Changing the Narrative: Recognising neurodiversity as a strength and moving inclusion beyond awareness

JOIN OUR NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK WEBINAR.

This free webinar is about shifting how we see neurodivergent people — not as problems to fix, but as people with strengths, different ways of thinking, and valuable contributions to make. It also recognises that inclusion isn’t just about knowing the right words or raising awareness. Real inclusion happens when schools, workplaces, services, families, and communities all take responsibility for creating environments where neurodivergent people can truly thrive.

This open and inclusive event welcomes community members, parents, educators, health professionals, policymakers, and allies to rethink how neurodiversity is understood and supported. Building on MINN’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week event in 2025, this second celebration has grown in scale and reach through collaboration with Acorn Neurodiversity. Together, we explore how shifting the narrative — from deficit and “fixing” to strengths, access, and belonging — can lead to more inclusive systems and everyday practices.

Our panel discussion will feature insight from:

Jessica Hita, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu

Jessica, on behalf of Kanorau Takiwātanga Consultants, is a Māmā to a taonga whaitakiwātanga, a practicing lawyer and a strong advocate for tāngata whaikaha Māori.  Jessica is a Director of Kanorau Takiwātanga Consultants, a kaupapa Māori organisation providing culturally grounded autism support, information, and programmes.  Kanorau works alongside whānau to support taonga whaitakiwātanga to access meaningful support, understanding, and opportunities across their lives, while also strengthening professional capability through education grounded in Te Ao Māori understandings of takiwātanga.

Dr. Rachel Mukwezwa Tapera

Rachel is the Co-Founder of the Migrant Neuro-Inclusion Network (MINN), a Tangata Tiriti-led charitable trust based in Aotearoa New Zealand, which works to create belonging, visibility, and practical support for neurodivergent migrants and their whānau. With a background in public health and migrant health research, her work centres on neurodiversity, cultural safety, and systems change. She bridges community realities and institutional spaces, leading strategy, partnerships, and programme development that amplifies underserved voices and drives practical, inclusive outcomes.

Sarah Hogan

Sarah is the Deputy CEO of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, a specialist in health economics, and a board member of ADHD NZ. Sarah has spent her career working towards health systems change which supports all New Zealanders. She has a particular passion for developing systems and policy that supports neurodivergent people to thrive.

Tami Harris

Tami is the CEO of Acorn Neurodiversity, a non-profit in Tāmaki Makaurau building a future in which all neurodivergent people can participate, belong, and thrive. Tami has thirty years of experience leading non-profit organisations and programmes specialising in autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, FASD and learning disabilities.  Tami has worked in foster care, special education, early intervention, and community mental health in the United States and New Zealand in a variety of leadership and direct service roles. She is passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable Aotearoa.