Holding space is a podcast from Whāraurau. In each episode, we sit down with people from across the infant, child, and adolescent mental health and addiction sector, and related sectors, to korero about the work, the challenges, and the heart behind supporting our tamariki and rangatahi. Join us as we hold space for honest conversations, shared learning, and collective growth. This podcast is hosted by Dr. Bronwyn Dunnachie and Tepora Pukepuke.
In this episode, we talk to Joanne Lawless from Altogether Autism about her personal and professional journey with autism and neurodiversity. She provides historical context on how disability has been understood and offers practical guidance for practitioners working alongside autistic people and their whānau. Joanne also highlights relevant resources, coaching, and workshops available across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Joanne Lawless is a facilitator at Altogether Autism, and has extensive experience of autism, both professionally and personally. She is an experienced facilitator in adult learning. Joanne's two adult sons are autistic.
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21 Sept 2026
From adversity to purpose | A story of hope
Philleen Dickson is the Ringa Tohutohu Matua – Māori Lead for Te Pou and in this episode she reflects on the impact of trauma, disconnection from whānau and culture, and the healing power of belonging. She explores how reconnecting with whakapapa, supportive relationships and lived experience shaped her path.
For clinicians and anyone supporting tamariki, taiohi and whānau, this episode is a moving reminder that sometimes the most transformative intervention is being the one safe person who listens, believes and sees potential beyond a diagnosis.
7 Sept 2026
Nothing for us without us | The voice of lived experience
What happens when we stop asking “What’s wrong with this young person?” and start asking “What’s happening around them?”
In this episode, we sit down with Tai Bennett, Youth Consumer Advisor at Whāraurau, to explore what it truly means to centre the voices of taiohi in mental health care. Drawing on both lived experience and professional expertise, Tai challenges us to reflect on power, trust, bias, and the assumptions we bring into our work.
Today's young people are growing up in a very different world, shaped by new pressures, changing environments, and complex systems. This conversation invites us to listen with curiosity and reconsider whose knowledge we value when supporting young people and their whānau.
From lived experience and cultural perspectives to trust, relationships, and genuine partnership, Tai reminds usof a simple but powerful principle: nothing for us without us.
Whether you're working directly with children and young people or helping shape services around them, this episode offers valuable insights into creating care that is more responsive, respectful, and centred on the voices of taiohi.
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