ADHD in Aotearoa New Zealand – Challenges, Support, and Neurodivergent Voices
Tracks
Prince & Virtual via OnAIR
| Tuesday, August 12, 2025 |
| 2:20 PM - 2:40 PM |
| Prince Room |
Overview
Associate Professor Byron Rangiwai - Ngā Wai A Te Tūī: Māori And Indigenous Research Centre
Speaker
Associate Professor Byron Rangiwai
Associate Professor
Ngā Wai A Te Tūī: Māori And Indigenous Research Centre
ADHD in Aotearoa New Zealand – Challenges, Support, and Neurodivergent Voices
Presentation Overview
Three Key Learnings:
1. Attendees will understand the systemic challenges in accessing ADHD diagnosis and treatment in Aotearoa, including long wait times, financial costs, and disparities in public vs. private healthcare systems.
2. The presentation will highlight how ADHD affects education, employment, and social relationships, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by Māori and Pacific individuals.
3. Attendees will gain insight into strategies for creating more inclusive ADHD support systems, including workplace accommodations, culturally responsive care, and peer-led community initiatives.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a widely misunderstood and under-researched condition in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in relation to access to diagnosis, treatment, and cultural responsiveness. This presentation will share key insights from a national online survey with 689 respondents who provided perspectives on their lived experiences with ADHD.
Findings reveal significant barriers to timely diagnosis, with many individuals facing long wait times and high financial costs, particularly in the private healthcare system. Participants reported challenges in education, employment, and social relationships, often exacerbated by a lack of awareness and workplace accommodations. Notably, Māori and Pacific respondents highlighted unique cultural barriers and a need for ADHD support that integrates mātauranga Māori and other indigenous knowledge systems.
While medical treatments were commonly used, alternative support strategies such as peer networks, counselling, and self-management techniques were widely valued. The survey also sheds light on common misconceptions about ADHD, the stigma surrounding neurodivergence, and the urgent need for systemic change.
This presentation will discuss key recommendations for improving diagnostic pathways, workplace and educational accommodations, and culturally responsive care. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of ADHD in Aotearoa and explore practical steps towards a more inclusive and supportive society for neurodivergent individuals.
1. Attendees will understand the systemic challenges in accessing ADHD diagnosis and treatment in Aotearoa, including long wait times, financial costs, and disparities in public vs. private healthcare systems.
2. The presentation will highlight how ADHD affects education, employment, and social relationships, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by Māori and Pacific individuals.
3. Attendees will gain insight into strategies for creating more inclusive ADHD support systems, including workplace accommodations, culturally responsive care, and peer-led community initiatives.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a widely misunderstood and under-researched condition in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in relation to access to diagnosis, treatment, and cultural responsiveness. This presentation will share key insights from a national online survey with 689 respondents who provided perspectives on their lived experiences with ADHD.
Findings reveal significant barriers to timely diagnosis, with many individuals facing long wait times and high financial costs, particularly in the private healthcare system. Participants reported challenges in education, employment, and social relationships, often exacerbated by a lack of awareness and workplace accommodations. Notably, Māori and Pacific respondents highlighted unique cultural barriers and a need for ADHD support that integrates mātauranga Māori and other indigenous knowledge systems.
While medical treatments were commonly used, alternative support strategies such as peer networks, counselling, and self-management techniques were widely valued. The survey also sheds light on common misconceptions about ADHD, the stigma surrounding neurodivergence, and the urgent need for systemic change.
This presentation will discuss key recommendations for improving diagnostic pathways, workplace and educational accommodations, and culturally responsive care. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of ADHD in Aotearoa and explore practical steps towards a more inclusive and supportive society for neurodivergent individuals.
Biography
Dr. Byron Rangiwai (Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Whare, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe) is an Associate Professor of Māori and Indigenous Research at Ngā Wai a Te Tūī: Māori and Indigenous Research Centre, Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka – Unitec. Byron was diagnosed with ADHD in May 2023 and also lives with probable autism, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. His current research focuses on ADHD and neurodiversity more broadly, exploring these topics within Māori and Indigenous contexts. His work examines the intersections of neurodiversity, identity, and cultural perspectives, contributing to a deeper understanding of how Indigenous knowledge can inform and support neurodivergent individuals.
