We are excited that our new operations team is now in place
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Kia ora e te whānau,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and offers helpful support. This month, we are launching a pilot of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction sessions, sharing a new collaboration with Autism NZ, and letting you know about PHARMAC’s consultation on possible changes to medication brands in New Zealand.
Noho ora mai rā (stay well)
The ADHD New Zealand team
Meet the team
Left to right: Susan Ansell, Zelda Edwards, Laura Milestone
We are excited that our new operations team is now in place. Our team works very hard behind the scenes, advocating at the policy and governance levels for our ADHD community. Meet (left to right): Susan Ansell, National Coordinator; Zelda Edwards, Social Media and Communications Specialist; and Laura Milestone, Community Engagement and Online Events Coordinator. While we all work from home, nothing beats meeting in person and sharing ideas for how we can best meet the needs of our ADHD community.
A big thank you to Raewyn Heays, our previous National Coordinator, for helping our new team with the changeover. We’d also like to thank Anna Kirtlan for her valuable mahi in improving our website's accessibility. We’re especially proud of our This is ADHD section, which showcases the stories of New Zealanders with ADHD - our careers, passions, and challenges.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Sessions with Hannah Saulbrey Ross and Eve Rudkin
Caregivers of ADHD and autistic children often experience significantly higher stress, which can impact wellbeing. Research suggests stress levels can be up to four times higher than for parents of neurotypical children.
Experienced mindfulness teachers Hannah and Eve have joined our community to pilot monthly online sessions featuring mindfulness practices, nervous system education, and a Q&A.
This three-part online pilot series will run in May, June and July. Sessions are one hour, online, and drop-in (similar to Ask an ADHD Coach sessions), with a focus on supporting parents and caregivers.
Next session: 12 May 2026, 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm (koha donation)
Many people with ADHD have autism as well (commonly known as AuDHD). Ngā mihi to our friends at Autism New Zealand for sharing a series of ADHD and Autism resources written by autistic and AuDHD authors, with us. These resources provide tips and strategies to make the most of your unique brain.
Thank you to all those who have helped celebrate Autism Awareness Month with the Hoods Up Volume Down Campaign.
Medication brand change consultation includes Atomoxetine
PHARMAC is consulting on possible brand changes for some medications currently being used in New Zealand, including Atomoxetine.
Have your say, consultation closes on 3 May 2026.
What's on
Wellington Kid's Minecraft Club
Free in-person club for children aged 8+ with ADHD and ASD. The club meets every second Saturday of every month.
9 May, 2026, 1.30 - 4.00 pm
An online Q&A session with ADHD coach Alex Campbell aimed at adults with ADHD.
Tuesday 19 May, 12.00 - 1.00 pm
Check out all of our upcoming online and in-person events. For more information on support groups around the motu visit: ADHD support groups. If you have a group you would like us to feature, let us know at info@adhd.org.nz
ADHD New Zealand receives no government funding for our operations. We rely on our community to help us continue to provide the support, tools, and advocacy that New Zealanders with ADHD rely on. If you are able, please consider donating.
