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Holding the ACEs - a night of poetry with Glenn Colquhoun

How can policy be more effective and lead to the actions we need?
How can we challenge the status quo at systems-level?
How can all of us benefit from taking more of a strengths-based approach?

"It's not necessary to solve problems. Only to understand them.
When you understand them, they solve themselves naturally." ~ Dr Iain McGilchrist.

"Once we choose to design something, we change what futures are possible." ~ Bill Burnett.

We're delighted to invite you to Goodlife Collective's inaugural event for 2025 in Wellington:

An evening of poetry and dialogue with Glenn Colquhoun

One of Aotearoa's most loved and awarded poets, Colquhoun's 2023 essay 'Holding the ACEs' is dedicated to the young people of the Horowhenua Youth Health Service, and raises awareness about adverse childhood events (ACEs) in New Zealand, using power storytelling to increase our awareness of the truth of our own communities, and of how we can all have an impact.

This will be an evening of insights and inspiration, featuring diverse thought leaders who will share their experiences and perspectives of what works, and guide discussion on the barriers and levers to improve outcomes for tamariki. We will also discuss research and evidence showing the need for policy to evolve toward a more strengths-based approach.  We'll deepen our understanding of ACEs, learn what each of us can do to make a difference and be a 'protective factor' for others, and network with like-minded leaders and changemakers.

Guest Speaker Panel

The evening will include a panel discussion and Q&A, bringing diverse perspectives into the room. The panel includes: GP and Poet Glenn Colquhoun, economist Dr Ganesh Ahirao, Wesley Community Action Group Director David Hanna, and Southern Initiative Manager of Tamariki Wellbeing - Aimee Hadrup, who will together explore barriers and levers to empower the action needed to improve childhood conditions and outcomes in Aotearoa.

Immerse yourself in live poetry and story-telling, grow your connections with a community of inspiring changemakers, and gain practical insights about social change. Join us to be reminded of the power of connection to boost our sense of agency and hope.

Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided.

Event Programme:

  • 5pm - arrive, drinks and nibbles
  • 5:30pm - Welcome & Introduction, hear from sponsors
  • 5:45-6:30pm - Dr Glenn Colquhoun
  • 6:35 - Panel Discussion and Q&A with Experts
  • Networking

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington.

About Dr Glenn Colquhoun

Glenn Colquhoun is a poet and a doctor. He grew up in South Auckland, studied theology for two years at Avondale College, and completed a BA in English and Education at Auckland University in 1987. He later attended Auckland Medical School, graduating in 1996. In 1994 he took a year off his medical training and spent that time in Te Tii, a small Māori community in Northland. This began a lifelong relationship with the community and its people. His first collection of poetry, The art of walking upright, was written about this community.  In 2004 he was awarded the Prize in Modern Letters. This was, at the time, the largest award made to an emerging writer anywhere in the world. In 2011 he helped to establish the Horowhenua Youth Health Service, where he continues to work in adolescent medicine. He performs poetry regularly throughout the country.

Colquhoun's poetry and prose have garnered 12 significant awards, including Best book of poetry in the Montana Books Awards (2003), Prize in Modern Letters (2004), Booksellers NZ Platinum award twice (2006 and 2010), Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard University (2010) to name a few.

Colquhoun has authored eight books of poetry, five children's books, and four essay books.

Thank you to sponsors Simply Food for supporting this event, to KPMG for generously providing a venue, and to Big Brothers Big Sisters New Zealand for your support, guidance and participation - and for working tirelessly to create 'PCEs' - positive childhood experiences.

View more info and purchase tickets here

REFERENCES

https://events.humanitix.com/holding-the-aces-glenn-colquhoun

Holding the ACEs - a night of poetry with Glenn Colquhoun

How can policy be more effective and lead to the actions we need?
How can we challenge the status quo at systems-level?
How can all of us benefit from taking more of a strengths-based approach?

"It's not necessary to solve problems. Only to understand them.
When you understand them, they solve themselves naturally." ~ Dr Iain McGilchrist.

"Once we choose to design something, we change what futures are possible." ~ Bill Burnett.

