Beyond the story: Reshaping dementia support

We’re excited to share our 2026 conference is officially in the works – and the dates are locked in!

Grounded in lived experience, the event will bring together leading voices from across the sector to share ideas, spark conversations, and help shape a better future for people and their whānau living with dementia mate wareware.

📅 When: Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 September
📍 Where: Grand Millennium, Auckland and online

Marking World Alzheimers Month, this event will also be a timely lead up to the 2026 General Election and an opportunity for you to join us as we celebrate our 40th birthday – making it a powerful moment for connection, learning, and impact.

There’ll be something for everyone, from researchers and decision-makers to clinicians, community service providers and people with lived experience.

We’ll start World Alzheimers Month with a political panel as part of the pre-election activities on Tuesday 1 September from 5pm in Wellington and online.

We’ll add more details and a registration link as they’re confirmed.

Day one: Advocacy (from 1pm)

Kaupapa
Mihi whakatau and welcome
Plenary session: Setting the scene
Latest breaking news and find out Government’s plans

  •  Opening from Associate Minister of Health Hon Casey Costello
Breakout sessions (concurrent)
Working together to make our case through stories and data

  • Telling better stories
  • Strengthening the case with data
Beyond dementia: A tale of Aotearoa New Zealand’s future
A panel that looks beyond today’s challenges to what’s possible

Join us for a networking event to acknowledge our 40th birthday

Day two: Service innovations and workforce (full day)

Kaupapa
Plenary session: Service innovations
Changing the way services are delivered in our communities
Plenary session: Workforce
Tackling the ongoing challenges facing the workforce
Breakout sessions (concurrent)
Working sessions on the challenges of strengths-based services and enablement

  • Professional development – in person only
  • Services and innovations
Plenary session: Quality of services and closing
What does good look like and why is this so important?

Have you got something you think is a good fit? Get in touch with us via comms@alzheimers.org.nz.

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Thank you to our sponsors and supporters

Verve thumbnail image

Verve

Event organiser and charity partner