OFANIA SYMPOSIUM 26
WEDNESDAY 1 JULY 2026
Whirinaki Whare Taonga
836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Talofa ni, Malo ni, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Malo e lelei, Malo lava le soifua manuia, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Noa’ia, Mauri, Halo olaketa, Namaste, As-salaam 'alykum Kiambote, Hallo, Kamusta, Selamat datang, Ni Hao, Ola, Ia Ora Na, Hello, Tena koutou katoa
OFANIA is a symposium building connections with those working in primary mental health and addictions, with a focus on maternal and paternal perinatal mental health for Pasifika parents and whānau from birth to five years. The symposium supports connection and shared learning across disciplines and strengthens culturally responsive practice during the critical first 2,000 days of life.
Keynote speaker
Dr Claire Achmad
Te Kaikōmihana Matua | Children’s Commissioner
Mana Mokopuna | Children and Young People's Commission.
A recognised advocate for children in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, having worked in a wide range of areas relating to children's rights, including from legal, policy and practice perspectives.
Claire was born and grew up amongst the kauri and kereru in the Waitakere Ranges, went to school in West Auckland, and is of New Zealand and Indonesian heritage. Claire holds a Guest Lectureship in the Child Law Department of Leiden University, and is a member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network.
Ofania 2026 Programme
9:00 AM Stalls Open
10:00 AM Welcome and Keynote address
10:45 AM Activity with Stall Holders
11:45 AM Lunch provided - whānau
encouraged to join
12:15 PM Re-group
12:30 PM Service Spotlights (stall holders presentations by their stalls)
1:30 PM A story of Impact - Whānau share their stories
2:00 PM Day closes
This programme is subject to change but provides an overview what is planned for the day.
