ASFA Conference 2025 – Hōtaka (Programme)

Theme: Innovation & Creativity in Solution Focused Practice
Ōtepoti / Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
Hosted in collaboration with the University of Otago – Social Work Department
Friday 14 – Sunday 16 November 2025
(Programme subject to change – final details TBC)

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Friday 14 November – University of Otago

8:45 AM – Registration
9:00 AM – Mihi whakatau
9:20 AM – Opening Welcome – Andrea Lemm
9:40 AM – Opening Address – Brent Gardiner He Huarahi Oranga – A Road to Wellness
10:30 AM – Kapu tī (morning tea)
11:00 AM – Emma Burns & John Henden ‘What Works’ in Solution Focused Suicide Prevention
12:00 PM – Q & A
12:30 PM – Kai o te Rānui (lunch)

1:30 PM – Workshops (3 concurrent options)

• OPT 1: Tammy Magness – Therapeutic Attention

• OPT 2: Cathy Martin – Six-Step Intervention Model

• OPT 3: Marika Tammeaid – Solution Focus in Public Leadership and Policy Formation

2:30 PM – Kai o te Ahiahi (afternoon tea)

3:00 PM – Workshops (2 concurrent options)

• OPT 1: Lauren Redshaw – Sparking Solidarity: A Solution-Focused Approach to ADHD support groups 

• OPT 2: Roxy Bretton – Taha Tinana – Solution Focused Physical Practice 

 

4:15 PM – Matt Cameron – Plays with Colin's Brain

4:45 PM – Karakia Whakamutunga (closing prayer)
5:00 PM – ASFA Annual General Meeting (AGM)
7:00 PM – Social Event option – Self-guided craft beer trail

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Saturday 15 November – Arāi te Uru Marae

Location: 24 Shetland Street, Māori Hill

8:45 AM – Registration – meet outside the marae
9:15 AM – Pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony)
10:00AM – Guest Speakers – Sharon Shea & Stacey McGregor Whāngaihia Kia Tipu, Kia Puāwai – Braiding kaupapa Māori and neuroscience to deliver improved outcomes to Oranga Tamariki caregivers

11:30 AM – Q&A  Sharon Shea, Stacey McGregor, Dion and Andrea

12:00 PM – Kai o te Rānui (lunch)

1:00 PM – Dr Lyn Worsley – Staying Solution Focused in Complex Clinical Terrain

2:00 PM –Workshops (2 concurrent options)

• OPT 1: Matt Cameron – SF and AI

• OPT 2: Lou White Pawson - SFBT practice and the value of curiosity 

2:45 PM – Kai o te Ahiahi

3:10 PM – Workshops (2 concurrent options)

• OPT 1: Thomas Sykes – Relating Mindfully in SFP

• OPT 2: Dion Sing & Jodie Kinsmore – The Journey of SF in the context of  Aboriginal Self-Determination in Victoria

4:10 PM – Reflections and Karakia Whakamutunga
6:00 PM – Conference Dinner – Te Rangihīroa College

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Sunday 16 November – Closing Day

8:45 AM – Arrival & Karakia Tīmatanga
9:00 AM – Magdalena Szutarska – Adding Images to Words
10:30 AM – Kai o te Ata (morning tea)
10:45 AM – Session 2 – Brag & Steal
11:30 AM – Closing Remarks – ASFA President Dion Sing, Andrea Lemm, Matt Cameron
12:00 PM – Poroporoaki (farewell)

 

With special guests