Lived Experience Leadership

Lived Experience refers to the insights, skills, and knowledge gained from surviving or living with a systemic human rights or social issue.

I help organisations learn from, partner with, and co-produce solutions to social issues with Lived Experience experts.

Partnering with Lived Experience people in the processes that affect them, is a human rights approach that can lead to better and just outcomes for all.

I can help you embed lived experience leadership — from governance and management, through to service design and delivery.

  • I reference the NSW Council of Social Services’s Lived Experience framework (2021). Lived experience, can count as having direct experience (or identifying) with any combination of these systemic human rights and social issues below:

    • Indigenous/First Nations peoples;

    • those from a culturally and linguistically diverse background;

    • people with disability, mental health issues or other chronic or severe health issues;

    • those with experience of poverty, unemployment, underemployment or unstable housing;

    • survivors with experience of violence or recovering from trauma;

    • those with different levels of literacy and/or education;

    • younger people and older people;

    • one-parent families;

    • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and gender diverse individuals and communities;

    • people living in rural and remote communities.

  • For too long, meaningful Lived Experience perspectives have been missing from solutions (legislation, policies, programmes) about them.

    People with direct knowledge and experience about how those at the centre of an issue are adversely affected, have been implicitly and sometimes explicitly excluded from decision making processes.

    This has contributed to ineffective solutions and outcomes. As well as a loss of agency, ownership and wellbeing for them.

    1. Public, corporate, community & other organisations (like churches) wanting to engage Lived Experience communities and individuals in a safe, respectful and effective manner.

    2. Lived Experience organisations and groups who want to work more effectively and meaningfully with non-Lived Experience groups (funders, corporates, government).

    3. Lived Experience individuals who wish to enhance their own Lived Experience effectiveness and strengths. (Or, coaching the people they report.)

    1. Advisory & consultancy services

    2. Capability Development services

    3. Co-production and Facilitation

    4. Education & Training

What is Lived Experience?

  • Lived Experience refers to the insights, skills, and knowledge gained from surviving or living with a systemic human rights issue.

  • Indigenous/First Nations peoples; those from a culturally and linguistically diverse background; people with disability, mental health issues or other chronic or severe health issues; those with experience of poverty, unemployment, underemployment or unstable housing; survivors with experience of violence or recovering from trauma; those with different levels of literacy and/or education; younger people and older people; one-parent families; Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and gender diverse individuals and communities; people living in rural and remote communities.

    Using the NSW Council of Social Services’s Lived Experience framework (2021), having lived experience counts as identifying or having direct experience of any combination of these systemic human rights and social issues above:

  • This valuable and sophisticated knowledge is based on a nuanced understanding of various shifting contexts (familial, community, cultural, societal, political etc), and access to trusted relationships.

  • "Participation is fundamental to taking a human rights based approach... people with lived experience of human rights issues are contributing their time, energy, and vital expertise to inform how the Commission, and other public bodies, work to protect and promote human rights..."

    The Scottish Human Rights Commission’s 2021 report Paying people with lived experience for their participation

  • Lived Experience is more than what you get from only hearing about it. Instead of assumptions, it's knowledge based on how things have occurred in the past, or are likely to occur in reality. It's then adapting approaches to meet the conditions "on the ground".

  • Instead of seeing those lived experiences as barriers or shortcomings, it’s using the expertise and skills you gained to help and educate others.

  • For too long, meaningful Lived Experience perspectives have been missing from solutions (legislation, policies, programmes) about them. People with direct knowledge and experience about how those at the centre of an issue are adversely affected, have been implicitly and sometimes explicitly excluded from decision making processes. This has contributed to ineffective solutions and outcomes. As well as a loss of agency and ownership for them.

  • Decision-making that includes Lived Experience leadership, will be better informed, and help create a just and bright future for all

  • Organisations responsible for social good must learn from, and co-produce solutions to relevant issues with lived experience experts.

    Reemphasising the human rights mantra ‘Nothing about us without us’. Originally, coined by disabled people’s advocates, and further popularised by those in health consumer leadership, namely those with lived experience of mental health and/or distress,

  • Lived experience insights are enhanced when combined with robust research, evidence, and other human rights approaches and good practice.

  • A note on intersectionality, including Mental Health consumer leadership, and Disabled People's (tangata whaikaha) Lived Experiences

    Due to those important human rights issues being outside of my own lived experience, please refer to experts and several organisations in those sectors in NZ and globally. In my work, however, I encourage the accomodation of the intersectional nature of lived experience identities and overlapping human rights.

