19 - 20 October 2026 | James Cook, Wellington

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 FROM 2025

Our 2025 key lineup brought together influential leaders, clinicians, and innovators driving change in mental health.

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

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor 147 The Terrance, Wellington 6011

2026 Agenda:

8:50	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Opening Remarks from the Chair Kevin Harper, CEO, Changing Minds
9:10	From Strategy to Delivery: The Future of Mental Health and Wellbeing in Aotearoa Understanding the direction of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026–2036 What the Strategy means for mental health, addiction and wellbeing services Understanding the relationship of the new Strategy to existing strategies and plans and how they will come together to create a unified approach to better mental health and wellbeing What professionals across the sector need to prepare for in 2026 and beyond – exploring the implementation plan detailing how the system-level shifts reflected through strategic actions will be achieved Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health
9:25	Audience Q&A with Hon Matt Doocey
9:35	Legal Update: The Mental Health Bill Key differences between the current Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 and the proposed Mental Health Bill The criteria to be met for entry to and exit from the proposed Mental Health Bill The role of supported decision-making Practical implications for clinicians, lawyers, advocates, whānau, and mental health and disability service providers How the Bill aligns with wider legal reform, including the review of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 Iris Reuvecamp, Principal, Vida Law
10:10	Law Commission’s Review of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 Overview of the review that the Law Commission has been asked to undertake The review process from here, including likely consultation timeframe Dr Thomas Buocz , Senior Legal and Policy Adviser ,Te Aka Matua o te Ture \| Law Commission
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Equity in Mental Health: Moving Beyond Equal Access to Fair Outcomes Understanding the difference between equality and equity in mental health care Why equal access does not always result in equal outcomes What the research tells us about inequities for Māori, Pacific peoples and other underserved communities How service design can unintentionally exclude the people most in need What culturally responsive, community-led and whānau-centred care can look like in practice Practical steps for mental health professionals to reduce inequity across access, experience and outcomes Lee Colquhoun, Chief Operating Officer, Te Puna Ora o Mataatua
11:30	Primary Care as the Front Door: Integrating Mental Health and Addiction Support through Te Tumu Waiora and Access and Choice Understanding the role of Te Tumu Waiora and Access and Choice in primary mental health care Exploring how general practice can become a stronger front door for mental health and addiction support Embedding Health Improvement Practitioners, Health Coaches and community support workers into primary care settings Delivering same-day, low-barrier and culturally responsive support Reducing pressure on specialist, secondary and crisis services through earlier intervention Strengthening pathways between GPs, NGOs, Kaupapa Māori providers, Pacific providers, community services and specialist teams Addressing workforce, funding, governance and consistency challenges as integrated care continues to scale Dr David Codyre, Clinical Lead Mental Health, Tamaki Healthcare
12:10	Beyond the ED Door: Improving Mental Health and Addiction Response Across the Acute Care Pathway Understanding what whai ora experience when presenting to ED in mental health or addiction crisis Exploring how acute pathways can better uphold dignity, choice, cultural safety and person-led care Strengthening the connection between ED, community services, NGOs and lived-experience support Identifying gaps in current escalation, referral and follow-up processes Considering how frontline ED insights and lived-experience perspectives can improve practical responses Supporting safer transitions out of ED and reducing the risk of people falling through service gaps Serena Lal, Chief Executive, Kites Trust
12:40	Lunch
13:40	The Power of Early Conversations Why prevention, early intervention, and mental health education are essential in today's mental health landscape Recognising the opportunities for support that exist in everyday settings - workplaces, homes, schools, and communities Moving from awareness to action: building confidence for safe and supportive conversations Empowering everyday people to play a meaningful role in mental health and wellbeing The role of Mental Health First Aid and education in strengthening community capability and resilience Creating cultures where people feel safe to speak up earlier through trust, connection, and psychological safety Shifting from crisis response to collective responsibility: how small conversations create lasting ripple effects Jordan Shearer, Mental Health and Well-being Programme Lead, Hato Hone St John
14:00	Suicide Prevention in Practice: Strengthening Protective Factors and Early Intervention Understanding suicide prevention as a shared responsibility across health, community and social services Moving beyond crisis response to prevention, early intervention and wellbeing promotion Identifying risk factors, protective factors and early signs of distress Supporting Māori-led, whānau-centred and culturally responsive prevention approaches Addressing higher-risk groups, including young people, Māori, Pacific peoples, rainbow communities, rural communities and people experiencing social or economic hardship Building stronger pathways between primary care, specialist services, schools, workplaces, NGOs and community supports The role of lived experience, peer support and postvention in preventing further harm Practical strategies mental health professionals can use to reduce risk and strengthen hope, connection and safety Leilani Fina'i Clarke, Senior Manager of Suicide Prevention – Pacific, Le Va
14:40	Crisis Recovery Cafés: Expanding Community-Based Support for People in Distress Understanding the Crisis Recovery Café model and its role in the mental health system Providing calm, non-clinical and peer-led support for people in distress Supporting people before, instead of, or after ED and crisis service contact Strengthening pathways into community, primary care, addiction and specialist services Reducing pressure on ED, crisis teams, police and frontline workers Exploring what is needed to scale community-based crisis support safely and sustainably Leilani Maraku, Chief Executive Officer, Mana o Te Tangata
15:10	Afternoon Break
15:40	Lived Experience Leadership: Strengthening Peer Support Across the Mental Health System Exploring the role of peer support and lived experience across mental health and addiction services Highlighting how peer workers build trust, connection and engagement with people accessing services Understanding the distinct knowledge, insight and value that lived experience brings to service delivery Considering how peer support can improve recovery, service experience and continuity of care Discussing organisational readiness, workforce development and system change Identifying what peer roles need to thrive, including clear scopes, supervision, safety, recognition and career pathways Identifying what peer roles need to thrive, including clear scopes, supervision, safety, recognition and career pathways Moving from inclusion in principle to meaningful integration of lived experience in practice Amanda Bradley, National Manager - Consumer, Peer Support, Lived Experience, Te Pou Gina Giordani , Lived Experience Project Lead, Te Pou
16:20	Panel Discussion: Frontline Under Pressure: Responding to Mental Health Crisis in a Health- Led System • What the shift from Police-led to health-led mental health crisis response means in practice • How reduced Police attendance is impacting EDs, crisis teams, ambulance and community services • Managing safety, risk assessment and escalation in a health-led response model • Supporting frontline workers who are carrying increasingly complex crisis demand • The role of co-response teams, peer support, Crisis Recovery Cafés and acute alternatives • Strengthening protocols, handovers and referral pathways between health, Police, ambulance, NGOs and community providers • What the workforce needs to respond safely and sustainably: training, supervision, staffing, safety planning and clear escalation pathways Representative from Hato Hone St John Kerri Butler, Founder, Take Notice Serena Lal, Chief Executive, Kites
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks Kevin Harper, CEO, Changing Minds

