate opportunities for the audience to engage in group discussions on innovations, strategies, or ideas they could implement in their own workplaces. Shae Ronald, Chief Executive, Youthline Liz Hosking-Clement, Clinical Improvement Lead, Youthline
14:40	Centering Lived Experience: What Communities Want and How We Engage Them Why Lived Experience voices are essential in shaping effective responses What the Lived Experience community is telling us they need How we gather this knowledge: tools, methods, and challenges Practical approaches to engaging Lived Experience in designing solutions Megan Elizabeth, Engagement and Insights Manager , Changing Minds Dan Goodwin , Community Support Manager , Changing Minds
15:20	Afternoon break
15:40	Too unwell for primary, not unwell enough for acute – Who’s supporting the middle ground? Exploring the growing cohort of people with moderate to severe mental health needs who fall between primary care and specialist services Exploring the growing cohort of people with moderate to severe mental health needs who fall between primary care and specialist services Highlighting how rigid service thresholds, long waitlists, and siloed funding leave many without timely or appropriate support Recognising the mental health toll on individuals navigating systems that do not match the complexity of their experience Discussing the lack of step-up and step-down pathways that allow for flexible, ongoing, and coordinated care Paul Skirrow, Associate Professor, University of Otago
16:20	Panel Discussion: Margins within the system – Addressing mental health needs in growing and overlooked populations Exploring the unique mental health challenges faced by immigrants, refugees, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups in Aotearoa Recognising how experiences of trauma, displacement, discrimination, and exclusion intersect to heighten psychological distress Highlighting the systemic barriers to access, including cultural mismatch, language gaps, stigma, and legal concerns Discussing the importance of community-led responses, peer support, and culturally grounded healing practices Examining how policy, funding, and workforce development can better reflect the growing diversity of the population Sharron Ward, CEO, Refugees As Survivors NZ Grace Ryu, Group Manager, Asian and Ethnic Health Services, Te Whatu Ora Eva Chen, Ethnic Community Engagement Lead, Auckland North Community and Development Rosie Leadbitter, Workplace Services Development Lead, Inside OUT
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & networking drinks

8:50	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Divika Ratnam, Clinical Lead - Primary Mental Health, Pinnacle Health
9:10	Unseen Wounds: A clinical lens into the darker spaces of the Human Brief case study illustrating how childhood trauma may be hidden yet significantly shapes adult functioning Overview of how early trauma disrupts brain development and the key areas affected :emotional regulation, threat perception, and interpersonal connection How these neurological and emotional changes show up in adult thoughts, feelings, and actions, including the behaviours Reframing through a Trauma Informed Lens: Understanding behaviours as trauma expressions rather than personality flaws Key trauma-informed practices for clinicians, leaders, or workplace professionals Melissa Viviers, Psychologist, Trauma Insights Solutions
9:40	Managing complexity: Working safely with people at risk of self- harm or harm to others Exploring how self-harm and risk to others can co-occur, and recognising early warning signs in behaviour, speech, or context Discussing trauma, mental illness, substance use, and environmental stressors as key contributors to high-risk behaviour Sharing practical tools for de-escalation, safety planning, and crisis intervention while maintaining dignity and trust Highlighting the importance of teamwork across mental health, emergency response, cultural support, and whānau to create a safer, coordinated approach Discussing strategies to help frontline workers stay grounded, manage emotional strain, and reflect on their practice to prevent burnout and maintain safe, compassionate care Sue O'Callaghan, Trauma Therapist, Teenage Tool Box
10:20	Morning break
10:50	Case Study: A collaborative approach to meeting the needs of Rangatahi’s mental health and wellbeing Implementing school-based counsellors and psychologists who are embedded within Kura and schools, enabling culturally responsive and context-specific care Integration of the Access and Choice programme, with a strong emphasis on amplifying youth voice to ensure services are relevant, empowering, and accessible Analysis of trends and insights from programme delivery across multiple schools to inform continuous improvement in both primary and secondary mental health services Aldrin Arguelles, Waikato District Manager, Pinnacle Midlands Health Network Teresa McGovern, Clinical Services Manager, Pinnacle Midlands Health Network
11:30	The new front door – Integrating digital platforms into primary mental health care Exploring how digital tools are becoming a first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health support in primary care settings Recognising the role of apps, online assessments, and self-guided therapy in reducing pressure on GPs and clinical teams Highlighting how digital platforms are improving access for youth, rural populations, and those facing stigma or time constraints Discussing the importance of integration between digital tools and in-person care to ensure continuity, safety, and clinical oversight Addressing equity in digital access, including device availability, digital literacy, and culturally relevant content Case studies where digital innovation has enhanced screening, early intervention, and stepped-care pathways in PHOs and clinics Anna Campbell, Chief Support Services Officer, Whakarongorau
12:10	The impact and realities of IPMHA in primary mental health care Reviewing the evolution of Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction (IPMHA) services and their role in reshaping primary mental health care in Aotearoa Evaluating the impact on access, timeliness, and pressure relief for secondary and acute mental health services Exploring the practical realities and challenges of embedding IPMHA services, including workforce constraints, variation across regions, and sustaining quality at scale Highlighting successful practices and lessons learned, including how the absence of referral criteria has influenced accessibility and equity of care Maree Guerin, Clinical Implementation Lead, IPMHA South Canterbury, Health New Zealand
12:50	Lunch break & networking
13:50	Community-Led Mental Wellbeing: Harnessing Strengths and navigating challenges Exploring how community-led initiatives are addressing mental health needs through local knowledge, cultural connection, and whānau-centred approaches Recognising the strengths of non-clinical, grassroots support in reaching those who may not engage with traditional services Highlighting the roles of peer support, lived experience, and community leadership in fostering trust, belonging, and early intervention Examining the challenges community-based services face, including funding instability, short-term contracts, lack of visibility, and administrative burdens Examples of effective community-led initiatives, while also reflecting on what’s needed to ensure long-term sustainability, system integration, and recognition Karen Covell, Chief Executive, Progress to Health
14:30	Improving access to mental health services in rural communities Identifying at-risk groups beyond media narratives Overcoming stigma and barriers to help-seeking Navigating concerns around firearms licenses and mental health Aligning support with the farming calendar Practical, community-led approaches to rural mental health Kathryn Wright, Registered Counsellor, New Zealand Association of Counsellors
15:00	Falling through the cracks: Mental health failures behind criminal behaviour Discussing how untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions can contribute to criminal behaviour, particularly in vulnerable or marginalised populations Highlighting missed opportunities for early intervention and systemic barriers to care Highlighting successful models that integrate mental health support into policing, courts, and reintegration such as mental health courts, cultural navigation, and community-led responses Dr. Erik Monasterio, Consultant Forensic Psychiatry, Orko
15:30	Summary remarks from the Chair & end of Conference

