Celebrating excellence in mental health.

NZNO's Mental Health Nurses' Section is combining with the University of Auckland and Waitemata District Health Board to organise a conference for mental health workers in Auckland on October 26 and 27. Celebrating Excellence is the conference theme and the closing date for abstracts is August 13. Organisers hope up to 100 people will attend.

Keynote speakers include community health worker and co-ordinator of the Like Minds, Like Mine project in Wanganui, Manny Down, who will look at consumer empowerment and the important of Maori culture in wellness and recovery. Senior lecturer at Auckland University's Centre for Mental Health Research, Policy and Service Development and deputy director of nursing with the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Services, Brian McKenna, is another keynote speaker. He has published widely on forensic mental health, forensic mental health nursing and mental health legislation.

For conference inquiries please contact Frikkie Botha: ph 09 815 5870; 021 240 2031 or email [e-mail].