8:50	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcome back remarks from the Chair Kevin Harper, CEO, Changing Minds
9:10	Policy Address: Labour’s Priorities for Mental Health and Addiction Reform in Aotearoa This session would provide Labour’s perspective on the key priorities for mental health and addiction reform in Aotearoa. It would explore the current pressures facing the sector and consider what is needed to improve access, strengthen services and support better outcomes for people, whānau, and communities. Ingrid Leary, Labour MP for Taieri and Labour’s spokesperson for Mental Health and Seniors, Labour
9:50	Panel Discussion: Young People’s Mental Health: Building Earlier, Inclusive and More Connected Support What current research and youth wellbeing data tells us about early signs of distress, unmet need and service gaps Reviewing evidence on what works in early intervention and secondary prevention for young people Understanding the role of accessible, acceptable and youth-friendly supports in improving engagement and outcomes How co-design with young people can strengthen the quality, relevance and effectiveness of services How co-design with young people can strengthen -Building a Rainbow Competent mental health & addictions workforce -The disproportionate impact we are seeing for disabled rangatahi and what is needed to address this -What young people need from services, professionals, whānau, communities and government -The role of the youth mental health collaboration and the emerging youth mental health roadmap and action plan Shae Ronald, Chief Executive Officer, Youthline Judy O'Brien, Chief Executive Officer, Inside Out
10:40	Morning break
11:00	The Future of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in New Zealand: Promise, Caution and Clinical Readiness Exploring the emerging role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in mental health treatment Understanding where New Zealand currently stands on psilocybin, MDMA and clinical access Examining the potential for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD and complex trauma support Balancing therapeutic promise with safety, evidence, ethics and regulatory oversight Discussing what clinical readiness means for psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health services Considering how Aotearoa can develop safe, equitable and culturally responsive models of care Gary Wynn, Consultant Psychiatrist, Ecdysis Clinical Psychedelic Therapy; Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
11:50	Mental Health, Addiction and Corrections: Strengthening Support Across the Justice Pathway Understanding the mental health and addiction needs of people in the justice and corrections system How screening, assessment and referral pathways work when someone enters prison The role of prison health teams, forensic mental health services and addiction support Addressing trauma, substance use, neurodiversity, brain injury and complex needs Supporting continuity of care between prison, community mental health, primary care, housing and whānau support Strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration to reduce relapse, crisis and reoffending What better collaboration between Corrections, Health, NGOs, Kaupapa Māori providers and community services could look like Erik Monasterio, Consultant in forensic psychiatry, Orko
12:30	Lunch Break
1:30	Case Study: Peer Support in Refugee Communities: Empowering Lived Experience to Support Healing and Connection Exploring the role of peer support in improving mental health outcomes for refugee communities Recognising the power of lived experience in building trust, safety and cultural connection Supporting people through trauma, settlement stress, isolation, grief and identity challenges Understanding how peer workers can bridge gaps between communities, services and professional support Strengthening culturally responsive, community-led and trauma-informed approaches Highlighting how empowerment, belonging and shared understanding can support recovery and resilience Aklilu Hibtit, Cultural Director, Refugees as Survivors NZ
1:50	Case Study: Community-Led Mental Health Support in Action: Strengthening Care, Connection and Recovery *Reserved for Centre Care*
2:10	*Case study session TBC* *Reserved for Take Notice*
2:30	Summary remarks from the Chair & end of Conference Kevin Harper, CEO, Changing Minds

