• PLEASE NOTE: HUI REGISTRATIONS FOR FASD CAREGIVERS AND PROFESSIONALS HAVE NOW CLOSED!

We are keeping this event page available until the end of FASD Awareness Month in case those who came to the Hui wish to refer back to the programme or speakers. 

Quick links

• For our main Hui programme – click here 

• Our programme for those living with FASD – click here

• For info on our speakers – click here

Need to know

Our Hui was held in Hamilton at the Distinction Hotel, over the weekend of the 9/10 of September – an appropriate date, since September 9 is, of course, International FASD Awareness Day. 

Saturday was a full day from 8.30am-5pm, and Sunday just a half-day – both days had something for everyone. 

• The Hui was free to attend for caregivers and individuals with FASD.

• Professionals were asked to pay a $60 fee.

• You do not have to be a FASD-CAN member to attend our annual Hui. 

The programme

• We marked the 10th anniversary of FASD-CAN.

• We updated members on the latest FASD research in Aotearoa.

• There was a symposium on Mental Health and FASD, with a fantastic line up of NZ and international speakers.

• We shone a spotlight on FASD in the Waikato.

• The Annual General Meeting of FASD-CAN was held during the hui – it's just a half-hour session. FASD-CAN members and others interested are encouraged to attend to hear what we've been doing and where we are going.

Rangatahi living with FASD at the Hui

While the FASD-CAN annual conference was taking place on Saturday September 9, we had a separate all-day programme which was optional for people with FASD. This will build on the network established at the quarterly Pizza Club nights in Tāmaki Makaurau, as well as last year’s hui get-together in Henderson – and we saw some new faces, too!  

The Hui was a chance for rangatahi to talk to others who understand FASD, and to share experiences and successes. This year we had a trip to the popular Hamilton Gardens, there were various sessions and activities at the hotel, an activity in the nearby park to mark FASD day and a pizza and bowling evening. 

Our young people shared their voices with others attending the conference, as they did at Hui 2022. Unlike 2022 however, where they were shy and some unwilling to speak, this year many were very keen to tell their stories – their confidence was extraordinary after a year of meeting up and getting to know each other.

It was a truly magical session, with rangatahi sharing their lived experience and wisdom with over a hundred people. It gave us all so much hope and validated our commitment to provide a space to them to get together and connect.