Pānui May 2025
He awhi tētahi i tētahi
Me noho tahi, tēnā pea ka tika
To find a place in our hearts for each other
Let us sit together, and then we will find a way through
At Ember Innovations we're passionate about bringing together people with diverse skills, perspectives, and knowledge to solve pressing mental wellbeing challenges. One way we do this is through Innovation Challenges: community-led, collaborative projects driven by a shared kaupapa and supported by focused innovation expertise.
Following on from the 'Youth Flourishing in North Auckland' Challenge in 2023, we're delighted to be partnering with NorthAble Matapuna Hauora and Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi to support, amplify and catalyse innovation that works for whānau affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and substance-exposed pregnancy in the mid-North region of Te Tai Tokerau.
After six months of listening, sharing, exploring, and synthesising, the community rōpū has identified four themes around which to focus our collective energy. Click through each theme below for further information and how to get involved.
If you'd like to learn more or get involved, please contact Emily Preston, Innovation Lead at emily@emberinnovations.nz.
This mahi is backed by the unwavering support of Ember Wellbeing Trust, along with contributions from the Paihere Trust and Northable, our challenge partner. In addition, Spectrum Foundation is supporting the challenge with funding and expertise and Perpetual Guardian have enhanced our evaluation capabilities. With their help, we are working to create great positive change for tāngata whaiora, tāngata whaikaha, and their whānau impacted by FASD and SEP in Te Tai Tokerau.
To join us in this endeavour that needs as much support as possible, please get in touch with Tatiana Strudwick, Investment & Partnership Manager at tatiana@emberinnovations.nz
It’s been a while since Ignition25, and we already miss it.
Based on the feedback from our survey, it’s clear that you’d love to see more events like Ignition25. Every respondent felt a strong sense of community and connection with others during the event, and 94% believed they had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the discussions and activities.
The unconference was a tremendous success, featuring 16 sessions across the two scheduled slots. We couldn't have achieved this without our sponsors, so a massive thank you to the University of Auckland, Te Rourou Foundation, and One New Zealand.
We’re excited to announce that we have earmarked March 2026 for Ignition26! Keep scrolling for more Ignition25 content we have been keen to share with you and keep in touch whānau!
Thank you to everyone who came to Ignition25, we hope to see you again soon!
Hey there! 👋 I'm Sumarie, your new Community Builder here at WellSphere Te Manahau, and I'm absolutely thrilled to dive into this space with all of you! My heart beats for community, and I'm passionate about weaving connections between people who can support and uplift each other.
We're breathing new life into our WellSphere space, and a key part of that is reigniting our vibrant online community. This is a place for anyone passionate about innovation and mental health to come together, collaborate, and connect. While everyone is welcome, I'm particularly focused on growing spaces for those working in the digital and mental wellbeing sectors, as well as creating a supportive environment for those involved in the rangatahi sector.
If you're passionate about connecting, collaborating, and contributing to the digital wellbeing, youth spaces, or any other innovation sector, we'd love to hear from you! Click the link below to join our online community, or feel free to email me and share your story. I'm excited to connect!