2026 Speakers:

Kevin Harper

CEO

Changing Minds

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Dr Thomas Buocz

Senior Legal and Policy Adviser

Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission

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Dr Thomas Buocz is a Senior Legal and Policy Adviser at Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission. Thomas joined the Commission in 2023. He previously worked in legal academia and the public service in New Zealand and Austria.

Thomas has a law degree (Magister iuris) from the University of Vienna and a doctoral degree in social and economic sciences from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. He moved to New Zealand in 2021.

Serena Lal

Chief Executive

Kites

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Serena Lal (she/her) leads Kites Trust, a peer‑led organisation with more than twenty years of experience standing alongside people navigating mental distress, addiction, disability, and the social conditions that shape wellbeing in Pōneke. Kites is a trusted presence across hospital and community settings, working with services to strengthen peer‑led cultures and uphold Tāngata Whai Ora leadership. Serena is a disabled Fijian Indian woman, Tangata Whai Ora, and a descendant of the Girmityas. Her whakapapa and lived experience shape how she understands harm, accountability, and the realities of navigating mental health and disability systems. With a background in public health and community‑led design, she focuses on making systems easier to understand and supporting organisations to respond in ways that reflect the everyday realities of the people they serve. Alongside her mahi at Kites, Serena has founded and co‑founded kaupapa centred on community power and hauora‑led change. Her work sits at the intersection of lived experience, public health, and justice‑led design, with a clear focus on strengthening community‑led and Tāngata Whai Ora‑led approaches to mental health in Aotearoa.

Hon Matt Doocey

Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health

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Hon Matt Doocey is the Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health. Matt has been the MP for Waimakariri since the 2014 election. He previously worked in mental health in New Zealand and the UK, before returning home to work at the Canterbury District Health Board. Matt went to St Bede’s College before completing a BSc (Hons) in Social Policy, an MA in Healthcare Management from Kingston University in London, and an MSc in Global Politics from Birkbeck College, University of London

Ingrid Leary

Labour MP for Taieri and Labour’s spokesperson for Mental Health and Seniors

Labour

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Ingrid Leary is the Labour MP for Taieri and Labour’s spokesperson for Mental Health and Seniors. Before Parliament she collected careers the way some people collect hobbies—working as a lawyer, journalist, broadcaster and in international development—giving her a healthy scepticism of simple answers to complex problems. Ingrid is on a mission to drag mental and social health policy into the age of evidence. She has an enduring obsession with measuring the right stuff—not just the easy stuff—and is forever asking, “How do we know this is actually working?” If you’ve got a better dataset, she’ll probably want to see it. If you’ve got a better question, even better. She believes the best mental health policy is grounded in lived experience, informed by good data and judged by whether it genuinely improves people’s lives. Fortunately for today’s panel, she’s always happy to challenge conventional wisdom—and herself—in pursuit of better answers.