We're delighted to invite you to Goodlife Collective's inaugural event for 2025 in Wellington:

An evening of poetry and dialogue with Glenn Colquhoun

One of Aotearoa's most loved and awarded poets, Colquhoun's 2023 essay 'Holding the ACEs' is dedicated to the young people of the Horowhenua Youth Health Service, and raises awareness about adverse childhood events (ACEs) in New Zealand, using power storytelling to increase our awareness of the truth of our own communities, and of how we can all have an impact.

This will be an evening of insights and inspiration, featuring diverse thought leaders who will share their experiences and perspectives of what works, and guide discussion on the barriers and levers to improve outcomes for tamariki. We will also discuss research and evidence showing the need for policy to evolve toward a more strengths-based approach.  We'll deepen our understanding of ACEs, learn what each of us can do to make a difference and be a 'protective factor' for others, and network with like-minded leaders and changemakers.

Guest Speaker Panel

The evening will include a panel discussion and Q&A, bringing diverse perspectives into the room. The panel includes: GP and Poet Glenn Colquhoun, economist Dr Ganesh Ahirao, Wesley Community Action Group Director David Hanna, and Southern Initiative Manager of Tamariki Wellbeing - Aimee Hadrup, who will together explore barriers and levers to empower the action needed to improve childhood conditions and outcomes in Aotearoa.

Immerse yourself in live poetry and story-telling, grow your connections with a community of inspiring changemakers, and gain practical insights about social change. Join us to be reminded of the power of connection to boost our sense of agency and hope.

Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided.

Event Programme:

  • 5pm - arrive, drinks and nibbles
  • 5:30pm - Welcome & Introduction, hear from sponsors
  • 5:45-6:30pm - Dr Glenn Colquhoun
  • 6:35 - Panel Discussion and Q&A with Experts
  • Networking

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington.

About Dr Glenn Colquhoun

Glenn Colquhoun is a poet and a doctor. He grew up in South Auckland, studied theology for two years at Avondale College, and completed a BA in English and Education at Auckland University in 1987. He later attended Auckland Medical School, graduating in 1996. In 1994 he took a year off his medical training and spent that time in Te Tii, a small Māori community in Northland. This began a lifelong relationship with the community and its people. His first collection of poetry, The art of walking upright, was written about this community.  In 2004 he was awarded the Prize in Modern Letters. This was, at the time, the largest award made to an emerging writer anywhere in the world. In 2011 he helped to establish the Horowhenua Youth Health Service, where he continues to work in adolescent medicine. He performs poetry regularly throughout the country.

Colquhoun's poetry and prose have garnered 12 significant awards, including Best book of poetry in the Montana Books Awards (2003), Prize in Modern Letters (2004), Booksellers NZ Platinum award twice (2006 and 2010), Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard University (2010) to name a few.

Colquhoun has authored eight books of poetry, five children's books, and four essay books.

Thank you to sponsors Simply Food for supporting this event, to KPMG for generously providing a venue, and to Big Brothers Big Sisters New Zealand for your support, guidance and participation - and for working tirelessly to create 'PCEs' - positive childhood experiences.

View more info and purchase tickets here

Holding the ACEs - a night of poetry with Glenn Colquhoun

How can policy be more effective and lead to the actions we need?
How can we challenge the status quo at systems-level?
How can all of us benefit from taking more of a strengths-based approach?

"It's not necessary to solve problems. Only to understand them.
When you understand them, they solve themselves naturally." ~ Dr Iain McGilchrist.

"Once we choose to design something, we change what futures are possible." ~ Bill Burnett.

We're delighted to invite you to Goodlife Collective's inaugural event for 2025 in Wellington:

An evening of poetry and dialogue with Glenn Colquhoun

One of Aotearoa's most loved and awarded poets, Colquhoun's 2023 essay 'Holding the ACEs' is dedicated to the young people of the Horowhenua Youth Health Service, and raises awareness about adverse childhood events (ACEs) in New Zealand, using power storytelling to increase our awareness of the truth of our own communities, and of how we can all have an impact.

