16 MARCH 2020 IMPORTANT UPDATE

POSTPONED – The Neurodiversity Leadership Forum. In response to public health concerns around coronavirus (COVID-19), DFNZ advises the upcoming workplace-focused Neurodiversity Leadership Forum has been postponed. We apologise for any inconvenience, but in the current climate we must all do what we can to help prevent further cases in New Zealand. Full refunds are available for those who have already bought tickets; we will contact you on this. Rest assured we remain committed to the neurodiversity agenda and intend to reschedule this event later in 2020 once Ministry of
Health is able to advise it is safe to do so.

See programme below

The 2020 Neurodiversity Leadership Forum will explore how to unlock hidden talent and lift productivity in the workplace. Hosted by Dyslexia Foundation of NZ (DFNZ), sponsored by Cookie Time Charitable Trust.

In today’s fast changing business environment where disruption is the new normal, creativity is the new currency. Businesses are looking for the next competitive edge; this is it!

If we want to solve social, environmental, scientific, political and business issues we need to embrace diverse thinking. Responding appropriately to neurodiversity is both a need – in terms of employment rights and inclusive workplaces – and an opportunity – in channelling neurodiverse thinking to deliver increased productivity and extraordinary results.

Neurodiverse individuals bring extraordinary potential for business breakthroughs to the workplace. For radical, revolutionary, pioneering, cutting edge and trailblazing advances, look to the neurodiverse.

The Forum will bring together key stakeholders, leaders and specialists in neurodiversity training and advocacy. Through a series of keynote talks, workshops, panel discussions, exhibits and video ‘tiny talks', the forum will shine a light on the opportunities associated with recognising the strengths of diverse brains in the workplace.

Hear from highly influential experts, interact with leaders with lived experience, learn tips and tricks to streamline your workplace, and contribute to the development of a New Zealand resource for employers and employees to better navigate the workplace.

Programme in Brief:

Morning session 8:30am-12.15pm (includes 20-minute morning tea break)

Keynote presentations, panel discussion and roundtable activity.

Speakers include:

Paula Tesoriero: Disability Rights Commissioner. Human Rights Commission. (Opening Address)

Guy Pope-Mayell: Co-founder and Managing Director of Cookie Time Limited. Discover how Cookie Time's 'culture of competency' includes, supports, and leverages neurodiversity.

Mike Styles: One of NZ's foremost experts in adult literacy and numeracy, Mike offers consulting services to a wide range of businesses, educators, Non-profits, and Corrections. (Keynote speaker) see more: https://www.dyslexia-consultin...

Callum McKirdy: Speaker, author, mentor and facilitator specialising in workplace behaviour. With a successful 20-year career assisting leaders and teams across Australasia develop cultures of engagement, productivity and inclusiveness. In 2019 Callum was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia, he uses his lived experience as a strength in his workplace training. (Keynote speaker) see more: https://www.callummckirdy.com/

Lunch 12.15pm (included in ticket price)

Afternoon workshop 1.15-3pm Callum McKirdy and Esther Whitehead (Managing Trustee of DFNZ) shine a light on the opportunities and considerations associated with recognising the strengths of diverse brains. The facilitators bring their unique skills to illustrate how to champion neurodiversity in the workplace and create opportunities for attendees to participate in, and contribute to the workshop and to a business resource kit to be developed following the forum.

3-4pm: Making Connections. Mix and mingle, strengthen connections and be part of a pioneering community.