When: 26th August 2026
Where: De Luxe Theatre
Cost: FREE
Why: Learn more about neurodiversity
Who: Everyone
What: Practical tools to support tamariki, rangatahi and ourselves.
We believe children don't have to earn their belonging. Our role as adults is to build communities that understand them, nurture them, and help them flourish exactly as they are.
This event is proudly hosted by:
Te Ariroa Evolutions Charitable Trust
Ōpōtiki Rangatahi Pā
with the support of:
Sutherland Self Help Trust
Eastbay REAP
Mind Over Manner Ltd
Mind Over Manner: Realising the Potential of Kids Wired Differently
Free Community Workshops Ōpōtiki 26th August 2026
Every child deserves to feel understood.
Every whānau deserves support.
Every community benefits when we learn how to recognise and celebrate the many different ways people experience the world.
Te Ariroa Evolutions Charitable Trust and Ōpōtiki Rangatahi Pā are proud to host Mind Over Manner, an engaging and thought-provoking community workshop led by Susan Haldane, Creative and Company Director of Mind Over Manner Ltd.
This free workshop explores neurodiversity through a strengths-based lens, helping participants better understand children and young people who experience the world differently.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, youth worker, health professional, employer, coach, or simply someone who cares about creating a more inclusive community, this workshop offers practical tools and fresh perspectives that can change the way we support tamariki and rangatahi.
What you'll explore:
Together we'll unpack topics including:
Taonga Takiwātanga (Autism)
Aroeretini (ADHD)
Kura Urupare (Trauma)
Neurodiversity and different ways of thinking, learning and communicating
Sensory processing and regulation
Practical strategies for supporting children and young people
Creating environments where everyone can thrive
Rather than asking, "What's wrong with this child?", Mind Over Manner encourages us to ask:
"What might this child be experiencing, and how can we respond in a way that supports them?"
It's a small shift that can make an enormous difference.
About Mind Over Manner
Mind Over Manner delivers highly engaging professional learning that combines theatre, storytelling, lived experience, and practical strategies to help adults better understand neurodiversity.
Participants consistently describe the workshops as eye-opening, practical, and deeply moving.
"I was blown away. This is by far the most powerful, life-changing workshop I have ever been to."
"Every teacher in Aotearoa should experience this incredible mahi."
The workshops leave people with practical tools they can begin using immediately in homes, classrooms, workplaces and community spaces.
More information here: https://mindovermanner.co.nz/