    On projects, I will refer to and collaborate with groups and leaders from those sectors, as I have done previously, when at the NZ Human Rights Commission, I led the production of an A3 Roadmap for a Violence & Abuse-free Future for Disabled People/tangata whaikaha Maori, and at Te Hiringa Hauora (Health Promotion Agency, now Te Whatu Ora), when I initiated a Like Minds, Like Mine Pacific campaign aimed at reducing stigma of mental illness/distress by Pacific families towards a lived experience/consumer family member .

  • Where have I applied Lived Experience leadership before?

    Many places, some examples:

    Conversion Practices & SOGIESC/LGBTIQ+ rights - establishment of the Human Rights Commission’s service and education and advocacy

    Social Cohesion (Dial it Down - COVID-19 divisiveness; Op-eds on COVID racism against Asians & Pacific peoples, and against migrants; Rainbow inclusion media commentary - Israel Folau saga; Manly Sea Eagles Pride Jersey; and here)

    Public health & equity for Pacific peoples & Maori (Rheumatic Fever Awareness; STROKE FAST Campaign; Minimising Gambling Harm; Quitline Pacific - Tobacco control); Op-ed on Pacific people’s health under COVID-19.

    Pacific Pay Gap and effects of poverty

    Race relations/Anti-racism - Give Nothing to Racism/Voice of Racism; Racism is no joke; Migrant experiences of racism research; Ezra Mam/Spencer Leniu

    Religion and intersection of LGBTIQ+ and other human rights, here and here

  • There is an overlapping need here for organisations benefiting from the Lived Experience of its employees — over and above their primary responsibilities — such as competencies like written/spoken language and cultural insights, to ensure they are meaningfully acknowledging these additional value-add competencies.

    Similarly, safeguards and policies must exist for employees to ensure clear expectations and avoidance of exploitation, or conversely, discriminatory treatment by their employers.

  • "It is important that these [lived experience] contributions are recognised as a core part of effective human rights work – and valued on an equal footing with professional efforts and expertise."

    Scottish Human Rights Commission 2021 report - Paying people with lived experience for their participation. A review of legislation, literature, and practice

  • For further reading, see the following:

    I am not associated with any of the above organisations or the above mentioned work, but it aligns to my philosophy and work practices.

Professional Services

As an independent ‘fresh set of eyes’, I can help your organisation design, develop and deliver strategic impact activities for your stakeholders, in ways that complement your other priorities and do not compromise Lived Experience values.

Lived Experience issues and organisations sometimes require additional support in achieving maximum strategic impact. Other matters can compete for attention such as advocacy, day-to-day business operations, and the realities of the ‘urgent and important’.

I work with three main groups:

  1. Organisations (public, corporate, community, churches) wanting to engage Lived Experience communities and individuals in a safe, respectful and effective manner;

  2. Lived Experience organisations and groups wishing to work more effectively and meaningfully with non-Lived Experience groups (funders, corporates, government);

  3. Lived Experience individuals who wish to enhance their own Lived Experience effectiveness and strengths. (Or, coaching the managers they report to.)

To offer the following services:

  • Andre Afamasaga giving a talk before the German Ambassador to NZ

    Advisory & consultancy services

    I can expediently analyse and solve problems around Lived Experience issues. With a background in public health, equity, human rights, race relations, community work and cultural safety, I embed these approaches within my advice to help mitigate against unintended negative consequences. I work at a governance level or operationally. I can also advise on procurement processes that support effective Lived Experience outcomes.

  • Andre Afamasaga giving a project update on a Pacific public health initiative

    Capability Development services

    l help individuals, organisations and settings to develop their capability in areas I have expertise in, such as — strategic planning and communications, procurement, and service delivery — without diminishing their Lived Experience uniqueness. By overlaying culturally safe logic models and frameworks, we can increase effectiveness and acceptability.

  • A community workshop that Andre Afamasaga co-facilitated

    Co-production and Facilitaion

    I can help organisations produce high quality outputs for their stakeholders (clients or peers) from campaigns to resources and tools. With 20+ years of Facilitator experience with Pacific, Māori & culturally and linguistically diverse community groups, I can run co-production workshops to help develop products for your stakeholders.

  • Andre Afamasaga speaking to a large church audience about mental health distress

    Speaking & Education

    As a public speaker, educator and facilitator, I can customise Keynote talks or training for your audience about Lived Experience and other issues I am well versed in. During 2023, I spoke at seven national and international conferences, including delivering four keynotes. I am frequently evaluated as being a standout speaker. See my speaking section for more info.

