In this heartfelt conversation, Shaun Robinson, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, opens up about his journey of self-acceptance, leadership, and living with bipolar disorder. Shaun shares how learning to embrace every part of himself — the achievements, the struggles, and the in-between — has shaped the way he leads and connects with others.

Through honesty, humour, and deep reflection, he reminds us that mental health is not about perfection but about presence. Authentic leadership, as Shaun sees it, is the courage to be human — to make mistakes, to reflect, and to love who we are, even in the moments we find hardest to accept.

Holding Space for Loss: Conversations on Grief and Hope is a deeply human dialogue with Mark Wilson, who lost his wife, Zeta, to suicide nearly two decades ago. Out of that heartbreak, Mark continues her legacy through the Solace Support Group — a space where people bereaved by suicide come together to speak their loved ones’ names, share memories, and rediscover connection.

This conversation explores how grief never truly ends but transforms, how laughter and tears can coexist, and how being present — simply listening without needing to fix — can be the most healing gift of all. It’s an honest reflection on love, loss, and the quiet courage of learning to live with both.

Sometimes, one spark is all it takes to set a chain of change in motion. The One Spark That Created a Chain Reaction of Change follows the journey of Dave Burnside — from a teenage heroin user lost in the system to one of Aotearoa’s most respected lived-experience leaders. His story reminds us that transformation doesn’t begin with systems or qualifications, but with one human showing up authentically for another. Through a single encounter that reignited hope, Dave’s life became a testament to the power of connection, redemption, and the ripple effect of peer support done with heart.

After years of living with anxiety, depression, and ADHD — often hidden beneath high-functioning routines — I found unexpected healing through Krama Yoga. Though I’ve tried nearly every method to manage my mental health, it wasn’t until I learned to breathe properly through this traditional practice that something finally shifted. Guided by Ashs, a teacher devoted to preserving the essence of Krama Yoga, I discovered a new way to live with, rather than fight, my anxiety. This story is for anyone silently struggling — and searching for something that truly helps.

When Sarah left for Canada, she wasn’t chasing escape or adventure. She was stepping into the unknown, guided by curiosity more than certainty. What began as a working holiday turned into an inward journey of self-discovery and transformation. Away from the familiar, she learned resilience, compassion, and what authentic leadership can look like in action. Her time abroad revealed not only the challenges of navigating life in a new country but also the quiet strength that comes from staying true to oneself. Returning home, Sarah carried with her more than memories — she brought back a deeper understanding of who she is and what it means to lead with both courage and heart.

When I sat down with Raymond Wong, I was reminded that leadership often speaks softly. Raymond was New Zealand’s first full-time Asian Ethnic Liaison Officer, long before “diversity and inclusion” became policy language. His story is one of humility, empathy, and quiet transformation — a man who spent decades bridging communities and building trust one conversation at a time. From his early days as a teenager adapting to life in Aotearoa to his pioneering work within the New Zealand Police, Raymond embodies what it means to lead through service. His wisdom reminds us that authenticity is not about recognition or rank, but the courage to listen, care, and keep showing up when no one is watching.

What it means to belong to the “1.5 generation” — those who moved to New Zealand as children or teenagers, growing up between cultures and expectations. Bevan Chuang shares her journey from Hong Kong to Aotearoa, navigating identity, language, and the weight of cultural stigma around mental health and queerness. Bevan’s story is one of creativity and resilience — from her work in museums and film festivals to founding Be Love Entertainment, she continues to uplift untold voices and bridge generations through storytelling. Her insight reminds us that leadership begins with empathy and that small acts of courage can ripple outward to create change.

Darryl Bishop MNZM has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing mental health in Aotearoa. A former nurse with a strong social justice background, he led the Like Minds, Like Mine programme and helped establish Mental Health 101, two initiatives that have left a lasting national impact. A champion of peer support, Darryl values authenticity, courage, and community-led solutions, and is widely respected for his integrity, humility, and commitment to reducing stigma and creating meaningful change.

Jordyn Elyse’s story is one of courage, vulnerability, and authenticity. From navigating childhood anxiety and peer pressure to finding strength through travel, study, and motherhood, she has learned to embrace her anxiety rather than see it as something to fix. Her journey led her into suicide prevention and wellbeing mahi, guided by her authenticity and care for others. Even through separation and life’s hardest storms, Jordyn continues to walk forward with honesty, grace, and an unwavering flame.

Guest Blog Post by Jennifer Khan-Janif and Naima Ali

Fair and Ugly