PADA Workshop | Supporting Dads and Non-Birthing Parents – 10 August 2026 | Wellington

PERINATAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY

This half-day workshop is for health professionals supporting dads and non-birthing parents through the transition to parenthood.

This session shares practical insights and approaches for engaging pāpā and non-birthing parents meaningfully, and makes the case for why supporting dads and non-birthing parents well creates better outcomes for māmā, birthing parents, pēpi, and the wider whānau.

SPEAKERS | NGĀ KAIKŌRERO

🟣 Aidan Kyrke-Smith – Founder of Dadpression and Dadventure | Lived Experience Speaker

Aidan draws on lived experience and the kaupapa behind Dadpression and Dadventure to explore what it truly means to support pāpā and non-birthing parents through the transition to parenthood. Walking alongside dads and non-birthing parents through antenatal sessions and early parenthood support – Aidan will share how this mahi builds confidence, strengthens connection, and deepens understanding of their role, not just as parents, but as partners and people navigating one of life’s biggest shifts.

🔵 Holly Barnard & Shannon Meister-Bradley – NICU and Maternity Social Worker | Kaimahi Toko i te Ora Wellington Hospital

Both Shannon and Holly have both been social workers for 8 years in the family and children space. Currently Shannon and Holly provide social work support to whānau with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Wellington Hospital. They will speak about what a NICU experience can look like for parents, and how they support birthing parents and non-birthing parents in the NICU space.

🟢 Dr Suzanne Hodgson – Internationally recognised fatherhood researcher

Dr Suzanne Hodgson is a nurse, researcher, and educator whose work focuses on men’s health, fatherhood, and perinatal mental health. With a PhD in psychology and a background in nursing, she has dedicated her career to understanding the experiences of fathers during the transition to parenthood and improving the support available to them. Based in Aotearoa as a Principal Academic Staff Member at Ara Institute of Canterbury, Dr Hodgson leads research exploring the health and wellbeing of fathers, with a particular focus on paternal mental health, the experiences of new dads, and the impact of fatherhood on families. Her work includes research into fathers’ experiences in neonatal intensive care (NICU), support pathways for fathers during the perinatal period, and collaborative studies with researchers across New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Dr Hodgson is passionate about ensuring fathers are recognised as an important part of family health. Her research has helped raise awareness of the emotional and psychological challenges many dads face, while advocating for evidence-based services that better support fathers, their partners, and their children. Through research, education, and collaboration with health professionals and community organisations, she continues to contribute to improving outcomes for fathers and families across New Zealand.

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Midwives can attract Continuing Education Hours.

Spaces are limited, you must register below to attend.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS
General Admission/Non-Member: $50
PADA Members/Full-time Students: $30

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Ngā mihi nui to COGS for supporting us with this workshop.

Please note: We have made requesting an invoice easier. Simply select your preferred ticket type and choose the invoice payment option during registration. A separate invoice ticket is no longer required.

For any issues or further information, please contact admin@pada.nz