Addiction Leadership Day March 2025

On Wednesday 26 March 2025, over 100 of the Addiction sector’s leaders came together to attend Addiction Leadership Day, hosted by the National Committee for Addiction Treatment (NCAT). The event was held at Te Papa.

The theme for this kaupapa, ‘Whāia Ki Te Taumata - Pursuing our Excellences,’ was weaved throughout the various presentations showcased from the event. Kurt Smith-Komene guided us into the day with a beautiful mihi whakatau, and Deb Fraser-Komene, NCAT co-chair, was the MC for the event.

Matt Doocey, Minister of Mental Health, kicked off the day with the opening address, highlighting the current initiatives and acknowledging the 'quiet revolution’ that is the growth of the lived experience workforce. Other focal points of the day included, a refreshing presentation from SMART Recovery Australia on their innovative approach to supporting tāngata whai ora; an inspirational presentation on the work that DRUA along with the Salvation Army is doing to respond to the methamphetamine crisis in Samoa, also the Te Ikaroa Central Region Update was popular among participants.

We would like to thank all those who presented at Addiction Leadership Day, these contributions to the sector are highly valued. Also, a big thank you to the NCAT organising committee, Deb Fraser-Komene for her leadership and the team at Te Pou for a fantastic event.

We look forward to reuniting with everyone at the next Addiction Leadership Day in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, later in the year.

Please sign up to the Addiction sector distribution list | Te Pou to keep informed about upcoming Addiction Leadership Days.