Dr David Codyre

Clinical Lead Mental Health

Tamaki Healthcare

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Kerri Butler

Founder

Take Notice

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Gina Giordani

Lived Experience Project Lead

Te Pou

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Lee Colquhoun

Chief Operating Officer Organisation

Te Puna Ora o Mataatua

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Lee Colquhoun grew up in Ahipara in the Far North, with whakapapa to TiTi Marae on the East Coast. After completing university in 2012, he built a diverse career spanning more than 15 years across business operations, maintenance services, sales leadership, and executive management. Lee’s executive experience includes aquatic centres, fitness facilities, and alpine resorts across both New Zealand and Australia. Since returning to New Zealand over a decade ago, Lee has dedicated his career to strengthening Māori-led organisations and communities. For the past six years, Lee has served as Chief Operating Officer of Te Puna Ora o Mataatua (TPOOM), one of New Zealand’s largest regional Māori providers, and from 1 July he steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer for Te Puna Ora o Mataatua Ltd. Alongside his executive responsibilities, Lee serves on several regional and national governance boards including, Te Ara Poutama, Tauranga Community Housing Trust and Te Matapihi, contributing to the housing and Māori workforce development sectors. Lee is passionate about building a strong, capable workforce, strengthening rural services, and driving innovation across the heath and social sectors. Lee is committed to ensuring that factors such as rurality and deprivation are never barriers to accessing quality services and believes in creating equitable opportunities for all whānau communities.

Aklilu Hibtit

Cultural Director

Refugees as Survivors NZ

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Aklilu Hibtit, an alum of the class of 2025 Leadership New Zealand, is the Cultural Director at Refugees As Survivors New Zealand (RASNZ) and a respected senior leader in Aotearoa, New Zealand’s refugee resettlement sector. Originally from Eritrea in East Africa, Aklilu is a qualified and registered social worker with extensive experience in frontline support, team leadership, and senior management. Over the years, Aklilu has worked with various agencies across New Zealand, leading diverse teams and contributing meaningfully to operational and strategic development. Aklilu’s work is deeply informed by his lived experience as a former refugee. He brings authenticity, empathy, and deep cultural insight to his approach and is committed to delivering culturally responsive, community-centered services that uphold dignity and inclusion. In addition to his role at RASNZ, Aklilu is a member of the Refugee Alliance Steering Committee and volunteers with other collective groups that support and advocate for meaningful resettlement and improved wellbeing.

Gary Wynn

Consultant Psychiatrist,; Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience,

Ecdysis Clinical Psychedelic Therapy; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

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Dr G Wynn is a consultant psychiatrist and founder of Ecdysis Clinical Psychedelic Therapy Limited in Wellington, providing psychiatric and psychedelic treatment services. Previously a senior medical officer at Capital and Coast DHB, he founded Wellington Regional Hospital’s ketamine clinic for PTSD and depression. He is Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Uniformed Services University, a retired US Army Colonel, and an internationally published expert in PTSD, psychiatry and mental health, with over 100 publications.

Judy O’Brien

CEO

Inside Out

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Tagged 19-20 October 2026, CV206, Transforming Mental Health in NZ 2026

19 - 20 October 2026 | James Cook, Wellington

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 FROM 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

2026 Agenda:

2026 Speakers:

Kevin Harper

Dr Thomas Buocz

Serena Lal

Hon Matt Doocey

Ingrid Leary

Dr David Codyre

Kerri Butler

Gina Giordani

Lee Colquhoun

Aklilu Hibtit

Gary Wynn

Judy O’Brien

Sponsors

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

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General Contact