CHARGE Syndrome Australasia Conference 2026
CHARGE Syndrome Whānau Hui* 2026
(*Family meeting)
Details
When: 13 to 15 March 2026
Where: Chateau on the Park, Christchurch, New Zealand
Overview
For this event, our focus is on connecting people with CHARGE Syndrome and their families, to each other, as well as bringing the CHARGE Syndrome experts from the far reach of the Northern Hemisphere to New Zealand.
Our whānau hui (Māori term for family meeting) will allow us to be together, and to access the face-to-face support we desperately need to help guide our vulnerable whānau (family) and support networks. Everyone’s journey varies widely and we know first hand the massive challenges this community faces in the medical, allied health and disability support system. This is mainly due to the lack of knowledge and expertise in these fields. It is up to the individual and their family to become the expert.
A dedicated group of Kiwi parents are planning the weekend program. In addition to presentations, there will be:
one-on-one clinics with the experts
workshops (1⁄2 day) for Adults with CHARGE and for teenagers with CHARGE
assisted supervision (childcare), and
a casual BBQ dinner on the Saturday night.
Ka kite koutou (See you)
Accommodation
We’re delighted to host our conference at the beautifully situated Chateau on the Park, a DoubleTree by Hilton, just a short stroll from central Christchurch.
189 Deans Avenue, Riccarton
Christchurch, 8011
New Zealand
Agenda at a glance
Day 1: Friday 13 March, 2026
Clinics with health care professionals
One-on-one 30 minute appointments
Between 10am and 12 noon and between 1pm and 3pm
With David Brown, Dr Kim Blake, Dr Tim Hartshorne, Dr Kasee Stratton-Gadke, Dr Dan Gadke, Dr Colin Barber
Welcome reception 7 pm to 9pm
Day 2: Saturday 14 March, 2026
Morning program 9am to 12 noon (with morning tea break)
Alana Bogart- Orientation & Mobility- DAILY LIVING
Dr Tim Hartshorne – Psychologist- FAMILY
Afternoon program 1pm to 5pm (with afternoon tea break)
Dr Ash Raikuna – Paediatric Dentist – ORAL HEALTH
Dr Kim Blake- Paediatrician- CLINICAL ASPECTS & INSIGHTS
Dr Colin Barber- ENT Specialist- CHARGE & ENT IN NEW ZEALAND
‘Kiwi As’ BBQ dinner 7pm to 9pm
Day 3: Sunday 15 March, 2026
Morning program 9am to 12 noon (with morning tea break)
David Brown- Deaf Blind Consultant – THE UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Steve Rose -Speech Pathologist & Deaf Blind Consultant - COMMUNICATION
Afternoon program 1pm to 5pm (with afternoon tea break)
Dr Kasee Stratton-Gadke– Psychologist – MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH (PAIN)
Dr Dan Gadke - Psychologist - BEHAVIOUR
Family updates and group photos
Saturday and Sunday
Assisted supervision for adults
Child care
Workshops for adults with CHARGE Syndrome
Workshops for adolescents with CHARGE Syndrome