🌿 Hine Ora Hine Tuu – Lunchtime Wānanga Series - FREE | ONLINE | 12pm - 2pm | 18 June🗣 WEEK 2: Kōrero Māmaatoa – Voices of Lived Experience
2025-06-18 12:00 - 14:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Online – Zoom link will be emailed to you
FREE | ONLINE SERIES |12pm – 2pm | 11, 18 & 25 June
Join us for a powerful three-week lunchtime wānanga series centering whānau, wairua, and the wellbeing of māmā and pēpi. This kaupapa is for anyone supporting whānau through the perinatal period—midwives, kaimahi, social workers, hauora providers, and community champions.
🗣 WEEK 2: Kōrero Māmaatoa – Voices of Lived Experience
📅 Wednesday 18 June | 12pm – 2pm
Join a panel of courageous māmā as they share their personal experiences of perinatal distress, healing, and navigating support systems. Come ready to listen deeply, reflect, and be moved.
🔗 Zoom link will be circulated 24hrs prior to the event.

🌿 Hine Ora Hine Tuu – Lunchtime Wānanga Series - FREE | ONLINE | 12pm – 2pm | 25 June 🧠 WEEK 3: Foundations in Perinatal Mental Health – E-learning Intro
2025-06-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Online – Zoom link will be emailed to you
FREE | ONLINE SERIES | 12pm – 2pm | 11, 18 & 25 June
Join us for a powerful three-week lunchtime wānanga series centering whānau, wairua, and the wellbeing of māmā and pēpi. This kaupapa is for anyone supporting whānau through the perinatal period—midwives, kaimahi, social workers, hauora providers, and community champions.
🧠 WEEK 3: Foundations in Perinatal Mental Health – E-learning Intro
📅 Wednesday 25 June | 12pm – 2pm
We introduce key knowledge for working in perinatal mental health and provide an overview of an accessible e-learning resource for all those walking alongside māmā and whānau.
🔗 Zoom link will be circulated 24hrs prior to the event.

PADA Parliamentary Breakfast 31st July 7.00am-9.30am
2025-07-31 07:00 - 09:30 | Banquet Hall, Parliament Building., 1 Molesworth Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa Parliamentary Breakfast.
The Honourable Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health cordially invites you to attend our inaugural PADA Parliamentary Breakfast.
We want this event to stand apart from others — not just in purpose but in experience. To that end, we are designing an interactive journey to help attendees understand what it can feel like to experience maternal mental distress and the frustration of being unable to access appropriate support.

At the heart of this gathering is a strong commitment:
To foster an enduring partnership between government and community that results in tangible improvements to maternal mental health services and outcomes.
Our goals for the event are to:

Highlight the ongoing barriers to screening and early intervention, and why these persist, from a midwife’s and GP’s perspective.
Share a vision for a functional, compassionate maternal mental health system- from those currently working in the system.
Strengthen the voice and impact of lived experience- Lived Experience Panel.
Establish a foundation for ongoing, meaningful engagement between policymakers and the community- PADA and supporting MPs.

This event is aimed at the following attendees- health professionals working with families in the perinatal mental health space, Ministers, community workers, and whanau.

Registration Options:
General Admission tickets(breakfast included): $50
Sponsor a ticket for someone else (breakfast included): $50
If cost is a barrier for you attending please make contact with us at office@pada.nz
Spaces are limited, you must register to attend – purchase tickets below.

Hine Tū Hine Ora - Thursday 4 September 2025 - Nelson - South Island
2025-09-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Riverside Community, 289 Main Road Lower Moutere, Upper Moutere, Nelson, 7175, New Zealand
Hine Tū Hine Ora – South Island Training on Thursday 4 September
Hine Tū Hine Ora is designed for those supporting whānau during the perinatal period. This vital training programme, developed from the insights of the 13th PMMRC report, empowers communities and healthcare professionals to assist wāhine Māori and their whānau facing mental health challenges during this critical time, all through a trauma-informed lens.
Led by Joanne Teina, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Maniapoto – a retired midwife, nurse, and expert in traditional Māori birthing – this workshop is deeply rooted in personal experience and a commitment to improving perinatal mental health. Hine Tū Hine Ora goes beyond cultural competency, integrating empathy through the innovative tool, The Empathy Game.
We’re grateful to the MAS Foundation for their generous support of this training initiative.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register to secure your spot. Purchase tickets below.
If you’re not currently working but would like to attend, please reach out to us at office@pada.co.nz for sponsorship opportunities.

