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 & Youth challenges

Understand integrated mental health & addiction services. Addressing gambling and other addictions.

Insights on social, digital, cultural and economic challenges facing young people.

Addressing the underserved

Recognise mental health in vulnerable and marginalised populations.

Explore what is Equitable, Accessible & Culturally Safe Care.

Case studies of new models

The role of digital tools & innovation.

Shifting to a community-led approach – challenges, implications?

How are peer-led & lived-experience focuses improving outcomes?

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

Dr Leeanne Fisher

National Chief of Mental Health & Addiction

Health New Zealand

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 Megan Elizabeth, Engagement and Insights Manager , Changing Minds
9:10	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
9:50	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
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Suicide prevention from traditional to transformative: insights from a social scientist Suicide 101 – International : Epidemiology, risk-factor-ology Best evidence - traditional suicide prevention Epidemiology - How well do we understand our suicides? Challenges, Māori suicides & suicides in key groups Limitations of traditional suicide prevention Transformative suicide prevention Gabrielle Jenkin, Practice Coordinator , FERNZ
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, Strategic project manager, Purapura Whetu Trust
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
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & networking drinks Megan Elizabeth, Engagement and Insights Manager , Changing Minds

8:50	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Megan Elizabeth, Engagement and Insights Manager , Changing Minds
9:10	The insider’s outsider view of the transformation journey of Health NZ\|Te Whatu Ora: challenges & opportunities Reflecting on a milestone: Leeanne shares insights as she approaches her first anniversary with Health NZ, following 17 years of experience in Australia Exploring transformation progress: offering an ‘insider’s outsider’ view on where Health NZ \| Te Whatu Ora sits in its transformation journey Unpacking challenges and opportunities:highlighting the key issues shaping the future of healthcare delivery Learning from international models :considering mental health crisis response approaches in comparable jurisdictions Implications for the workforce – examining what these perspectives mean for both today’s workforce and the workforce of the future Leeanne Fisher, National Chief Mental Health & Addiction, Health New Zealand\|Te Whatu Ora
9:50	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
10:30	Morning break
11:00	AI adoption in large mental health services Understanding the realities of AI in mental health – moving beyond the hype Framework for safe, ethical, and purpose-driven adoption High-impact use cases: triage, workforce support, predictive analytics Building organisational readiness: governance, training, and change management Future directions: digital therapeutics, decision support, and regulation Chris Griffiths, Co-Founder and CEO, Tacklit
11:40	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
12:20	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	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
14:30	Mental Health and Criminal Behaviour: Breaking the cycle between care and containment Understanding the complex link between mental illness and crime Examining risk factors that increase justice system contact Highlighting systemic gaps in diversion and treatment Exploring solutions through resourcing and prevention Rethinking health and justice system integration Case studies and recent legal perspectives Frances Matthews, Medicolegal Adviser & GP
15:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & end of Conference Megan Elizabeth, Engagement and Insights Manager , Changing Minds

Speakers

Chris Griffiths

Co-Founder and CEO

Tacklit

Read bio

Chris Griffiths is Co-Founder and CEO of Tacklit, an end-to-end platform specifically designed to support mental health care delivery. Chris is an experienced digital, technology and AI senior leader and has successfully delivered on multiple global technology initiatives in the health, education, employment, travel and finance industries. He was Chief Product Officer at the True Digital Group and International Product and AI Director at SEEK.

Dallas Hibbs

Strategic project manager

Purapura Whetu Trust

Read bio

Dallas is currently employed by Purapura Whetu Trust, a Kaupapa Maori Health and Social Services based in Christchurch. His involvement in Community Health, and social services spans 25 years, and more recently this has included stepping up a gambling harm minimisation service focused on workforce development, public health, and a clinical service response.

Dr Leeanne Fisher

National Chief Mental Health & Addiction

for Health New Zealand|Te Whatu Ora

Read bio

Leeanne is a bi-nationally trained child & adolescent psychiatrist with more than 20 years’ experience working as a consultant in public mental health services in both New Zealand and Australia. Leeanne combined her interests in child & youth psychiatry and quality and systems improvement as she took on senior leadership positions as the Medical Director at Orygen Youth Health in Melbourne (2012-2014), the Clinical Director for Child & Youth Services at Austin Health (2015-2022) with regional and statewide responsibilities for delivery of service and then as Deputy Chief Psychiatrist in Victoria’s Department of Health (2022-2024). She returned to New Zealand in November 2024 as the inaugural National Chief Mental Health & Addiction for Health New Zealand|Te Whatu Ora and is based in Wellington|Poneke.

Paul Skirrow

Associate Professor

University of Otago

Read bio

Dan Goodwin

Community Support Manager

Changing Minds

Read bio

Megan Elizabeth

Engagement and Insights Manager

Changing Minds

Read bio

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

Read bio

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

Read bio

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

Read bio

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

Read bio

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.

Liz Hosking-Clement

Clinical Improvement Lead

Youthline

Read bio

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.

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

Make an enquiry

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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 & Youth challenges

Addressing the underserved

Case studies of new models

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Shae Ronald

Youthline

Dr Leeanne Fisher

Health New Zealand

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

Chris Griffiths

Dallas Hibbs

Dr Leeanne Fisher

Paul Skirrow

Dan Goodwin

Megan Elizabeth

Anna Campbell

Debra Lampshire

Suzette Jackson

Jo Appleby

Kathryn Wright

Liz Hosking-Clement

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