This will be an evening of insights and inspiration, featuring diverse thought leaders who will share their experiences and perspectives of what works, and guide discussion on the barriers and levers to improve outcomes for tamariki. We will also discuss research and evidence showing the need for policy to evolve toward a more strengths-based approach.  We'll deepen our understanding of ACEs, learn what each of us can do to make a difference and be a 'protective factor' for others, and network with like-minded leaders and changemakers.

Guest Speaker Panel

The evening will include a panel discussion and Q&A, bringing diverse perspectives into the room. The panel includes: GP and Poet Glenn Colquhoun, economist Dr Ganesh Ahirao, Wesley Community Action Group Director David Hanna, and Southern Initiative Manager of Tamariki Wellbeing - Aimee Hadrup, who will together explore barriers and levers to empower the action needed to improve childhood conditions and outcomes in Aotearoa.

Immerse yourself in live poetry and story-telling, grow your connections with a community of inspiring changemakers, and gain practical insights about social change. Join us to be reminded of the power of connection to boost our sense of agency and hope.

Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided.

Event Programme:

  • 5pm - arrive, drinks and nibbles
  • 5:30pm - Welcome & Introduction, hear from sponsors
  • 5:45-6:30pm - Dr Glenn Colquhoun
  • 6:35 - Panel Discussion and Q&A with Experts
  • Networking

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington.

About Dr Glenn Colquhoun

Glenn Colquhoun is a poet and a doctor. He grew up in South Auckland, studied theology for two years at Avondale College, and completed a BA in English and Education at Auckland University in 1987. He later attended Auckland Medical School, graduating in 1996. In 1994 he took a year off his medical training and spent that time in Te Tii, a small Māori community in Northland. This began a lifelong relationship with the community and its people. His first collection of poetry, The art of walking upright, was written about this community.  In 2004 he was awarded the Prize in Modern Letters. This was, at the time, the largest award made to an emerging writer anywhere in the world. In 2011 he helped to establish the Horowhenua Youth Health Service, where he continues to work in adolescent medicine. He performs poetry regularly throughout the country.

Colquhoun's poetry and prose have garnered 12 significant awards, including Best book of poetry in the Montana Books Awards (2003), Prize in Modern Letters (2004), Booksellers NZ Platinum award twice (2006 and 2010), Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard University (2010) to name a few.

Colquhoun has authored eight books of poetry, five children's books, and four essay books.

Thank you to sponsors Simply Food for supporting this event, to KPMG for generously providing a venue, and to Big Brothers Big Sisters New Zealand for your support, guidance and participation - and for working tirelessly to create 'PCEs' - positive childhood experiences.

View more info and purchase tickets here

Holding the ACEs - a night of poetry with Glenn Colquhoun

Curated artworks

Whakarongo

Why is poetry making such a huge come-back? I think it is because our souls need more than the shallow to absent meaning-making of mainstream media. Poems are a reminder of what we hold within us. I am honoured to feature this poem by Dr Ant Nahill. How did I come to connect with Ant? It goes back to a conversation with a wonderful, wise wahine, Aphra Green. She suggested Dr Glenn Colquhoun as a potential speaker for a Goodlife event, to speak of his book, 'Holding the ACEs'. We did host that event, which you can read about elsewhere on this website. What a humbling reminder Glenn's talk was. You might even describe him as a bit of a, 'Gabor Mate of Aotearoa'. At his youth health clinic in Levin, he continuously, courageously, humbly, painfully - turns towards what so many of us want to - and have the privilege to - just turn away from. But, when we do, we all keep this world small, we perpetuate the disconnection that erodes our collective potential. He reminded us that, 'we need to stop growling each other. To stop pointing the finger of blame at other parts of the system, and turn our attention toward what we CAN do. We need to WITNESS. We can all make a difference if we choose. It opened something in the hearts of everyone there, we held space for something deeply vulnerable. It melted away performative public personas and we shared feelings, childhood stories, and felt the healing of being witnessed in those stories. Just coming together in a group, has a magical power unto itself. And we acknowledged ofcourse who was missing from that room. Which is something I'd like to address in 2026. Glenn shared with us that he was organising a 'hikoi for health' with his friend, fellow medical doctor and poet, Dr Art Nahill. And that is how I connected with Art and how his poetry came to be here.

5min

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