Outside of the Lived Experience space, here’s a highlight of my key skills and services. Whether you need an advisor, facilitator, or project manager, let’s talk about your needs:

  • 20+ years of community engagement experience with diverse communities in New Zealand and Australia. Within government, I have held senior engagement roles at the NZ Human Rights Commission; the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet (COVID-19); and the Ministry of Justice (Conversion practices). I can help design Community Engagement/ Partnership plans that embed lived experience, cultural safety, and human rights approaches.

  • 10+ years experience in strategic communications & media roles for government/Independent Crown Entities. I can do Communications strategies, planning, or producing outputs. I can also work with ad agencies and do media management/public relations and media training. As well as awareness-raising, behaviour and attitude-change campaigns.

  • Rainbow/LGBITQ+ inclusion in religious & cultural settings - I have delivered education for religious settings on the Conversion Practices Prohibition Act, as well as conversations around inclusion from a theological and an ethical perspective.

  • Competent in operationalising Te Tiriti o Waitangi & equity approaches for Māori; and pan-Pacific and ethnic-specific equity approaches

  • Former advisor (policy & media/comms) to senior public officials such as Human Rights Commissioners

  • Education & Learning development, including resources and tool production - I’ve helped develop large-scale public health, youth development, antiracism, and social cohesion tools and resources.

  • Empowering Project Management - I’ve managed complex projects that create win-win results for both project sponsors and lived experience benefactors.

  • Procurement that embeds equity, diversity and inclusion capabilities - I have helped develop Human Rights procurement frameworks, such as the inclusion of Lived Experience experts and communities, on tenders for government agencies. I have helped coach Māori and Pacific suppliers and community groups to eventually become preferred suppliers to government agencies. I also initiated the foundational work for a government agency to eventually establish a supplier panel for Māori and Pacific researchers.

Examples of projects where I have applied Lived Experience leadership

Before I was ever aware of the concept and language of “Lived Experience”, I was already applying my own lived experience of various human rights issues to inform policies, practices, advocacy and service design.

Here are examples of where I have been able to apply those insights via contributions to projects (i.e. programmmes, campaigns, events, panels, initiatives), in addition to other inputs, to eventually produce better outcomes, than without them.

Approaches & values I can apply

  • I will respect Indigenous communities wherever I work, such as tangata whenua Māori in Aotearoa, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, and Indigenous communities across Pacific Island nations.

    I will integrate decolonisation, equity, culturally safe, anti-racist, and pro-human rights approaches, including supporting local struggles for self-determination, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi based approaches, and the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

  • Respecting local leadership, I will work in a ‘by, for and with’ fashion with local leaders (community, cultural and civil society, human rights defenders). I will not impose ineffectual or unwanted methods. However, in collaboration I can work with local leaders to stress test new methods prior to implementation.

  • I begin with the ‘end in mind’, and the ‘why?’ by using theory of change and logic models and rationale in the early stages of an initiative design process.

    This includes risk management, and culturally safe practices, as required by relevant various stakeholders.

  • I work with, and advocate for the full spectrum of the Rainbow communities being accepted, including transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, or intersex identifying communities and individuals.

    I work in a human rights affirming way, to model and demonstrate non-discrimination and equality for any groups marginalised by the dominant powers and systems.

  • Every person is born free and equal in dignity and rights. Despite our differences (sometimes significant), I generally believe it is possible for most people to act towards one another in a spirit of kinship.

    Where appropriate and relevant, human rights approaches can also include educative and conciliatory approaches, in addition to justice reform and redress.

    For example, as an ex-Pastor, I practice bridge-building between non-affirming religious groups and Rainbow communities using elements of non-violent communication and restorative justice.

About Andre Afamasaga

Andre Afamasaga is humorous, fun-loving, and generous. His working style can be described as appreciative, congenial, diplomatic, energetic and expressive. He is idealistic, loyal and organised. He is family orientated and spiritual.

Andre is also a well-known face and advocate for human rights, inclusivity, and social cohesion (bridge building). Through his advocacy, he has appeared in media in Australia such as ABC, SBS and Sydney Morning Herald, and in New Zealand - 1News, RNZ, Breakfast, Stuff, and many more.

Andre is Samoan (villages: Afega, Fasito‘otai) and was born in Lower Hutt , Aotearoa New Zealand. For more than two decades, he has worked across government, community, youth, public health, education, and faith/religious sectors in Australia and New Zealand. He has been nominated for awards in acknowledgement of his community work, such as Australia Day Citizen of the Year, for his local council awards, and NSW Pacific Community Worker of the Year. His professional experience notably includes working at Te Kahui Tika Tangata | NZ Human Rights Commission, in roles such as a GM and a senior/lead advisor to the previous Chief Human Rights Commissioner Prof Paul Hunt, and former Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon. He helped lead anti-racism and social cohesion campaigns like Voice of Racism (Give Nothing to Racism), Racism is No Joke (COVID-based racism towards Asians) and Dial it Down. Andre’s last role was Group Manager of the Advice, Research, and Engagement teams. His team looked after human rights for SOGIESC, and Pacific peoples, as well as projects like the Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry, the Housing Inquiry, and many more.

