.png)
Be a part of shaping the future of CF care
In 2025, Cystic Fibrosis NZ will be proudly hosting a New Zealand Cystic Fibrosis Symposium. The symposium aims to create a platform for sharing knowledge, discussing advancements, and building partnerships to enhance the quality of life for individuals with cystic fibrosis.
This event will embrace a multidisciplinary approach, fostering valuable networking and collaboration across all fields to drive improved health outcomes for Kiwis living with cystic fibrosis.
Join us for this important event to contribute to the collective effort of shaping the future of CF care.
Our speakers.
We are excited to bring you a great line up of global and local experts who are at the forefront of cystic fibrosis care, research, and innovation.
Our speakers come from diverse disciplines, bringing a wealth of knowledge and insights that will shape the future of CF treatment and care. From clinical trials to cutting-edge research, these thought leaders will share their expertise, explore emerging challenges, and offer insights so we can improve health outcomes and quality of life for those living with cystic fibrosis. ​










.png)


Programme
The programme is accurate as of the time of publishing; however, please note that it may be subject to change. Stay tuned for any updates adjustments that may arise.


💙 Important Note: Due to cross-infection risks, we kindly ask that no one with cystic fibrosis attend in person. Rest assured, sessions will be recorded and made accessible after the event.
THURSDAY 8 MAY 2025
6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM
Welcome Function - note this an invitation only event
Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre,
Promenade Room
Join us as we kick off the start of the symposium.
DAY ONE
FRIDAY 9 MAY 2025
CLINICAL DAY
7:30 AM
REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 AM
Karakia and opening address
-
Welcome and presentation on the New Zealand context post modulators becoming available in April 2023.
-
Launch of the CF Digital Village
Lisa Burns, Chief Executive CFNZ
Professor Cass Byrnes
9:30 AM
Opening plenary | keynote:
-
Life and models of care in the post modulator era
Professor Elizabeth Tullis
10:00 AM
Panel session
The evolving / changing role of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
Facilitator - Dr Mark O'Carroll
Panel will include:
-
CF Adult Consultant - Professor Elizabeth Tullis
-
CF Paediatric Consultant - Assoc. Prof Tonia Douglas
-
CF Adult Nurse Specialist - Cath Lamont
-
Clinical Nurse Consultant Coordinator - Jane Willis
-
Physiotherapist - Jenny Hauser
-
Dietician - Dr Julianna Bailey
-
Social Worker - Maggie Harrigan
-
Psychiatrist - Dr Yelizaveta Sher
10:30 AM
MORNING TEA
11:00 AM
Plenary 2 | keynote:
Psychosocial and mental health in cystic fibrosis in the modern era of care: time to evolve
Presentation of co-authored paper
Maggie Harrigan and Assoc. Prof Tonia Douglas
12:00 PM
Plenary 3 | keynote:
Advances in CF Research and Emerging Therapies
-
What are we doing for those where modulators are not an option?
-
Looking down the road with new treatments, therapies, and clinical trials.
Professor Scott Bell
-
What are we doing to make life better and ease the burden of CF treatments?
Professor Elizabeth Tullis
Followed by Q&A
1:00 PM
LUNCH
2:00 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOP SESSIONS
PART 1
You can select your workshop preference when you register.
Workshop 1:
Transition: age and stage
Facilitator - Maggie Harrigan
Workshop 2:
Changing and future models of care including the role of primary health providers.
Facilitator - Professor Elizabeth Tullis
Workshop 3:
Using technology in responding to changing care models with a focus on remote monitoring.
Facilitator - To be confirmed
3:00 PM
AFTERNOON TEA
3:30 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOP SESSIONS PART 2
Workshop 1:
Paediatrics
Facilitators - Professor Cass Byrnes and
Assoc. Prof Tonia Douglas
This session is for:
-
CF Paediatric Consultants
-
Respiratory Physicians
-
Registrars
-
House Officers
-
Those who have an interest in paediatric care.
Workshop 2:
Adults and Transplant
