Cutting Edge is New Zealand's key addiction treatment gathering, bringing together the addiction sector to network and learn about innovative thinking and practice. Hosted by Dapaanz, (The Addiction Practitioner’s Association Aotearoa New Zealand) it also celebrated the association’s 20th year of guiding and supporting the professionalisation of the addiction workforce.

Delegates hadn’t connected as a sector since 2019 and this year’s conference was extremely well supported, selling out in advance, and the level of in-person connection was excellent.

With a considerable amount of Māori and Pasifika content across the event, Cutting Edge kicked off with specialist pre-conference meetings - a Māori Hui, Pasifika Fono and Asian Hui.

The main conference’s professional MC Julian Wilcox was exceptional, both in his use of Te Reo Māori and engagement with the delegates. Inspirational speaker Cal Calkoen was well-received, as was visual artist ‘Sandman’ Marcus Winter.

Highlights of the busy conference programme included an absorbing cross-agency panel and an awards evening to recognise the industry.

International speaker Dr Dan Werb from Canada delivered an outstanding keynote, as well as engaging with New Zealand media and Ministers prior to the conference on International Overdose Awareness Day (31 August) to draw attention to challenges and opportunities for New Zealand’s addiction workforce.

Given the conference content, a number of innovative touches were incorporated to deliver positive impacts for the audience. This included breathing and movement sessions from Soul Works, and a ‘Reset room’, a mindfully created space in Te Pae Christchurch to sit and reflect and refocus. It was beautiful and really well-received and delegates found that they were being looked after.

Early morning running and walking groups organised by Speed Freaks - an organisation focused on ‘running for recovery’ - were popular. The conference also hosted an AA meeting and welcomed the Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand community testing van for Hepatitis C on-site to provide free testing for delegates.

Te Pae Christchurch was a wonderful location, with the scenery and attractions of central Ōtautahi Christchurch on the doorstep, and we enjoyed using the services of some excellent local suppliers.