He also had secondments at the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet working on Unite Against COVID-19, and Ministry of Justice. Before that, he was at Te Hiringa Hauora (Health Promotion Agency), where he worked on several award-winning public health awareness and behaviour change campaigns in public health for Pacific and Māori such as Rheumatic Fever, Stroke FAST and Quitline. This followed 11 years as a Pastor and Chaplain in Sydney and Wellington. A job he loved, but one he voluntarily resigned from to fully accept himself and his sexual orientation.

His belated self-acceptance sadly came after enduring 15+ years of conversion practices (or ‘conversion therapy’). Wanting to prevent others from self-hate and other harms, Andre subsequently began publicly advocating for Rainbow/LGBTIQ+ peoples to be accepted in religious and cultural settings. At the end of 2019, at a time of intense homophobic debate in the ‘Israel Folau saga’, he came out publicly as gay, in a viral opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald that was also published in The Age (Melbourne), Stuff (NZ), and the Samoa Observer. His lived experience of being a church Pastor, and surviving conversion practices would become invaluable to his human rights work. He worked on the team that developed the policy for the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act before New Zealand’s Parliament passed it into law. And, he subsequently became the senior manager overseeing the establishment of the Human Rights Commission’s civil redress scheme.

This has been one of many full circle moments for Andre — where he was able to apply his lived experience insights of a human rights issue, to inform policy development and design systems and processes, that would eventually help improve services and minimise negative outcomes for lived experience groups.

In 2022, Stuff did a National Portrait Piece (feature story) on Andre that appeared in appears in their nine daily newspapers across Aotearoa. He appears in the media and speaks at conferences regularly, and a short documentary about his life will be broadcast on Australian TV in September 2024.

See Media section for Andre’s advocacy and Speaking section for issues he offers keynotes on.

Now that he is no longer a public servant, he is recommencing his governance work. He has since taken up Board/Trustee positions for two national youth development/community organisations - Zeal, and another soon to be formalised.

Since 2021, he has been a Judge for the prestigious BEST Design Awards Social Good Category, and in 2024, he joined the Diversity Awards as a judge in the Respectful Culture category.

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Media advocacy

I recognise the important role media can play in effecting positive change for human rights and lived experience issues.

As a former spokesperson for the NZ Human Rights Commission, and in my personal capacity as a community leader, I have advocated for lived experience issues, such as Racism (race relations). Rainbow rights, Conversion practices prohibition, religious settings to be more inclusive, Pacific people's issues, Social Cohesion, and more. On these occasions, I am able to weave in relevant lived experience, while also discussing legislation, policy and the evidence-base.

Following are links to media , Op-eds (not including ghostwriting for others, available upon request), interviews, quotes, and/or mentions in numerous NZ and international outlets. I am also available for media commentary on relevant issues.

My appearances have also been cited in academic writings (PhD and MA dissertations, academic journal articles and books), as well as reports to ban conversion practices globally. Some of my media interviews have made it to university course reading lists in the United States, UK, Australia and NZ. This makes me very proud to know that my views are being used to hopefully promote and foster greater understanding and acceptance for lived experience peoples and issues.

See my LinkTree for a comprehensive list of mentions and interviews in the masthead logos above.

Such as AM Show, SBS Australia Samoa Radio; Maori TV, RNZ Nine to Noon, Pacific Media Network, The Australian, The Guardian, NZ Herald, Spinoff, Newstalk ZB, and many more.

I was honoured to be interviewed by Moana Maniapoto as a TV panellist in a historic national broadcast to mark the inaugural Matariki public holiday in New Zealand in 2022.

