Tools to Talk: Recovery and Rebuilding

Tools to Talk is a series of events focused on raising awareness about mental health and sharing practical solutions to enhance the wellbeing and culture in the construction and related sectors.

Our September Tools to Talk is all about Recovery and Rebuilding. We welcome Adam and Amy Laititi from Push Fitness to talk about their journey to make exercise a frontline tool for mental wellness, not just physical fitness, and share more about their Ngā Tāne initiative. Resident Building Wellness Taranaki supporter, Clinical Psychologist, Matthew Manderson will talk about sleep and share strategies on how to deal with that wired and tired feeling. 

This event is an opportunity to connect with industry and share knowledge, network and enjoy some kai.  

Adam and Amy Laititi 

“Adam and Amy Laititi are the co-founders of Push Fitness, which opened in December 2025 alongside fellow co-founders Shaun and Teish Graham. Adam has worked in the trades since 2008 and is currently a foreman at Fast Fox Construction, giving him a strong understanding of the physical and mental toll the industry can take. Alongside his trade career, he's been a personal trainer since 2018, working in both New Zealand and the USA, as well as a lifelong rugby player and endurance athlete. He brings a well-rounded understanding of physical training and recovery.

Originally from the UK, Amy has a background in business development and founded several businesses and runs the business side of Push Fitness today. That international experience has given her a sharp understanding of what makes a workplace culture thrive, and how directly that connects to productivity and wellbeing. Together, Adam and Amy have three daughters, and alongside Shaun and Teish, have built Push Fitness into more than a gym, including the kaupapa Ngā Tāne, a free monthly event offering men a safe, no-pressure space to train, connect and share kai.” 

Matthew Manderson 

"Matthew is the owner and principle psychologist of Talkingpoint Ltd which has developed into the largest provider of Clinical Psychology services in the region. Matthew is the clinical lead supporting the Building Wellness Taranaki Mentor Mates programme as he is passionate about improving the wellbeing of the construction sector. He works with individuals to develop strategies and tools which enable them to manage the challenges of life successfully. Matthew is also experienced in the areas of pain, acquired Brain Injury, including concussion, sexual abuse and mental injury arising from physical injury. He provides supervision to a number of clinicians seeking registration as neuropsychologists". 

Session Outline:

7:15am: Breakfast / Refreshments are served  

7:30am: Opening Karakia - Welcome to Tools to Talk 

Introduction to Building Wellness Taranaki 

Speaker: Adam & Amy Laititi 

Speaker: Matthew Manderson 

Q&A 

Closing: Building Wellness Taranaki Trust 

9.00am: Session ends.