Beyond Boundaries: SSPA Conference 2017
Social Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA) is holding its Annual Conference at Te Papa, Wellington, on Monday and Tuesday,
4 and 5 September.
SSPA represents some 200 non-profit organisations funded by government to work with vulnerable children, young people
and families. Brenda Pilott is national manager of SSPA. Shane Murdoch is chair of the national executive.
SSPA Annual Conference is the pinnacle event of the year for the social services sector, bringing together nearly 200
social service leaders and practitioners, along with politicians, senior government officials, academics and
researchers. Highlights this year will include hearing directly from children and young people about their experiences
of social services as the prelude to a series of learning forums, and a politicians’ panel chaired by Heather du
Plessis-Allan.
Representatives of the media are welcome to attend the following:
Keynote speakers
• Prue Kapua, national president of the Maori Women’s Welfare League. 10.30am on Monday 4 September in the Oceania Room.
• Judge Andrew Becroft, Children’s Commission. 4pm on Monday 4 September in the Oceania Room.
• Grainne Moss, Oranga Tamariki CEO. 9.30am on Tuesday 5 September in the Oceania Room.
Politicians’ panel
• The following will be on the panel: Nicola Willis, National; Grant Robertson, Labour; Jan Logie, Greens; Ria Bond, NZ
First; Raewyn Bhana, Maori party; Geoff Simmons, The Opportunities Party.
The politicians’ panel will be chaired by Heather du Plessis-Allan, from 12.30 to 1.30 on Tuesday 5 Septemberin the
Oceania Room.
SSPA spokesperson
• Brenda Pilott, SSPA national manager
On arrival
• Please go to the SSPA registration and information desk on level 3 and you will be introduced to Brenda Pilott and
directed to the media table.
ENDS