Welcome Back to Mahi: How to Reconnect & Create a Comeback-Friendly Workplace

Life doesn’t stop when we step away from work—whether it’s for parental leave, bereavement, extended holidays, or a well-earned break.

But coming back? That’s a transition that can feel overwhelming—not just for the individual, but for the whole team.

Our panel kōrero is all about making workplace comebacks smoother, more supportive, and less daunting.

We’ll cover practical strategies for:

Leaders—how to create a culture that welcomes people back with confidence and care.

Teams—how to support returning colleagues without the dreaded “hot seat” moment.

Individuals—how to step back into mahi with clarity, balance, and the right support.

Our panelists:

Daz Burns: Founder of The Good Day Matrix, passionate about challenging norms, connecting people, and helping Kiwis thrive every day.

Dom Vettise: Dom currently is the lead psychologist for New Zealand Football, New Zealand Rugby and the NZ Olympic Committee with a passion for how identity and leadership optimises performance and mental wellbeing.

Erana Severne-Takataka: A visionary leader driven by community, collaboration, and kaupapa Māori, turning bold ideas into real-world impact, Erana is a changemaker who brings heart, strategy, and unstoppable energy to everything she does.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, 8th May
⏰ Time: 7:15 AM arrival & breakfast | 7:30 AM sharp start
📍 Location: ANZ Building, Grantham Street

Schedule:
🥣 7:15 AM – Arrival & Breakfast – Enjoy a bite thanks to our epic partners Yum NZ, Raglan Food Co and Chia Sisters
🎤 7:30 AM – Panel Discussion Begins – Hosted by Daz Burns, featuring insights from our speakers on workplace transitions, with time for open Q&A at the end.
🤝 8:30-9:00 AM – Networking & Whakawhanaungatanga

Expect real talk from our panel with actionable insights, and tools you can take back to your workplace to make returning to mahi a positive experience for everyone.

Join us and get ready to bring your people back—better.