Speakers

Paul Skirrow

Associate Professor

University of Otago

Read bio

Divika Ratnam

Clinical Lead - Primary Mental Health

Pinnacle Midlands Health Network

Read bio

Divika has acquired a diverse range of skills in various health settings as a registered occupational therapist. She started her career in neuro-rehab, working with individuals with active head injury and stroke before transitioning to work for an ACC provider on concussions and return to work contracts. Divika worked in various mental health teams at Waikato DHB (before it became known as Te Whatu Ora) including inpatient and community mental health, and during COVID-19 was re-deployed to work with the crisis team. During this time, Divika developed a passion for brief interventions, specifically in group therapy which inspired her interest in working for a whānau pai provider. She worked as a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) in three clinics in Waipā and South Waikato before joining Pinnacle Midlands Health Network as the clinical lead for Primary Mental Health.

Dan Goodwin

Community Support Manager

Changing Minds

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Megan Elizabeth

Engagement and Insights Manager

Changing Minds

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Anna Campbell

Chief Support Services Officer

Whakarongorau

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Anna Campbell joined Whakarongorau from an extensive career in companies including The Warehouse Group, FAB Group, ASB, and Mitre 10. She has also had governance / advisory roles including with The Breakthrough Co, White Ribbon, and Massey University. Anna is a successful business leader with expertise in strategy, large scale transformation, commercial business leadership, strategy, customer and people leadership. Her passion is to deliver a better future for Aotearoa.

Debra Lampshire

Professional Teaching Fellow

The University of Auckland

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Debra Lampshire has converted her 30 years’ lived experience of mental distress into teaching, research, and writing in the health sector. Debra was also the subject of a documentary made about her life and has appeared on television programs speaking on Mental Health issues. She has also done a Ted Talk, and an array of pod cast for the BBC. Debra is a Professional Teaching Fellow at The University of Auckland and a Senior Lecturer at AUT where she leads the degree program for People with Lived experience a world first. Among her many accolades Debra was the recipient of the Supreme award at the 2016 ACC attitude awards for her work in Mental Health and in 2023 was named in the New Years Honours List receiving the New Zealand Order of Merit. An acclaimed speaker, Debra Lampshire is a prominent figure within the Lived Experience movement in New Zealand and internationally. She is a well know trainer, educator and advocate for people with lived experience.

Suzette Jackson

Addiction Programme Lead & Lecturer

Auckland University of Technology

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Suzette Jackson (Te Ātiawa, Pākehā) leads AUT’s Addictions and Lived Experience pathways and teaches across mental health and addiction. A Registered Social Worker and DAPAANZ-accredited practitioner, she has clinical experience in trauma and substance use counselling. Suzette is a doctoral candidate at the University of Auckland, researching mothers with substance use disorders in residential care. She also works part-time as a researcher at Higher Ground, and is committed to equity, lived experience leadership, and trauma-and violence informed models of care.

