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Speaking of brains: Bringing health information to the people In an era of information overload, many Kiwis are still missing out on evidence-based advice. The Foundation is working to spread awareness and cement our reputation as NZ’s most trusted source of brain health data and knowledge. This year, we were approached by Life Education Trust NZ, New Zealand’s largest health education provider, supporting the health and wellbeing of young people for over 35 years by delivering health messaging to schools across Aotearoa. They invited our Head of Research, Dr Sarah Schonberger, to speak at their national conference to ‘educate the educators’. • We helped fund a functional neurological disorder (FND) symposium, and covered some attendees’ travel costs. Participants spoke positively about the initiative, with one saying, “I found the day so powerful. The community sharing lived experience, research and good care was such a powerful mix, and I’ve come away feeling supported, validated, educated and safe. Meeting with people who are smart, kind and motivated was really healing.” • We supported a Pacific Parkinson’s Awareness Day in Māngere, Auckland, engaging with a community that navigates young-onset Parkinson’s caused by a genetic mutation known as PINK1. • Northland folk attended an event with Professor John Reynolds, an expert on Parkinson’s disease and former Whangārei-based doctor, who visited his old stomping ground to tell people about the latest research breakthroughs. • We attended a symposium at Mātai Medical Research Institute in Gisborne in November, which shared information with Gisborne locals about the latest exciting brain research happening in their backyard – including Dr Josh McGeown’s traumatic brain injury research and Dr MaryamTayebi’s methamphetamine addiction study, both supported by the Neurological Foundation. Dr Sarah Schonberger “Life Education Trust were thrilled to include Dr Sarah Schonberger in our July 2025 conference programme, presenting a session for our team of 45 Healthy Harold Educators and their regional Trusts. The content was perfectly pitched to our mixed group of 150 attendees, inspiring and equipping the educators who then deliver brain health messaging into schools to thousands of students nationwide. Attendees spoke about the power of the brain health content for their mobile classroom teaching with tamariki, as well as the many personal learnings for us all as individuals. This session received significant positive feedback through conference surveys from attendees.” Life Education Trust We attended special events celebrating the careers of Dr Neil Anderson, who remains our Chief Medical Advisor, and Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull. We also held a special farewell event for retiring University of Otago Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham at Eden Park, Auckland, with over 300 attendees. 28 29