We live in an increasingly diverse and interconnected Aotearoa where our Asian workforce plays a vital role in shaping inclusive, responsive, and equitable health and social systems. Yet, the contributions, innovations, and cultural expertise of Asian professionals often remain under-recognised within the national workforce narrative.

The Flourishing Asian Communities & Workforce Symposium, hosted by Asian Family Services (AFS), is a national event dedicated to honouring, elevating, and empowering Asian practitioners, researchers, and community leaders. This full-day gathering offers a platform for connection, reflection, and learning while recognising excellence, launching new initiatives, and fostering collective wellbeing.

Through keynote addresses, awards, and interactive workshops, the day explores how cultural intelligence, innovation, and lived experience strengthen workforce capability across the sectors of mental health, addiction, and wellbeing.

Programme Highlights

Ministerial address and awards ceremony recognising excellence in Clinical, Public Health, Youth, Peer Support and Lived Experience, Research

Launch of two national e-learning initiatives on Gambling Harm and Suicide Prevention

Concurrent workshops on culturally responsive practice and community-based approaches

Keynote presentations from leading researchers and practitioners

Networking and showcase sessions connecting national and regional partners

Key Speakers

Dr Simone Rodda, Professor, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Dr Ying Wang, Research Centre for Arts and Social Transformation, University of Auckland

Dr Andrew Zhu, Director, Trace Research

Awards – Nominations Now Open!

We want to celebrate innovation within your workforce when working alongside Asian communities. Nominate your team or colleague for excellence in:

Clinical
Recognises practitioners or clinical teams who have demonstrated excellence in delivering culturally responsive mental health or addiction care for Asian communities. This award celebrates innovation in therapeutic practice, integration of cultural models, and approaches that improve access, safety, and outcomes for Asian clients and whānau.

Public Health
Acknowledges initiatives that strengthen population-level wellbeing for Asian communities through prevention, health promotion, education, and community engagement. This includes campaigns, resource development, training, or system-level improvements that advance equity and culturally grounded practice.

Youth
Honours programmes, practitioners, or leaders who support the well-being of Asian children and young people. This may include early intervention, school-based partnerships, youth development initiatives, or culturally adapted models that uplift identity, belonging, safety, and resilience.

Peer Support and Lived Experience
Celebrates individuals or groups who draw on their lived or living experiences to support others, elevate community voice, and strengthen culturally safe, peer-led practice. This includes peer groups, advocacy, co-design, storytelling, or leadership that helps shift stigma and strengthens community connections.

Research
Honours research that creates real, measurable impact for Asian communities. This includes studies that highlight community needs, evaluate programmes, or develop new knowledge that strengthens culturally responsive practice.

Please scan the QR code below to fill out our Award Nomination form:

Or click the link below:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VXGIGODayEWfv4HwVHZaEwEwrz4poWRLtV5U_E-COWhURUdPSDFKUFFWTlYwT0pESzNPNllXSlNZTS4u

Agenda

8:45 - 9:15 Registration, tea & showcase stalls (e-learning demo pods, partner booths)
9:15 am - 9:30 am Welcoming and Cultural opening
9:30 am - 9:45 am Opening Remarks
9:45 am - 10:15 am Presentation from Dr Ying Wang, Research Centre for Arts and Social Transformation, University of Auckland
10:15 am - 10:30 am Morning Tea
10:30 pm - 10:45 pm National Centre of Workforce Development Launch
10:45 - 10:55 am Minister’s speech
10:55 am - 11:50 pm Award presentations with the Minister
11:50 pm - 12:00 pm Group photo with Minister Matt Doocey
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Presentation from Dr Simone Rodda, Professor, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Networking lunch
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Workshops (concurrent)
- Stream A: Respond to Gambling Harm — early identification, brief interventions, warm handovers
- Stream B: Suicide Prevention — culturally safe conversations, safety planning, pathways
- Stream C: Gambling Harm through an Asian lens – early identification, brief interventions, building a referral pathway to support the Asian community early
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm Afternoon Tea
2:45 pm - 2:50 pm Return to Main Room
2:50 pm - 3:20 pm Presentation from Dr Andrew Zhu, Director, Trace Research
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm Acknowledgements and Closing Remarks
3:40 pm - 3:50 pm Cultural Closing
3:50 pm - 4:00 pm Networking and Award Photos

Contact the host of Flourishing Asian Communities & Workforce Symposium