Jo Appleby

Lecturer

Auckland University of Technology

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Dr Jo Appleby oversees AUT’s postgraduate mental health programmes and leads the allied health NESP programme, supporting early-career clinicians in mental health and addictions. A Registered Social Worker, Jo is passionate about trauma-responsive, recovery-oriented care and works closely with Te Whatu Ora and NGOs. Her PhD explored mental health care for rangatahi involved with Oranga Tamariki. With almost 20 years of clinical experience, Jo continues to advocate for equitable and collaborative practice, and champions the importance of social work and lived experience perspectives in quality care.

Kathryn Wright

Registered counsellor

New Zealand Association of Counsellors

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Kathryn Wright is an NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors) counsellor that specialises in rural mental health. She has carried out research which centred upon research on why young rural men tend to not seek help for mental health issues. She is also a Mental Health First Aid instructor who specialises in delivering mental health first aid training in rural settings and is on the Child and Youth Mortality Review committee for Otago and Southland. Kathryn is well-known in the rural media for the many articles she has written about rural mental health and has been a public speaker on the topic on many occasions, along with winning two major awards for her work and research including a Rural Women’s NZ award. Kathryn is currently completing her PhD at the University of Otago on rural community connection and mental health. She has two children and lives on a deer farm in Te Anau, Southland.

Rosie Leadbitter

Workplace Services Development Lead

Inside OUT

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Rosie is a Pākehā queer femme with English, Irish and Scottish ancestry who grew up in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. She is passionate about examining how the communities we belong to and the stories we inherit about identity inform how we engage with the world and ourselves. She supports workplaces across Aotearoa through consultation & education around rainbow inclusivity, equity and safety. InsideOUT is a national rainbow charity whose vision is for an Aotearoa where all rainbow and takatāpui young people feel safe and included in their schools and communities. They aim to achieve this by working with schools, government agencies and workplaces, leading resource development, education, consultation, campaigns and more.

Liz Hosking-Clement

Clinical Improvement Lead

Youthline

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Liz is a comprehensive nurse with a career spanning clinical practice, operational management, and strategic service development. Currently serving as the Clinical Improvement Lead at Youthline Auckland, Liz works to implement best-practice, clinical governance frameworks and ensure young people receive effective, accessible, and culturally responsive support. With over a decade of experience in the health sector, Liz has held key clinical leadership roles across various organisations, including Counties Manukau Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, the National Hauora Coalition, Whakarongorau, and the University of Auckland.

Shae Ronald

Chief Executive

Youthline

Read bio

Shae Ronald, ONZM (pronouns she/her) is the CEO of Youthline Auckland – Te Ara Taiohi Whakatapua Kia Ora Ai. She grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau. Shae practised as a lawyer for 10 years including family and youth law and has over 31 years’ experience in senior leadership roles in the community and quasi government agencies, many in a youth focussed capacity. She stepped into the CEO role at Youthline 6 years ago after having worked in the organisation. Shae has been a strong advocate for youth voice, human rights and the mental health and wellbeing of young people and the rainbow community over many years.

Individual tickets

$ 1399 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 4 July, 2025.

$ 1199 + gst

Must be from same organisation & book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 4 July, 2025.

$1999

$ 1599 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 15 August, 2025.

$1999

$ 1799 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 12 September, 2025.

$ 1999 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 6 October, 2025.

Groups Multi-buy tickets

$ 1399 per person + gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 6 October, 2025.

$ 1299 per person + gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 6 October, 2025.

Registration Conditions

Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
Pre-Sale Tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.

For full terms & conditions, please visit https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions

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General Contact

Tagged 6-7 October 2025, Transforming Mental Health in NZ 2025

6 -7 October 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

Transforming mental health conference

Transforming Mental Health: Innovation, Access & Accountability

Key themes not to be missed

Mental health and Policy

Addiction & mental health

Case studies deep dive

Addressing the underserved

NZ's youth mental health

New models for mental health

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Shae Ronald

Youthline

Clive Aspin

School of HealthVictoria University of Wellington

Maree Guerin

Health New Zealand

Why you should be there

Who should attend?

Transforming Mental Health scholarship scheme

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Agenda

Speakers

Paul Skirrow

Divika Ratnam

Dan Goodwin

Megan Elizabeth

Anna Campbell

Debra Lampshire

Suzette Jackson

Jo Appleby

Kathryn Wright

Rosie Leadbitter

Liz Hosking-Clement

Shae Ronald

Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver sponsors

Exhibitors

Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!

Want to join this conference?

Register your interest, we will be in touch when tickets are available.

Individual tickets

PRE SALE

PRE SALE - Group 3+

Super Saver

Early Bird

Last Minute

Groups Multi-buy tickets

Multi-buy 3+ Tickets

Multi-buy 5+ Tickets

Registration Conditions

Make an enquiry

General Contact

School of Health
Victoria University of Wellington