ONLINE | Provider Connection Hui | Monday 22 September 2025
2025-09-22 09:30 - 11:00 | Online – Zoom link will be emailed to you
To help keep the conversation going, we’d like to invite you to the next Provider Connection Hui — open to all who attended the breakfast and those who were unable to make it.
This will be a space to share updates, reflections, and discuss how we move forward together.

Neurodiversity Workshop | Online - Monday 13 October 2025
2025-10-13 09:30 - 12:30 | Online — Teams link will be emailed to you
♾️ NEURODIVERSITY ONLINE WORKSHOP
Perspectives of Neurodivergent Parents in Birth, Pregnancy and First Year of Baby’s Life
This three-hour workshop provides resources, education and strategies on common neurodevelopment conditions by exploring how we can help those effected by mental illness in the perinatal period focusing on the role of neuro-difference has on perceptions of self, others and the future.
Presented by Marina Elisara and Hannah Cleaver-Marshall
Limited tickets – you must purchase below to attend.

💜💚💙

MORE ABOUT YOUR SPEAKERS:
Marina Elisara
BHSc(OT), PGCertProSup, PGCertHSc, PGDipCBT
Primary Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Although I have been working as a Mental Health Occupational Therapist since 2005, I have worked independently since 2021, receiving referrals for mild to moderate anxiety and depression from GP practices. Among the variety of people referred, are parents experiencing low mood or being on-edge with the changes related to bringing a new baby into the world. Occupational Therapists are also trained in neuroscience and have health models to encompass a broad range of knowledge. I found that this makes it easier to consider the effects of late diagnosed neurodevelopment conditions on mental well-being and find methods and approaches that clients respond to.
Hannah Cleaver-Marshall BSocSci
As a (late-diagnosed) AuDHD woman, raising Neurodivergent children (combinations of ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, APD) I am deeply passionate about accessibility of knowledge, support and advocacy. The transition into motherhood is never simple, but for me, the perinatal journey was especially intense. I am a mother of five (I gave birth to four of my children), and while I look back with love on those early years, I also remember the enormous challenges I faced, challenges that I didn’t fully understand at the time. These experiences are what sparked my deep interest in perinatal neurodiversity.
I completed my BSocSci (Psychology & Sociology) as a young single mother I entered the workforce at the Ministry of Social Development, after several other roles and gaining a Diploma in Health Science (Naturopathy), now in my mid 30s I have decided to enter back into postgraduate study. I am currently completing my PGDipArts (Psychology) at Massey, I will be begin my masters thesis in 2026 titled ‘Motherhood and Neurodiversity: Exploring the Role of Diagnosis and Knowledge in Shaping the Experiences of Mothers with ADHD and ASD’.

Tama'ita'i Toa - Friday 17 October | Dunedin - Ōtepoti
2025-10-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Pacific Trust Otago (PTO), 16 McBride Street, South Dunedin, Dunedin, South Island, 9012, New Zealand
Tama’ita’i Toa workshop is designed for anyone working alongside Pacific whānau, in health, mental health, social services, education, or community roles. No prior clinical knowledge is required just a willingness to listen, learn, and serve with empathy.
Delivered by Teine/Tama’ita’i/Wahine who work directly with aiga and māmā in the community, this workshop brings together lived experience, clinical insight, and cultural knowledge to create a safe space for learning, reflection, and Talanoa.
What you will experience:
· A foundational understanding of perinatal mental health disorders and how they can impact Pacific women and families
· Insights into how colonisation, migration, and disconnection from culture impact perinatal wellbeing
· Practical tools to provide culturally safe, holistic, and respectful care
· Focused on perinatal mental health, trauma-informed care, and whanau-centred support
Tama’ita’i Toa will deepen your understanding of how culture, identity, and colonisation shape perinatal experiences for Pacific and Māori whānau. Learn to walk alongside families with cultural safety, humility, and empathy.
Join us in nurturing the Toa within every Tama’ita’i and strengthening the support around her.

