SYHPANZ was pleased to collaborate with The University of Otago, Christchurch’s annual George Abbott Symposium to offer a national youth health conference on 5-6 July 2024 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, supported by Research for the Children Aotearoa Collaborative.
We came together ā-tinana for two days of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshop sessions from experts in the field. We were challenged to enhance our knowledge and update our skills to continue to influence youth health’s future.
Keynote speakers and presentations included Dr Susan Sawyer, Chair of Adolescent Health in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne and Director of the Centre for Adolescent Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Dr Claire Achmad, Chief Children’s Commissioner and Dr Nick Fancourt. There were updates from the Youth 19 Rangatahi Smart Survey and High Alert – New Zealand’s Early Warning System for Drugs. As well as presentations and panel discussion on youth vaping.
Below is programme:
| Time | Friday 5 July |
| 8.15am | Registration |
| 8.45am | Mihi Whakatau/ Welcome |
| 9am | Keynote Dr Nick Fancourt and Chief Children’s Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad |
| 10am | Kai/ kupa ti |
| 10.30am | Mental Wellbeing Update Prof Susan Sawyer Dr Sarah Whitcombe-Dobbs Dr Kaaren Mathias Dr Hannah Osborn |
| Midday | Kai/ Tina |
| 1pm | Vaping Panel Discussion Dr Jude Ball Dr Ben Wamamili Lousie McDermott |
| 2.30pm | Gambling, gaming, loot boxes: What’s the harm? Tūturu |
| 2.45pm | Aotearoa’s harm reduction approach to drugs High Alert and NZ Drug Foundation |
| 3.15pm | Kai/ kupa ti |
| 3.45pm | Research for Children Aotearoa Prof Tony Walls Tahlia Su’a Dr Susie Smith |
| 4.15pm | Neurodiversity and Sleep Prof Laurie McLay |
| 4.45 – 5pm | Day one round up |
| 6pm | Conference Dinner |
| Time | Saturday 6 July |
| 8.15am | Registration |
| 8.45am | Welcome and Presentation from Inspiring Young Person Charlotte Livingstone – living with chronic illness |
| 9am | Keynote Chronic Illness Prof Susan Sawyer |
| 10am | Kai/ kupa ti |
| 10.30am | Research Presentations Hope Study, Youth 19 |
| 11.30 | Sexual Wellbeing Burnett Foundation Dr Tracy Clelland |
| Midday | Kai/ Tina |
| 1pm | Te Ūkaipō – How can values change practice in school-based health services Society of Youth Health Professionals (SYHPANZ) and Malatest |
| 1.45 | Talking Trouble Sally Kedge and Jazz Robson |
| 2.30 | Untangling Eating Disorders Baiju Thomas |
| 3pm | Workforce Inspiration Mel Meates |
| 3.15pm | Youth Hub Dame Sue Bagshaw |
| 3.45pm to 4pm | Closing |