News and Events

22q Family Meeting

​

28 February | 10:00am – 4:30pm
Jet Park Hotel & Conference Centre, Auckland

​

The 22q Family Meeting brings together families, clinicians, advocates, and community members from across New Zealand and around the world for a powerful day of connection, learning, and shared understanding.

This international meeting is designed to place families at the centre — combining world-class clinical expertise with lived experience, advocacy, and storytelling. It is a rare opportunity to hear directly from leading specialists who are shaping care, research, and support for people living with 22q, while also amplifying the voices of those living the experience every day.

Throughout the day, attendees will gain insights into medical, developmental, and psychological aspects of 22q, connect with others who truly understand the journey, and be part of a supportive and inclusive environment that values visibility, dignity, and community.

We are honoured to welcome an exceptional lineup of presenters and speakers travelling from across the globe to support families and showcase the importance of rare disorders in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our Speakers

International & National Presenters

• Rick Guidotti – Internationally renowned photographer and founder of Positive Exposure (Keynote Speaker)

• Dr Donna McDonald McGinn – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

• Dr Honey Heussler – 22q Clinic, Brisbane, Australia

• Dr Linda Campbell – 22q Minded, Global Psychological Clinic

• Julie Wootton – Max Appeal, United Kingdom

• Maria Kamper – 22q Foundation Australia & New Zealand

Lived Experience Voices

Alongside our clinicians and advocates, the meeting will feature lived-experience stories that reflect the strength, diversity, and reality of life with 22q:

• Charli Kamper – 22q Ambassador and person living with 22q

• Lachlan Peck – Child living with 22q

• Jessica Thorley – Sibling and caregiver

• Susan Haldane – Lived experience advocate