Addiction Leadership Day July 2025

Nearly 120 addiction sector leaders gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to attend Addiction Leadership Day, hosted by National Committee for Addiction Treatment (NCAT). The event was held at JetPark on Thursday 31 July 2025.

The theme of the day, “He Tirohanga a Muri Ake - Seeing into the future,” was prominent throughout the presentations. Mana Whenua i Tāmaki Makaurau opened the event with an uplifting mihi whakatau, setting a welcoming tone and guiding attendees into the day. Deb Fraser-Komene, NCAT Co-chair, was the MC for the event. In her welcoming speech, she reflected on the broader implications of recovery, “In the context of addiction, we often talk about “recovery.” But recovery must go beyond the individual. Our systems must recover from fragmentation. Our policies from injustice. And our society must recover the belief that everyone deserves treatment, support, and hope — within the context of their story.”

Riana Manuel, newly appointed CEO of Te Pou and Blueprint for Learning, led the opening address, remarking on the importance of connection to your whakapapa and its profound influence on leadership. Other highlighted presentations featured Tim Corbett’s workshop, “Embrace. Explore. Enable. Leadership in the age of AI — grounded in kaupapa, guided by curiosity, and shaped for impact,” which left attendees with a foundational understanding of how to effectively use AI in their services and Phil Grady’s presentation “Addiction Treatment Health New Zealand – overview,” which noted there is a strong focus on methamphetamine reduction and that addiction is a priority for investment for the government. Also, a State of the Nation report was presented by Dr Bonnie Robinson from The Salvation Army.

We would like to thank all presenters who spoke at Addiction Leadership Day, as these kōrero are crucial to strengthening the sector.

Special thanks go out to Deb Fraser-Komene for her leadership, the wider NCAT Committee and the team at Te Pou for all efforts put into planning this impactful event.

The next Addiction Leadership Day is to be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in November. Please sign up to the Addiction sector distribution list to keep informed about upcoming Addiction Leadership Days.