Ngā Kūaka: Inaugural DBT conference for Aotearoa

Wellington

An Inaugural DBT Conference for Aotearoa

He kāhui kūaka kua tau ki te tāhuna

Registrations HAVE CLOSED for the inaugural Aotearoa DBT conference, Ngā Kūaka, to be held on Monday and Tuesday 14-15th October at Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand in Wellington. The theme of this conference is focused on expanding the access and reach of DBT. It is our hope that we will offer you a nourishing and inspiring gathering, that will help us collectively identify ways we can make this therapy more responsive and accessible in Aotearoa, particularly to those who are experiencing inequity. Our intention is to offer an inspiring and practice-focussed gathering with opportunities to connect, learn from each other, and advance our collective efforts to enhance access and equity to DBT.

Click here for the conference schedule.

Presentations include a stellar mix of local in-person and global online speakers:

• Opening remarks by Marsha Linehan's daughter, Geraldine Rodriguez
• Results from a national survey on DBT cultural responsivity
• Dr. Jennifer Sayrs on plunging in where angels fear to tread in DBT teams
• Horiana Jones and Jamie Kampen on Tai Ki Uta, a marae-based DBT programme for rangatahi me whānau within Oranaga Tamariki
• Dr. Alan Fruzzetti on jumpstarting validation
• A forum on the dialectical balance between adherence and responsivity to our local needs and cultures featuring session footage and observations by trained adherence coders
• Dr. Lorie Ritschel on DBT for neurodiverse clients
• lightning rounds featuring empirical presentations on DBT initiatives within Aotearoa, including MED-DBT, DBT skills in schools, short-term skills training and more. 
• Dr. Tony DuBose speaking on dialectics and irreverence

If you would like to assist with the organising then please contact us.

We are very grateful to Dr. Jennifer Hauraki and her father, Thomas Hauraki (Kaumātua; Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whanaunga), for suggesting the name of this conference while acknowledging the Muriwhenua iwi tradition associated with the kūaka. Dr. Hauraki notes that the name relates to 'the godwits that come from as far as Alaska and Siberia to Aotearoa and are well known in the north where we are from.  The fattening up that these birds do in Aotearoa is similar to those who will congregate at our conference from afar, to acquire and share knowledge, before taking it home with them to spread and continue.  “He kāhui kūaka kua tau ki te tāhuna” – a flock of kūaka lands on the sand dunes.'

Thanks also to Dr Phil Battley for permisison to use the 'Godwits in flight' image.

1. This conference will include sensitive and private material and examples. By registering, you agree to refrain from audio or video-recording any content, to respect the privacy of the presenters and the clients who are generously sharing their information, and to keep personal information of clients, presenters and other participants confidential.
2. Registrations are confirmed only when payment is received. Your invoice will list payment options.
3. Payment must be made before the event. By registering you accept liability for the costs of attending.
4. Cancellations must be notified to us by email (or the website contact form) with full identifying information.
5. Cancellations received more than seven days before the event will receive a refund of the fees paid less an administration charge of $50+GST (for each event).
6. Refunds cannot be given after that date. Refunds will not be available until after the event.
7. A colleague may be substituted for no extra charge if we are notified at least two business days before the training event.
8. In the unlikely event the event is cancelled by the organisers, registration will be fully refunded but no liability will be accepted for travel, accommodation or other costs/expenses incurred to registrants.