Addiction leaders gather in Ōtautahi Christchurch

On Wednesday 8 November over 100 addiction sector decisionmakers and leaders gathered in Ōtautahi | Christchurch at the Student Union Building, University of Canterbury for the third Addiction Leadership Day of 2023. The theme for the day was “He Herenga Nga Ratonga Waranga | Connecting the Addiction Sector”, with a specific focus on leadership on the agenda.

The day was opened beautifully by Karaitiana Tickell, (Ngai Tahu) with Deb Fraser-Komene (NCAT Co-chair) MCing the day.

Particular highlights were Anne Columbus from EY speaking about her leadership journey; Ross Denton’s overview of the Leadership Project; a Let’s get Real update; He Waka Tapu sharing information about their Kaupapa Māori residential programme; and the NZ Needle Exchange Programme’s Dr Brin Ryder and Jason George speaking about drug checking services.

Attendees were shown NCAT’s 2023 brand refresh and new website https://ncat.net.nz/ featuring news, resources, sector specific information and more. We encourage you to jump online and take a look. A big thanks to Sam White, Nicki Paull and the NCAT executive team for their dedication and hard work on making this project possible. Also announced at the event was the exciting news that NCAT is seeking charitable status and establishing itself as an independent entity supporting the addiction sector.

Workshops rounded out the day, run by Ross Denton and Deb Fraser-Komene, and Te Whatu Ora’s Anna Tonks and Melissa Stevenson.

A big thank you to the NCAT organising committee, Deb Fraser for her leadership and the team at Te Pou for a fantastic event. The next event is in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington in March 2024. Watch this space for more details coming soon.