'Holding the ACEs' - An evening with poet and GP - Dr Glenn Colquhoun

"It's not necessary to solve problems. Only to understand them.
When you understand them, they solve themselves naturally."
~ Dr Iain McGilchrist. 

What shifts when we gather to bare witness to stories, and lift our thinking to a systems perspective?
How can poetry deepen our understanding of children and young people? What becomes possible when we take a strengths-based approach?

This event is about the power of community, about leveraging our collective wisdom, and building agency.

We invite you to join us for:

An evening of poetry with poet Glenn Colquhoun + guest panel.

First published in 2023, Colquhoun's essay 'Holding the ACEs' is dedicated to the young people of the Horowhenua Youth Health Service,
and raises awareness about adverse childhood events (ACEs) in New Zealand.

This event brings together diverse perspectives and experiences, to enrich our understanding of the challenges and possibilities of childhood in Aotearoa.

It is designed to be uplifting and participative, creating space for dialogue on our biggest opportunities for change.

Come and connect with a community of leaders and changemakers.

Panelists

Dr Ganesh Ahirao - Economist, thought-leader
David Hanna - Director, Wesley Community Action Group
Maraea Teepa - Kaituitui Mātauranga ā Hapori
Aimee Hadrup - 2023 Harkness Fellow, The Southern Initiative (MC)

The panelists will discuss their insights and views and respond to Q&A about improving childhood conditions and outcomes in Aotearoa.

Join us for this special evening to build our agency and hope, network with inspiring practitioners, and gain practical insights to have more impact in the social change space.

This is an opportunity to hear for yourself why Colquhoun's poetry and prose have garnered 12 significant awards, including Best book of poetry in the Montana Books Awards (2003), Prize in Modern Letters (2004), Booksellers NZ Platinum award twice (2006 and 2010), Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard University (2010) to name a few.

Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided. 

Event Programme:

• 5pm - arrive
  
• 5:30pm - Welcome & Introduction, hear from sponsors
• 5:45-6:30pm - Dr Glenn Colquhoun
• 6:35 - Panel Discussion and Q&A with Experts
• Networking
  

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington.

About Dr Glenn Colquhoun

Glenn Colquhoun is a poet and a doctor. He grew up in South Auckland, studied theology for two years at Avondale College, and completed a BA in English and Education at Auckland University in 1987. He later attended Auckland Medical School, graduating in 1996. In 1994 he took a year off his medical training and spent that time in Te Tii, a small Māori community in Northland. This began a lifelong relationship with the community and its people. His first collection of poetry, The art of walking upright, was written about this community.  In 2004 he was awarded the Prize in Modern Letters. This was, at the time, the largest award made to an emerging writer anywhere in the world. In 2011 he helped to establish the Horowhenua Youth Health Service, where he continues to work in adolescent medicine. He performs poetry regularly throughout the country.

Colquhoun has authored eight books of poetry, five children's books, and four essay books.

Thank you to sponsors Simply Food for supporting this event, to KPMG for generously providing a venue, and to Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington for your support, guidance and participation - and for working tirelessly to create 'PCEs' - positive childhood experiences. 

Goodlife Collective exists to unlock our collective potential, and create better possibilities for planet and people through connection and ideas.