Where It Began

My professional journey began in 2004 as a Peer Support Worker at Mind and Body, where I had the privilege of learning directly from its founder, Jim Burdett. Jim’s deep humanity and wisdom shaped my understanding of recovery and helped me see what authentic peer support could truly look like — grounded in lived experience, not filtered through a clinical lens.

I later initiated the Like Minds, Like Mine Chinese media project with the Mental Health Foundation, Kai Xin Xing Dong, and was seconded to Auckland Health New Zealand to support suicide prevention and postvention work as an Assistant Funder. I witnessed the early efforts to address stigma — from the birth of Depression.org.nz, to the introduction of Pink Shirt Day and the Five Ways to Wellbeing, all of which have since become widely recognised in Aotearoa.

After completing my Master of Business Administration (MBA), I transitioned into consultancy and project-based roles. I was appointed Project Lead for Asian Health at Waitematā Health New Zealand and later became the National Coordinator for the nationwide rollout of eCALD cultural competency training.

At Auckland Emergency Management, part of Auckland Council, I focused on strengthening resilience within Chinese communities through emergency preparedness education and welfare support. I was actively involved in major disaster responses, including the Kaikōura Earthquake and the 2018 Auckland storms, where thousands were left without power.

Most recently, I served as Deputy Director and Lived Experience Lead at Asian Family Services. I began in public health and later stepped into leadership — developing strategies, securing significant funding through successful Request for Proposal writing, and delivering projects with impact. I led the organisation through Social Services Accreditation (Level 3), expanded services to include ACC Sensitive Claims, and contributed numerous submissions to government consultations. I also established two lived experience groups that have since been regularly engaged by the Ministry of Health to inform strategic development.

Ivan Yeo — Selected Works and Contributions

Speaking Engagements & Conferences

  • 2 August 2024 – Cultural Sensitivity in New Zealand, Onewa Christina Community Centre
    View Event

  • SIEBA Conference: Global Threads, Local Ties – Topic: Navigating Culture Shock & Turbulent Waters in Pastoral Care. Strategies for Empowering Student Wellbeing
    View Speaker Bio

  • Education New Zealand – Workshops on Supporting International Students’ Mental Health
    Read More

  • Pearl of the Islands Foundation – Suicide Prevention Webinar with Nurain Janah
    Watch Webinar

  • Alumni Inspire Networking Event (2024) – Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus
    Read More

  • Goodfellow Unit – Mental Health and Addictions Presentation
    Watch Her

Media & Storytelling (Lived Experience in the Public Space)

  • The Press (2023) – Gambling's Long Shadow: I can't contact dad on Sundays
    Read Article

  • RNZ (2014) – Unlimited Love
    Listen Here

  • Mental Health Foundation – Keeping Asian Communities Informed During COVID-19
    Read Story

  • Stats NZ (2024) – Data Helping Asian Family Services Across Aotearoa
    Read More

  • Like Minds, Like Mine (2011) – Finding Light In A New Land
    Watch Film

  • Book Contribution – "Stepping out of the Shadows"
    Purchase Book

Podcasts & Audio Features

  • The Nutters Club – Ivan Yeo Feature
    Watch Video

  • Revolving Door Syndrome – With Dr Nina Su on Tiger Parents and Asian Mental Health
    Watch Interview

  • PrideNZ Profile – Rainbow Touchstones & Ivan Yeo
    Read Profile

Documentaries & Short Films

  • Men Like Us (2012) – The Everyday Struggles of Gay Men in a Straight World
    Watch Film

  • Like Minds, Like Mine (2011) – Finding Light In A New Land
    Watch Film

  • Unravelling Anxiety (2023) – Misconceptions Project
    Watch Documentary

  • Ivan’s Story – Recovery and Mental Health
    Watch Here

  • The Inbetweeners – It is okay to be in both worlds (Producer)
    Watch Film

Select Committee & Government Submissions

  • 10 April 2024 – Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Bill
    Watch Submission – 55:00

  • 19 February 2025 – Mental Health Bill
    Watch Submission – 21:00

  • Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025–2029 – AFS Submission

  • Healthy Futures for Women in Aotearoa New Zealand – AFS Submission

  • A Fair Chance for All: Interim Report – AFS Feedback

  • He Ara Āwhina Service System Framework – AFS Submission

  • Code of Expectations – Engaging with Consumers/Whānau – AFS Feedback

  • Responding to Diverse Cultures in Schools – AFS Consultation Feedback

  • Bringing Together Aotearoa – Social Cohesion Strategic Framework – AFS Submission

  • Repealing & Replacing the Mental Health Act – AFS Submission

  • Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill – AFS Submission

  • Treasury Submission (2024) – A Fair Chance for All
    View Submission