PADA Cultural Series - Cultural Competency | 12 November 2025 - Christchurch | Ōtautahi
2025-11-12 09:00 - 15:30 | Raupō Room at Papa Hou, 4 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
PERINATAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
Focus: Cultural Competency – Cultural awareness seminar for people working in pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.

These seminars provide professional development for healthcare providers supporting families affected by perinatal distress related to pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. When participants leave each seminar, they will better understand how these topics impact families, and strengthen their knowledge and skills to help improve perinatal outcomes.
Midwives can attract Continuing Education Hours
💜💚💙
🎙 CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:
🔹 Jo Teina – Manaakitanga – The Act of Caring – PADA Educator Māori/Kaumātua
🔹 Dr Nimisha Waller – Auckland University of Technology – Senior Lecturer Midwifery
🔹 Dr Vartika Sharma – Senior Lecturer & Research Fellow – Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences – University of Auckland
🔹 Cara Meredith – Registered Nurse and Midwife – Team Lead for Whānau Whakapuāwai, a Kaupapa Māori perinatal mental health service offered out of Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust.
🔹 Christina Daly – Lived Experience – Pou Tautoko for Whānau Whakapuāwai
We will be joined by the following organisations to share about their services:
💜 Asian Family Services
💚 Tangata Atumotu Trust – Whānau Ora
💙 Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi – Whānau Ora
Tickets are limited – purchase tickets below ⬇️
PADA Members/Full-time Students $100
General Admission $125
💜💚💙
Thank you to our funders The Tindall Foundation, The Kind Foundation, and Rātā Foundation for helping to make this seminar possible.
For any queries, please email admin@pada.nz.

Tama'ita'i Toa - Friday 21 November 2025 | Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland
2025-11-21 09:00 - 15:00 | Eden Garden, 24 Omana Avenue, Epsom, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
Tama’ita’i Toa workshop is designed for anyone working alongside Pacific whānau, in health, mental health, social services, education, or community roles. No prior clinical knowledge is required just a willingness to listen, learn, and serve with empathy.
Delivered by Teine/Tama’ita’i/Wahine who work directly with aiga and māmā in the community, this workshop brings together lived experience, clinical insight, and cultural knowledge to create a safe space for learning, reflection, and Talanoa.
What you will experience:
· A foundational understanding of perinatal mental health disorders and how they can impact Pacific women and families
· Insights into how colonisation, migration, and disconnection from culture impact perinatal wellbeing
· Practical tools to provide culturally safe, holistic, and respectful care
· Focused on perinatal mental health, trauma-informed care, and whanau-centred support
Tama’ita’i Toa will deepen your understanding of how culture, identity, and colonisation shape perinatal experiences for Pacific and Māori whānau. Learn to walk alongside families with cultural safety, humility, and empathy.
Join us in nurturing the Toa within every Tama’ita’i and strengthening the support around her.

Thanks to MAS Foundation – we are offering 10 FREE sponsored tickets. First in, first served.
Once these tickets have been bought, tickets are the usual price of $40 for PADA Members or $50 for General Admission.
Venue: The Gallery Room, Eden Garden, 24 Omana Ave, Epsom, Auckland
For more information, please contact Jasmine at pasifikaeducator@pada.nz
*This workshop has been postponed from Friday 24 October to the new date of Friday 21 November.