Facilitators - Professor Elizabeth Tullis and Dr Mark O'Carroll
This session is for:
-
CF Adults Consultants
-
Respiratory Physicians
-
Transplant Physicians
-
Transplant Coordinators
-
Registrars
-
House Officers
-
Those who have an interest in adult care including transplant.
Workshop 3:
Nursing
Facilitators - Cath Lamont, Dee Campbell, and Jane Willis
This session is for:
-
CF Nurse Specialists
-
CF Nurses
-
Respiratory Nurses
-
Ward Nurses
-
Those who have an interest in nursing.
Workshop 4:
Psychosocial
Facilitators - Maggie Harrigan and Dr Yelizaveta Sher
This session is for:
-
Social Workers
-
Psychologists
-
Psychiatrists
-
Those who have an interest in mental health, psychosocial care, and wellbeing.
Workshop 5:
Hollistic health - physio and dieticians
Facilitators - Dr Julianna Bailey and Emily Sycamore, Jenny Hauser
This session is for:
-
Dieticians
-
Physiotherapists
-
Those who are interested in diet, weight management, physiotherapy.
4:30 PM
Plenary Three | final keynote
DAY TWO
SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025
COMMUNITY DAY
7:30 AM
REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 AM
Karakia and opening address
-
Welcome and launch of the CF Digital Village
Lisa Burns, Chief Executive CFNZ
Professor Cass Byrnes
9:30 AM
Opening plenary | keynote
-
Living well with CF, a focus on psychosocial and mental health.
Maggie Harrigan
10:00 AM
Plenary 2 | keynote
Life in the post-modulator era, what have we learnt so far?
Professor Elizabeth Tullis
10:30 AM
MORNING TEA
11:00 AM
Panel session
The Lived Experience of CF
Facilitator - Maggie Harrigan
Panel will include members of the CF community including one person with CF who will give their perspective on their lived experiences.
11:45 AM
Plenary 3 | keynote
Advances in CF Research and Emerging Therapies
-
What are we doing for those where modulators are not an option?
-
What are we doing to make life better and ease the burden of CF treatments?
Professor Elizabeth Tullis
12:15 PM
Panel presentations
context for workshop sessions
Facilitator - Assoc. Prof Tonia Douglas
-
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Maggie Harrigan -
Nutritional changes and challenges in the post-modulator era
Dr Julianna Bailey -
Benefits of exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle, role of physio
Jenny Hauser -
Managing CF-related co-morbidities - CF related diabetes, digestive issues, bone health
Professor Elizabeth Tullis -
Q&A with the panel led by Assoc. Prof Tonia Douglas
1:30 PM
LUNCH
2:00 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOP SESSIONS PART 1
Workshop 1:
Navigating the first five years including the use of modulators.
Facilitators - Professor Cass Byrnes and Assoc.Prof Tonia Douglas
Workshop 2:
Using technology in responding to changing care models with a focus on remote monitoring
Facilitator - to be confirmed
Workshop 3:
Continuity of care - a transition model that provides for consistency and support of young adults.
Facilitator - Maggie Harrigan
Workshop 4:
Fertility, pregnancy, and sexual health in CF.
Facilitator - to be confirmed
2:45 PM
AFTERNOON TEA
3:15 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOP SESSIONS PART 2
Workshop 1
Building a stronger, more connected CF community including siblings and other family members.
Facilitator- Maggie Harrigan
Workshop 2
Navigating psychosocial and mental health including neurodiversity, how to keep everyone safe.
Facilitator - Dr Yelizaveta Sher
Workshop 3
Thriving longer: navigating aging transplant, and the evolving journey of CF.
Facilitators - Professor Elizabeth Tullis and Dr Mark O'Carroll
Workshop 4
Holistic approaches to CF care: diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
Facilitator - Dr Juliana Bailey and Jenny Hauser
4:00 PM
Plenary 4 | keynote
Aging with grace
Dr Yelizaveta Sher, MD, FACLP
4:30 PM
Fireside Chat
Navigating the lived experience of CF and overcoming challenges
Speaker - Lily Tew
5:00 PM
COMMUNITY UNPLUGGED
At the conclusion of the symposium stay on for some drinks and nibbles to connect and share your experiences.
6:00 PM
DAY CONCLUDES
Aging with grace
Dr Yelizaveta Sher, MD, FACLP
5:00 PM
DAY CONCLUDES