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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.
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Stay tuned as we unveil our full speaker lineup and the impactful sessions they’ll be leading at this not to be missed event.
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Dr Elizabeth Tullis
MD, FRCPC
Professor Scott Bell
MBBS MD FRACP FAHMS FThorSoc GAICD
Maggie Harrigan
Dr Yelizaveta Sher
MD, FACLP
Director of the Toronto Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Clinic at St. Michael's Hospital
Senior Thoracic Physician
The Prince Charles Hospital
Social Worker, UWA Doctoral researcher and IRH Honorary Research Fellow
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Deputy Chief of Division of Medical Psychiatry at Stanford.

Dr Mark O'Carroll
MB ChB 1995; FRACP 2003
Adult Respiratory Consultant and Transplant Consultant
Auckland City Hospital


Professor Cass Byrnes
MBChB, FRACP, MD
CFNZ Clinical Advisory Panel Chair, Professor in the Paediatric Department of University of Auckland and a Paediatric Respiratory Specialist at Starship Children's Health and
Kidz First Hospital
A/Prof Tonia Douglas
MBChB, FRACP, MD
Co-Director Cystic Fibrosis Services, Senior Staff Specialist, Queensland Children's Hospital Clinical Associate Professor,
The University of Queensland

Lisa Burns
Chief Executive, Cystic Fibrosis NZ
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Dame Pieter Stewart
DNZM
Board Chair, Cystic Fibrosis NZ
Further speakers still to be announced.
Programme
The below programme outline is an indication of the agenda, it may change as we finalise speakers and guests.
💙 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 - invitation only
Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Promenade Room
Join us as we kick off the start of the symposium.
DAY ONE
FRIDAY 9 MAY 2025
7:30 AM
Registration opens
9:00 AM
Karakia and opening address
Welcome and presentation on the New Zealand context post modulators
Launch of the CF Digital Village
9:30 AM
Opening plenary | keynote
Life and models of care in the post modulator era
Dr Elizabeth Tullis
10:00 AM
Panel session
The evolving and changing role of the MDT
Facilitator - Dr Mark O'Carroll
Panel may include the following:
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CF Specialist / Transplant
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CF Nurse Specialist
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Physiotherapist
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Dietician
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Social Worker
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Psychiatrist
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Pain Specialist
10:30 AM
MORNING TEA
11:00 AM
Plenary Two | keynote
Psychosocial and mental health in CF in the modern era of care, time to evolve with Q&A
Maggie Harrigan
12:00 PM
Research and clinical trials
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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
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What are we doing to make life better and ease the burden of CF treatments?
Dr Elizabeth Tullis
Followed by Q&A
12:50 PM
LUNCH
DAY TWO
SATURDAY 10 MAY 2025
7:30 AM
Registration opens
9:00 AM
Karakia and opening address
Welcome from CFNZ Board Chair and Chief Executive
Launch of the CF Digital Village
9:30 AM
Opening plenary | keynote
Living well with CF, a focus on psychosocial and mental health.
Maggie Harrigan
10:00 AM
Panel session
CF in the post-modulator era with Q&A
(perspectives from the community)
Facilitator - to be confirmed
Panel may include:
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Adult with CF
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Parent of a young child with CF
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Family member of a person with CF (brother or sister)
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Parent with a teenager with CF (post transplant)
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Spouse of a person with CF
10:40 AM
MORNING TEA
11:00 AM
Research and clinical trials
-
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?
Dr Elizabeth Tullis
11:30 AM
Panel presentations
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Mental health
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Nutrition and diet
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Physio and exercise
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Diabetes
Speakers - to be confirmed
12:45 PM
LUNCH
1:30 PM
Life in a post-modulator era
Dr Elizabeth Tullis
1:45 PM
Panel discussion
Case presentations with a focus on BMI and obesity, diet and nutrition, alongside new emerging co-morbidities.​
Dr Elizabeth Tullis
Final speaker line up to be confirmed:
2:15 PM
Concurrent workshop sessions
Workshop Chair for each session to be confirmed.
You can select your workshop preference when you register.
Workshop 1A
Transition: age and stage
Workshop 1B
Changing and future models of care.
Workshop 1C
Using technology as a future enabler for care models.
3:00 PM
AFTERNOON TEA
3:30 PM
Concurrent workshop sessions
Workshop Chair for each session to be confirmed.
Workshop 2A
Sexual and reproductive health
Workshop 2B
Discussing CF SPID
4:00 PM
Plenary Three | keynote
Aging with grace
Dr Yelizaveta Sher, MD, FACLP
5:00 PM
EVENT CONCLUDES
2:30 PM
Concurrent sessions - PART 1
Session Chair for each session to be confirmed.
Session 1A
Transition: age and stage
Session 1B
Transplant and modulators
Session 1C
Modulators for 2 to 5 year olds
Session 1D
Sexual and reproductive health
3:00 PM
Concurrent sessions - PART 2
Session Chair for each session to be confirmed.
Session 2A
Transition: age and stage
Session 2B
Siblings
Session 2C
Modulators for 2 to 5 year olds
Session 2D
Sexual and reproductive health
3:30 PM
AFTERNOON TEA
4:00 PM
Plenary Three | keynote
Aging with grace
Dr Yelizaveta Sher, MD, FACLP
4:30 PM
Plenary Four | keynote
Lived experience with CF today
Speaker - to be confirmed
5:00 PM
EVENT CONCLUDES