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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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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.
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💙 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,
Horizon Lounge
Join us as we kick off the start of the symposium.
7:30 AM
REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 AM
Welcome and opening address:
BANQUET 1 & 2
MC - Lisa Burns, CFNZ CEO
-
Karakia
-
New Zealand context post modulators.
-
Professor Cass Byrnes
-
-
Shaping the future of CF care.
-
Lisa Burns
-
-
Official opening.
-
Hon. Simeon Brown
-
9:30 AM
Opening plenary | keynote:
BANQUET 1 & 2
-
Life and models of care in the post modulator era
-
Professor Elizabeth Tullis
-
10:00 AM
Panel session
BANQUET 1 & 2
The evolving / changing role of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
Facilitated by - Dr Mark O'Carroll
Panel includes:
Professor Elizabeth Tullis​
CF Adult Consultant
Associate Professor Tonia Douglas
CF Paediatric Consultant
Cath Lamont
CF Adult Nurse Specialist
Jane Willis
Clinical Nurse Consultant Coordinator​
Jenny Hauser
Physiotherapist
Dr Julianna Bailey
Dietician
Maggie Harrigan
Social Worker
Dr Yelizaveta Sher
Psychiatrist
10:30 AM
MORNING TEA
11:00 AM
Plenary 2 | keynote:
BANQUET 1 & 2
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:
BANQUET 1 & 2
Advances in CF Research and Emerging Therapies
Professor Scott Bell by Zoom
Easing the burden of CF treatments and improving quality of life.
Professor Elizabeth Tullis
Followed by Q&A
1:00 PM
Plenary 4 | keynote:
BANQUET 1 & 2
Using CF data to improve care: How real-world data is shaping approaches and outcomes.
Rasa Ruseckaite
1:15 PM
LUNCH
2:00 PM
WORKSHOPS PART ONE
Workshop 1:
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
Transition: age and stage
Facilitators - Maggie Harrigan, Dr Yelizaveta Sher and Associate Professor Tonia Douglas
Workshop 2:
CONFERENCE ROOM 2
Changing and future models of care including the role of primary health providers
Facilitators - Professor Elizabeth Tullis, Professor Cass Byrnes, Jenny Hauser, and
Dr Julianna Bailey
Workshop 3:
CONFERENCE ROOM 3
Using technology in responding to changing care models with a focus on remote monitoring.
Facilitators - Dr Mark O’Carroll, Jane Willis and Rasa Ruseckaite
3:00 PM
AFTERNOON TEA
3:30 PM
WORKSHOPS PART TWO
Workshop 1:
BANQUET ROOM 1
Paediatrics
Facilitators - Professor Cass Byrnes and Associate Professor Tonia Douglas
This session is for:
-
CF Paediatric Consultants
-
Respiratory Physicians
-
Registrars
-
House Officers
-
Those who have an interest in paediatric care.
Workshop 2:
BANQUET ROOM 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:
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
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:
CONFERENCE ROOM 2
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:
CONFERENCE ROOM 3
Hollistic health - physio and dieticians
Facilitators - Dr Julianna Bailey,
Emily Sycamore, and Jenny Hauser
This session is for:
-
Dieticians
-
Physiotherapists
-
Those who are interested in diet, weight management, physiotherapy.
4:30 PM
Plenary 5 | keynote
BANQUET 1 & 2
Aging with grace
Dr Yelizaveta Sher
5:00 PM
DAY CONCLUDES
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7:30 AM
REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 AM
Welcome and opening address
BANQUET 1 & 2​
MC - Lisa Burns, CFNZ CEO
-
Karakia
-
Shaping the future of CF care and the launch of the CF Digital Village with reflections from Day 1.
-
Professor Cass Byrnes and Lisa Burns
-
9:30 AM
Opening plenary | keynote
BANQUET 1 & 2
-
Connected, compassionate, empowered: strategies to promote psychological and social wellbeing.
-
Maggie Harrigan
-
10:00 AM
Plenary 2 | keynote
BANQUET 1 & 2
-
Life in the post-modulator era, what have we learnt so far?
-
Professor Elizabeth Tullis
-
10:30 AM
MORNING TEA
11:00 AM
Panel discussion:
BANQUET 1 & 2
-
The Lived experience of members of the CF community
Panel will include members of the CF community including one person with CF who will give their perspective on their lived experiences.​​-
Facilitated by: Maggie Harrigan
-
11:45 AM
Plenary 3 | keynote
BANQUET 1 & 2
-
Advances in CF Research and Emerging Therapies
-
Professor Elizabeth Tullis​​
-
12:15 PM
Panel presentations - 15 minutes each
context for workshop sessions
BANQUET 1 & 2
Facilitated by - Assoc. Prof Tonia Douglas
-
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Bev Darlow -
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
1:30 PM
LUNCH
2:00 PM
WORKSHOPS PART 1
Workshop 1:
BANQUET 1 & 2
Navigating the first five years including the use of modulators.
Facilitators - Professor Cass Byrnes and Assoc.Prof Tonia Douglas
Workshop 2:
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
Using technology in responding to changing care models with a focus on remote monitoring
Facilitators - Dr Mark O’Carroll,
Jenny Hauser and Rasa Ruseckaite
Workshop 3:
CONFERENCE ROOM 2
Continuity of care - a transition model that provides for consistency and support of young adults.
Facilitators - Maggie Harrigan, Dr Julianna Bailey and Dr Yelizaveta Sher
Workshop 4:
CONFERENCE ROOM 3
Fertility, pregnancy, and sexual health in CF.
Facilitators - Professor Elizabeth Tullis and Jane Willis
2:45 PM
AFTERNOON TEA
3:15 PM
WORKSHOPS PART TWO
Workshop 1
BANQUET 1 & 2
Building a stronger, more connected CF community including siblings and other family members.
Facilitators - Professor Cass Byrnes and Associate Professor Tonia Douglas
Workshop 2
CONFERENCE ROOM 1
Navigating psychosocial and mental health including neurodiversity, how to keep everyone safe.
Facilitator - Dr Yelizaveta Sher and
Maggie Harrigan
Workshop 3
CONFERENCE ROOM 2
Thriving longer: navigating aging transplant, and the evolving journey of CF.
Facilitators - Dr Mark O'Carroll
Workshop 4
CONFERENCE ROOM 3
Holistic approaches to CF care: diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
Facilitators - Dr Juliana Bailey and
Jenny Hauser
4:00 PM
Plenary 4 | keynote
BANQUET 1 & 2
-
Aging with grace
-
Dr Yelizaveta Sher
-
4:30 PM
Fireside chat with Lily Tew, adult with CF
BANQUET 1 & 2
-
Navigating the lived experience of CF and overcoming challenges
-
Facilitated by Maggie Harrigan
-
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
EVENT CONCLUDES
With thanks to our sponsors and partners
The NZ CF Symposium would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners.
Your commitment to advancing cystic fibrosis care and empowering the CF community has helped bring this important event to life.
Together, we are shaping a future where every person with CF can access the care, connection, and innovation they deserve.
