SPEAKERS
Hon Matt Doocey
Matt Doocey is the Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health. Matt has been the MP for Waimakariri since the 2014 election. As well as being the Minister for Mental Health, he has responsibilities for rural health, rainbow health, eating disorders, youth health, neurodiversity, as well as nutrition and physical activity as Associate Minister of Health.
He previously worked in mental health in both 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.
Presentation: Conference Opening Address
Julia Grace
Julia Grace is an award-winning speaker, educator, and Tui-winning recording artist who brings mental health to life through science, story and song. With over 30 years in education and lived experience of anxiety and depression, she connects powerfully with rangatahi, whānau and kaiako, helping them build practical tools for resilience.
Having spoken internationally and right throughout Aotearoa, Julia creates safe, engaging spaces for real conversations. Whether in a school hall, a corporate boardroom or on a global speaker stage, Julia brings warmth, humour and a message of hope that people of all ages trust.
Presentation: Be Kind to your Mind - Mental Health Insights with Heart Laughter, music, real talk - a unique keynote to uplift and inform
Nathan Wallis
Nathan Wallis is a father of three, Poua (Granddad) of five and a foster parent with a professional background in child trauma counselling, teaching and Human Development.
He lectured in Human Development at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand for many years and was also a board member and the senior trainer for the national body in Aotearoa/New Zealand charged with disseminating Neuroscientific research to professionals and community.
Presentation: Brains in the making - What Neuroscience is teaching us about Youth Development. Reflecting the latest neuroscientific research discoveries and their practical implications for everyday life. How to better understand how people grow, learn and develop.
Georgia Rudd
Research Fellow UOA / Our Voices Project / Professional Teaching Fellow UOA / Tē Mātou Rerenga - Our Journey
Presentation: Setting the Scene: Navigating Rough Waters - Support Networks for Youth
Lara Walls
Final year PhD candidate / Lecturer in Nursing University of Waikato / Board Member Te Kåhui Rangatahi Youth health Aotearoa (formally SYPHANZ)
Presentation: The vital role of School Nurses in enhancing health outcomes for Rangatahi, specifically, defining the role within Aotearoa
Nikki Denholm
Nikki Denholm, MNZM, has a health background specialising in emerging sexual health issues. Following senior health management roles, she founded the New Zealand Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and HIV/AIDS African Programmes. She recently established The Light Project – which equips the youth workforce to support young people with safely navigating their digital sexual worlds. The Light Project’s two websites, Light Project and In the Know, are the leading go-to platforms for information, tools and support on the digital sexual landscape for youth, families, and youth services across Aotearoa. Nikki also serves on the boards of several counter human trafficking NGOs and has worked across Southeast Asia on national trafficking awareness campaigns and initiatives.
Presentation: Positively navigating new Online Sexual Landscapes
Tom Little
Tom Little is a neurodiversity advocate, speaker, and business student at the University of Auckland. As the founder of Pūkare Ltd and a Young Neurodiversity Champion, Tom is passionate about reshaping how we talk about ADHD and other neurodiversities. He has delivered professional development workshops for organisations like UCOL, been featured on national TV in Attitude’s documentary "Wired This Way: Tom Little", and served as Grafton Hall President. Tom’s work is focused on building more inclusive spaces in education and beyond—led by lived experience, positive energy, and practical change.
Presentation: Beyond Labels & Embracing Neurodiversity
Jodi Cash
Jodi Cash is a Nurse Adviser - Te Kåhui Rangatahi Youth Health Aotearoa (formally SYPHANZ)
Presentation: He Kohanga Whakaruruhau - A Youth Health Nursing Practice Development Guide
More speakers to be announced shortly.