Renewed sense of hope sparked by conference 2026

Hope.

That was the overarching theme of Alzheimers NZ’s conference 2026 held in Auckland and online this week, as part of World Alzheimers Month.

From the inspiring stories of lived experience to a lively panel discussion focused on the future of Aotearoa New Zealand, and exciting progress in the research and clinical space – hope remained central to the kōrero.

More than 250 registered to join the 1.5 day event either in person and online, and about 130 people were in the room on the day.

Board Vice Chair Alister Robertson opened the conference with a plea to officials to see dementia mate wareware as a health system enabler.

He says funding community support services appropriately will help relieve the pressure on the health system and all the evidence needed is already there.

“But no matter who the next Minister is, our goal after the election is to continue this conversation with them, and, I hope, turn more of that conversation into action,” says Alister.

“Because whoever forms the next Government, the challenge I have talked about today will still be here.”

Associate Minister of Health Hon Casey Costello acknowledged that the growing number of New Zealanders with dementia can no longer be ignored.

Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group Chair Hon David Cunliffe was confident about their recently released report.

He says they have completed the business case – which has cross party support – and he is ‘optimistic’ about change.

The conference also a chance to acknowledge 40 years of the organisation and say farewell to departing Chief Executive Catherine Hall.

Recently appointed Chief Executive Dave Robinson thanked friends who faciliated sessions:

• Lived Experience Advisory Group Chair Fiona Parrant
• Office for Seniors Director Nicky McDonald
• former Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper
• Dementia Learning Centre Director Caroline Bartle; and
• Journalist Clare de Lore.

He also acknowledged the panellists who helped attendees look beyond dementia at the panel discussion – Kate De Gooldi, Rob Campbell and Verity Johnson.

And the CeleBRAtion Choir who shared a special performance on day two.

“What gives me hope is the true dedication of the people we have heard from. The leaders in the sector. Our frontline who make everything happen,” says Dave.

“We have heard some of the shifts that can happen because of the dedication of people and whānau. We should be impatient, but keep the optimism that we are making things better.”

Watch this space for what’s next.

CAPTION: Some of the Alzheimers NZ team and Board at the conference from left Catherine Hall, Helen Kelland, Clare Hynd, Amie Hickland and Dave Robinson