Ofania
Prioritising Pēpē Moana
OfaniaSYMPOSIUM 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.
OFANIA26
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Ofania 2026 brought together parents, practitioners, community leaders, educators, health professionals and service providers from across the region to explore one shared vision: prioritising our pēpē moana and strengthening the village that surrounds them.
Through inspiring keynote speakers, meaningful talanoa and shared lived experiences, the symposium highlighted the importance of working together to support the wellbeing, identity and resilience of our children and whānau.
The day also celebrated the strength of our communities through creativity, connection and culture. Participants engaged with community organisations, explored practical resources, experienced our Niutupu Pulapulaola and Tāoga Kupega creative spaces, and celebrated the launch of Lole the Brave Little Laumei—a new children's resource designed to help tamariki and parents talk about emotions, courage and wellbeing in a safe and engaging way.
A heartfelt thank you to every speaker, partner, volunteer, exhibitor and attendee who made Ofania 2026 possible. Your passion, wisdom and commitment continue to strengthen our village. Together, we are building communities where every pēpē, child and whānau can thrive with confidence, connection and hope.