PADA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa

02/04/2026

Autism awareness in perinatal mental health means more than recognition. It means adapting our care, communication, and environments so every whānau feels safe and understood.

At PADA, we know that neurodivergent parents often navigate systems that weren’t designed with them in mind. That is why we are committed to supporting a workforce that listens, adapts, and responds in ways that truly meet people where they are.

We are continuing the conversation through our upcoming Neurodiversity in Perintal Mental Health workshop on May 19 - creating space for learning, reflection, and practical change across the sector.

We walk with you towards more inclusive, understanding support for all whānau.

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01/04/2026

Here's a bit more about our newly confirmed speakers! 📢

We are thrilled to have them joining our Neurodiversity in Perinatal Mental Health workshop on 19 May in Wellington 📍

🟦 "In Amy’s spare time, they enjoy long bush walks with their dog, time with whānau and a variety of forms of dance."

🟩 "In the community, [Bronwyn] is the Chair of the NZ Skeptics and is involved in the planning of the 2026 DeCult conference."

Get your tickets below ⬇

31/03/2026

We are excited to welcome... 🤩

Amy Taylor (they/them) and Bronwyn Rideout (she/her), who will be speaking together at our Neurodiversity in Perinatal Mental Health workshop!

💭 "Bronwyn and Amy are two neurodivergent midwives who are dedicated to improving the childbearing experience for all neurodivergent families."

Secure your spot to learn from them and the rest of our speaker line-up ⤵

More info to come 👀

30/03/2026

Our Autumn Newsletter is out now! 🍂

📅 We have a range of events happening in May, plus the latest updates from across our mahi.

If you missed it, you can read it in full at the link in the comments 👇🏼

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You can also join our mailing list by signing up at the bottom of our website: pada.nz

27/03/2026

Great to be at today’s Sector Leaders' Day hosted by Whāraurau, connecting with others across the motu who are committed to strengthening mental health and wellbeing.

Powerful insights from speakers including Nashwa Boys from Manatū Hauora, and Kelly Feng from Asian Family Services, who shared the depth and complexity of the migrant journey and what this means for how we design and deliver support.

A clear theme emerging is that while services remain critical, we need to shift more intentionally toward prevention. There is real opportunity to learn from approaches like Odyssey Trust and the Tūturu programme in the education sector, which centre early intervention and long-term wellbeing.

At PADA, we are looking forward to engaging further in the mental health and wellbeing strategy and will be bringing providers together for a dedicated session to align, share insights, and agree on collective messaging as a sector.

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26/03/2026

This year, PADA had the opportunity to be part of the PSANZ Congress 2026 in Perth, joining over 700 professionals from across Aotearoa, Australia, India, the Philippines, and Singapore.

A highlight for us was supporting Stephanie D'Souza to present her research on the long-term health and social outcomes associated with perinatal depression in a nationwide New Zealand cohort.

This is exactly the kind of work we believe in elevating, ensuring New Zealand research, lived experience, and workforce insights are visible on international stages. It is something we are committed to continuing, with the goal of supporting a PADA-aligned presentation at PSANZ each year.



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The Little Miracles Trust, Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), Gidget Foundation, The Pink Elephants Support Network, Baby Coming You Ready?, Fiercely Infertile, Cassie Silver, Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN)

25/03/2026

Show up for Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week! 💜💚💙

25/03/2026

We are seeing shorter wait times in mental health... but what does that mean for perinatal whānau?

More clinicians and faster access is a positive step. But in the perinatal space, timing isn’t just important, it’s everything.

You can’t wait weeks when you are struggling with a newborn. You don’t need to be “acute enough” to deserve support. And early distress, if missed, can have lifelong impact.

This is our opportunity to get it right:

Earlier support, not just crisis response.

A workforce that understands perinatal mental health. Care that is relational, continuous, and whānau-centred.

Because this isn’t just about access, it is about the right care, at the right time.

When we support parents early, we change outcomes for generations.

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said the workforce had increased more than 11 percent since he came into office.

24/03/2026

Featuring Bianca Taute ⭐

Bianca will be sharing her knowledge and perspective for our PADA Wellbeing Series in Taupō.

🎤 You can also hear more from Bianca on her podcast Silencing the Sh*tty Committee, with all episodes releasing in time for Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week (4-10 May) on Spotify and YouTube.

Come learn from Bianca and the other inspiring kaikōrero on the day, get your tickets 👇🏾

23/03/2026

Welcoming back Serra Clark 💜

A familiar and valued voice at our seminars, Serra joins us in Taupō to share her lived experience at our PADA Wellbeing Series on May 27.

🗣 "I know that the lessons my Ava and Zoe have given me will offer a unique perspective on the path to parenthood and beyond."

We would love to see you there - tickets and other info ⬇

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Tickets are now $75 for general admission and $50 for PADA members, thanks to COGS.

22/03/2026

Highlighting Kate Hicks ✨💙

We are honoured to have Kate speaking in Taupō 📍 on May 27, at our PADA Wellbeing Series centred on trauma-informed care.

💬 "I am Founder and Chief Executive at Birth Trauma Aotearoa. Birth Trauma Aotearoa is a registered charitable trust operating across the motu. Our mahi involves education, advocacy, research and support services around both physical and psychological birth trauma."

Get your tickets at the link below ⬇

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Thanks to COGS, tickets are now $75 for general admission and $50 for PADA members.

18/03/2026

💚 It is Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March) 🎉

💙 This week, we're highlighting our upcoming workshop exploring neurodiversity in the context of perinatal mental health.

💜 Join Marina Elisara, Hannah Cleaver-Marshall, and special guest Amy Castle (PADA General Manager) for this one-day workshop, designed for those working with whānau in the perinatal space.

Tickets and further details ⬇