New Zealand’s Prevention Charter Takes Centre Stage At National Wellbeing Summit

The Prevention Imperative: New Zealand Universal Wellbeing Conference 2025

11–12 September 2025 | Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland

Hosted by: FREE Research & Educational Equity Trust (Charitable: 50012761)
Sponsored by: FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute (www.fwi.ac.nz) & NZCDI – New Zealand Curriculum Design Institute (www.nzcdi.ac.nz)

The Prevention Imperative: New Zealand Universal Wellbeing Conference 2025 has two goals:

Goal One: Measurable improvements in eight nationally entrenched poor wellbeing challenges, they are:

• Suicide, trauma, and relationship distress
• Addictions and compulsive behaviours
• Family and sexual violence
• Chronic disease and avoidable health burdens
• Education disengagement and achievement gaps
• Workforce stress and productivity loss
• Housing, financial insecurity, and
• Social cohesion

Currently New Zealand has and has had some of the poorest outcomes in the OEDC and EU over the last ten years. The need for joined-up and measurably effective inclusive prevention strategies has never been more urgent.

Goal Two: The formation of a New Zealand Prevention Universal Wellbeing Charter designed to optimise and accelerate improvements in the above poor wellbeing outcomes. The Charter will be presented to Government.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Hon. Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health, and Associate Minister of Health
• Professor Yvonne Thomas, HoD Otago Polytechnic Occupational Therapy School(Social & Emotional Wellbeing)
• Susan Stevenson, Director, FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute (Ethnic & Cultural Wellbeing)
• Dr Julie Avery, Director, TIIDE Aotearoa (Social & Emotional Wellbeing)
• Professor Kay Fielden, Ethical Systems and Spiritual Wellbeing Thought Leader (Spiritual Wellbeing)
• Dr Alexandra Muthu, Occupational and Environmental Physician (Physical Wellbeing)
• Charlie Meaden, Eccuity, Financial Systems Innovator (Physical Wellbeing)
• Dr Michael Johnston, NZ Initiative (Intellectual Wellbeing)

Additional practice-based presentations will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

“We are calling on all who are serious about initiating a transformative cross systems and practice Prevention Universal Wellbeing movement,” says Susan Stevenson, Director of FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute. “The Charter will provide a unified roadmap — to underpin an innovative multi-level Prevention Universal Wellbeing movement in New Zealand.”

Conference Background: Grounded in 17 Year Wellbeing Research Programme

The conference builds on the Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM) and Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET), to underpin Prevention Universal Wellbeing initiatives in New Zealand that can drive innovative new evidence-driven strategies.

Conference includes:

• Hands-on workshops led by researchers/practitioners
• Cross-sector sessions focused on the six Universal Wellbeing Model Dimensions
• Sessions focussed on Determinants of Universal Wellbeing
• Participation in the New Zealand Prevention Universal Wellbeing Charter development session
• Certificate of Participation for professional development portfolios

The Prevention Imperative: New Zealand Universal Wellbeing Conference 2025 is an event which will bring together focussed thought leaders and solution finders to progress entrenched poor national wellbeing outcomes. Over two days, participants will engage in strategic workshops, evidence-informed dialogue, and generate innovative solutions designed to optimise and accelerate a Prevention Universal Wellbeing in New Zealand. The Charter will be formally presented to government..

Who Should Attend:

• Health and mental health professionals and clinicians
• Educators, school and tertiary leaders and educators
• Business/Corporate wellbeing and HR managers
• Diverse government and policy decision-makers
• Social sector practitioners and researchers
• Researchers, evaluators, and implementation leads
• Wellbeing consultants, clinicians, practitioners, and coaches
• Iwi, NGO, and community members wanting to progress wellbeing outcomes

Event Details:

Venue: Pakuranga Hunt Room, Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland
Dates: 11–12 September 2025
Early Bird Pricing (until 1 August):

• Individual 2-Day Pass – $400 (Save $200)
• Group Pass (5+ People) – Discounted
• Graduate Pass – Available for FWI & NZCDI Alumni
  Info & Registration: www.fwi.ac.nz

Note: This is an in-person event only. No recordings. Fully catered.

To contribute to the Charter or request a consultation call:

Email contactus@fwi.ac.nz

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