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Addiction Leadership Day brings sector together to reflect on success
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Publication Date:
29 September 2026
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Author:
Sarah Fitzpatrick
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Area:
Addiction -
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More than 100 addiction sector leaders gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Thursday, 23 July 2026, for Addiction Leadership Day, hosted by the National Committee for Addiction Treatment (NCAT). The event was held at JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport.
The day's theme, Te Ara o te Angitu – Reflecting on our Successes, ran throughout the programme. Mana Whenua i Tāmaki Makaurau opened proceedings with a mihi whakatau, setting a warm and inclusive tone for the day ahead. Deb Fraser-Komene, NCAT co-chair, and Rawiri Ihimaera, Pou Rautaki at dapaanz, served as MCs.
Opening address
Phil Grady, National Director Mental Health and Addictions, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, delivered the opening address. He spoke on the importance of maintaining a strong connection to whakapapa, and the significant role this plays in shaping effective leadership.
Session highlights
- Frances Russell, Clinical Lead/Kaihaumanu Matua at Touchgrass, presented Touchgrass: Responding to Increasing Levels of Problematic Screen Use Among Youth, offering insight into the effects of technology use and ways to navigate multiple digital environments while staying meaningfully connected.
- Lynette Hutson, Mission Projects Officer, Mission Department, The Salvation Army | Territorial Headquarters, shared Leadership – Lessons Along the Way, drawing on her own journey to explore leadership through the lens of whakapapa.
- Mandi Cross from the Methamphetamine Harm Reduction Programme joined Dr Maria Baker and Teina Piripi from Te Hiku Hauora to present Reducing Methamphetamine Harm in Te Tai Tokerau, sharing their work and experience from the region.
Thanks and acknowledgements
Thank you to all presenters who gave their time and expertise. Their willingness to share their knowledge and experience continues to strengthen the addiction sector and inspire those working within it.
We'd also like to acknowledge Deb Fraser-Komene for her leadership, and the wider NCAT Committee and organisers, for planning and delivering another successful event.
The next Addiction Leadership Day will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in December.