ONLINE | Provider Connection Hui - Monday 8 December 2025
2025-12-08 09:30 - 11:00 | Online – Zoom link will be emailed to you
Join us for the next provider online session.

🟪 Following the Parliamentary event we need to review the proposal for the Cross-Party Suicide Prevention Group, we will be providing a full update of PADA’s work since the event and creating space for networking and discussion.

🟦 We will be issuing formal invitations once again to the Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey, and to Ingrid Leary.

🟩 A full agenda will be circulated shortly.

The Zoom link will be sent 24 hours prior to the session to all registered attendees – please RSVP below.

ONLINE | Provider Connection Hui - Monday 9 February 2026
2026-02-09 09:30 - 11:00 | Online – Zoom link will be emailed to you
Perinatal Mental Health Sector Hui
Focus: Strategic Communications & Public Narrative to Support the Cross-Party Suicide Prevention Briefing
Host: Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA)
Date: 9 February 2026
Time: 9.30am -11.00am
Location: Zoom
AGENDA
Karakia & Whakawhanaungatanga
Purpose & Desired Outcomes
Brief Progress Update Since Last Hui
Draft Briefing Cross-Party Suicide Prevention Briefing: Final Sense Check
Strategic Communications & Public Narrative (special guest speaker)
Defining the Shared Narrative
Storytelling: Ethics, Consent & Cultural Safety (special guest speaker)
Closing Reflections & Karakia

PADA Rainbow Series | Takatāpui - Monday 23 February 2026 - Ōtautahi | Christchurch
2026-02-23 09:00 - 15:30 | Raupō Room at Papa Hou, 4 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand
These seminars provide professional development for healthcare providers supporting families affected by perinatal distress related to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood.
Join us at the TAKATĀPUI seminar for our PADA Rainbow Series to explore how we can co-create a maternity system that honours the diverse journeys of Takatāpui and Rainbow parents. Together, we can ensure every whānau feels valued, seen, and supported.
Takatāpui individuals and Rainbow communities deserve a maternity system that recognises their mana and supports their journey to build their whānau. Research shows that at least 20% of trans individuals aspire to have tamariki (Trans Pregnancy Care Project), and this number is bound to grow when care becomes genuinely inclusive, culturally responsive, and mana-enhancing.
Midwives can attract Continuing Education Hours.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:
Professor Elizabeth Kerekere (she/her/ia)
Scout Barbour-Evans (they/them)
Natalie Allen (she/he/they) and Tash Wharerau
Ngā mihi to Rāta Foundation, The Tindall Foundation, and The Kind Foundation for their financial support towards this seminar. We could not do it without you!

Spaces are limited, you must register below to attend.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
General Admission/Non-Member: $125
PADA Members/Full-time Students: $100
For any queries, please email admin@pada.nz

Neurodiversity Workshop - Tuesday 10 March 2026 - Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington
2026-03-10 09:30 - 15:30 | Venue TBC, Wellington, New Zealand
NEURODIVERSITY WORKSHOP
Perspectives of Neurodivergent Parents in Birth, Pregnancy and First Year of Baby’s Life
This workshop provides resources, education and strategies on common neurodevelopment conditions by exploring how we can help those effected by mental illness in the perinatal period focusing on the role of neuro-difference has on perceptions of self, others and the future.
💜💚💙
Presented by Marina Elisara and Hannah Cleaver-Marshall, with special guest Amy Castle, PADA GM.
Limited tickets – you must purchase below to attend.

ONLINE | Provider Connection Hui - Monday 18 May 2026
2026-05-18 09:30 - 11:00 | Online – Zoom link will be emailed to you
AGENDA TO COME

Please RSVP below, and a Zoom link will be sent closer to the date.

ONLINE | Provider Connection Hui - Monday 17 August 2026
2026-08-17 09:30 - 11:00 | Online – Zoom link will be emailed to you

ONLINE | Provider Connection Hui - Monday 16 November 2026
2026-11-16 09:30 - 11:00 | Online – Zoom link will be emailed to you
