Welcome to our speakers
Simon Denny
Mater Young Adult Health Centre | University of Queensland.
Professor Simon Denny, MPH, PhD, FRACP, is an internationally recognised adolescent and young adult physician, researcher and health system leader.
As Director of the Mater Young Adult Health Centre and Professor at the University of
Queensland, he advances youth-appropriate care in adult health settings. He
has led major youth health studies, authored over 100 peer-reviewed
publications, and influenced policy through research on social determinants,
chronic disease, mental health and accessible multidisciplinary care. He
chairs the RACP Youth Appropriate Health Care Working Group.
David Chinn
ICAFS, Te Whatu Ora
David Chinn is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist working at the Infant, Child, Adolescent
and Family Service (ICAFS) based in the Hutt Valley, through the Mental Health, Addiction and Intellectual Disability Service (MHAIDS) under Te Whatu Ora. He is also an Affiliate Researcher and Clinical Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine in The University of Otago and a member of the Pharmac Mental Health Subcommittee.
Nikki Denholm
The Light Project
Nikki Denholm is the Director of The Light Project, which equips the health and FVSV workforce to better understand online youth sexual ecosystems and strengthen prevention and response to online harm. She has a background in emerging sexual health issues, including FGM and HIV/AIDS, and holds several board roles in the counter–child sex trafficking sector.
Liz Hosking-Clement
Youthline
Liz Hosking-Clement is a comprehensive nurse with a career spanning clinical practice, operational management, and service development. Currently serving as the Clinical Improvement Lead at Youthline Auckland, Liz works to implement best-practice, clinical governance frameworks and ensure young people receive effective, accessible, and culturally responsive support.
With over 15 years of experience in the health sector, Liz has held key leadership roles across various organisations, including Counties Manukau CAMHS, the National Hauora Coalition, Whakarongorau, and the University of Auckland.
Te Aorangi-Kowhai Morini
Youthline
Te Aorangi-Kowhai Morini is a young person with 6 years' experience in the rangatahi mental health space. She currently works as the Youth Council Coordinator at Youthline, supporting the establishment and onboarding of the Youth Advisory Council at Youthline. She ensures rangatahi always get a seat at the decision-making tables and that
their voices continue to shape the services our young people are receiving.
Sharon Pihema
Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ
Sharon Pihema is the Māori Community Liaison Officer for the Foundation, leading community engagement and youth vaping education initiatives focused on rangatahi
wellbeing. Wth a background in population health, service development, and whānau engagement, Sharon has previously worked with Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti, the National Heart Foundation, and the Health Quality & Safety Commission. She is interested in exploring more innovative and engaging approaches to youth health education and prevention.
Anganette Hall
Te Whatu Orand Coast
Dr Anganette Hall is a Paediatrician based at Te Whatu Ora Capital and Coast.
Letavai Faava Tuigamala and Penni Wolfgramm
Village Collective
Letavia Faava Tuigamala is a Talavou Fale Youth Educator with Village Collective.
Dr Penni Wolfgramm works as a Clinical Psychologist and Sei Lelei Clinical Lead with Village Collective.
Pinky Solitude
iLeadnd Coast
Pinky solitude is a disability advocate living with EDS among other disabilities. He brings a lived experience as well as their peers experience towards his advocacy, slowly integrating himself into more roles including community projects as well as personal ones. Pinky has a passion for inclusivity for queer individuals in the disability sector.
Liam Teichmann
Whāraurau
Liam’s role is to bring his lived experienced perspective to the work of Whāraurau so that the voices of rangatahi experiencing mental health issues are heard and that their care is delivered in a way that meets their specific needs as a young person.
Benjamin Phillips
Whāraurau
Benjamin’s role is to ensure that the voices, experiences, and perspectives of young people directly shape mental health and addiction services. He advocates for youth-centered practices, collaborates on projects to make sure they’re relevant and accessible, and helps bridge the gap between young people and services to drive positive, systemic change.
He has spent the past decade working as a professional dancer and dance teacher allowing him to connect with a variety of individuals, build supportive communities, and foster self expression.
He has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Auckland. This combination of creative youth mentorship and psychological science informs his current approach to advocacy and youth advisory work.
Kate Whitaker
Classification Office
Kate Whitaker is an educator with 20 years’ experience across teaching, facilitation, and professional learning in Aotearoa. In her role at the Classification Office, she shares evidence-informed insights about what rangatahi experience online and how adults can respond. She is passionate about keeping young people’s voices at the center of these conversations.