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Andre Afamasaga convening the Te Kahui Tika Tangata Rainbow Rights are Human Rights Conference in Auckland
Andre Afamasaga giving a keynote speech at the 2023 CARN (Cross Agency Rainbow Network) government conference in Christchurch
Andre Afamasaga convening a panel at the Be360 Wellbeing Conference in Palmerston North
Andre Afamasaga as a Race Relations Day 2024 panellist for the NZ Human Rights Commission
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Andre Afamasaga at the Victoria University of Wellington Pasifika graduation
Andre Afamasaga speaking at a youth rally in Perth, WA, Australia
Andre Afamasaga convening a panel with the Chief Ombudsman Judge Peter Boshier
Andre Afamasaga speaking at the Best of the Best Design Awards talks on Give Nothing to Racism
Andre Afamasaga at the Prime Ministers Pacific Youth Awards at NZ Parliament with then Prime Minister John Key
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Andre Afamasaga at Massey University at the conferral of Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu Endeman
Andre Afamasaga giving a guest lecture at Victoria University of Wellington to a Pacific Education class
Andre Afamasaga MC'ing the Aniva graduation with Dr Debbie Ryan of Pacific Perspectives and then Prime Minister Bill English and MP Alfred Ngaro at Te Papa
Andre Afamasaga at the Prime Ministers Pacific Youth Awards at NZ Parliament with Dame Winnie Laban in the background, with then Prime Minister John Key
Andre Afamasaga presenting on a global conversion practices panel at Sydney World Pride Human Rights Conference
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Andre Afamsaga at a large youth rally in South Auckland speaking on removing stigma from mental health
Andre Afamasaga at City Gallery in Wellington talking at the Best Awards talks
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Andre Afamasaga at the Prime Ministers Pacific Youth Awards at NZ Parliament with then Prime Minister John Key
Andre Afamasaga convening a webinar on conversion practices
Andre Afamasaga at the World Youth Conference in Singapore in 2003

What people say about my speaking

  • “Andre's MCing was great - gentle, funny, incredibly honouring of all of the presenters, as well as clearly showing that he'd paid detailed attention to each one - and was able to seamlessly summarise key concepts, issues, and relevancies back to the audience. This is a skill that few MCs do well … "

    Conference organiser - Government/community sectors (Health focus)

  • "If you’re looking for a keynote speaker that can keep you on the edge of your seat, deliver meaningful content in an engaging and humorous way then look no further. As a recipient of one of Andre’s most recent kōrero I highly recommend..."

    Conference attendee of a large government agency where Andre did keynote talk on "Lived experience"

  • "Your ability to effortlessly engage with the audience and bring some humour to your topic was inspiring, and is why you rated as one of the top speakers of the conference."

    CARN 2023 - a large cross-government agency diversity conference organising comittee

  • “One of the most notable aspects of the conference was the presence of two outstanding keynote speakers: the Honourable Jan Tinetti, serving as the Minister of Education, and Andre Afamasaga… Andre's keynote speech was powerful and thought-provoking… What struck me the most during the conference was Andre's emphasis on the infinite worth of every individual…”

    School Principal/delegate at the 20A3 Association of Integrated Schools Conference, in school newsletter

  • ”Andre offered lived experience authenticity, and show cased a range of risk factors that many might not get to hear about. [He] tackled sensitive subjects with compassion, vulnerability and challenges”

    Feedback on keynote talk at large conference

  • "Andre was a great MC, he kept the day flowing nicely, his comments after different presentations were on point & nice to hear, his humour kept everybody in tune with the day & it was obvious he knew what he was talking about."

    Conference evaluation form feedback

  • "Andre, just looking through the evaluations. Here are comments on your facilitation: Good facilitation; What worked well? Andre; What worked well? Andre’s personality and delivery of the hui; I think the facilitator was incredible; Andre was a great MC Great facilitator!"

    Email from conference organiser (Government/community sector; Mental health topic)

  • "Andre Afamasaga’s impeccable balance of professionalism and entertainment elevated the event to another level, creating a polished and engaging atmosphere that left attendees thoroughly impressed with the conference."

    Government agency, Judiciary focus

  • “Andre had an amazing energy and story-telling”

    Conference evaluation on Andre’s keynote talk

  • “Andre’s talk was super engaging and didn’t feel scripted either”

    Conference evaluation on Andre’s keynote talk

  • "Dear Andre, just want to say a huge thank you. You've exceeded my expectations - but why am I surprised. The audience loved you!!! You connected with them - you are just the perfect Conference speaker! With your permission I would like to recommend your name to my counterparts across the country. I loved how you shared sooooo many personal stories. You were so real. "

  • "...having organised many events over the years, I'd have to say Andre is one of the best I've seen. Let's keep using him for all future seminars!"

    Conference organising committee member

  • “A fantastic MC who takes the time to understand the organisation/business and its audience in particular.”

  • "...It’s been a while since I’ve left a presentation feeling motivated to do and be better. Ngā mihi nui ki koe e hoa."

  • “It was a delight having you host our conference, your presence lifted the occasion and gave it polish and glam.”

    Government/Justice/Judiciary sector

  • "Andre, you are a powerful speaker. My heart was warmed that you connected across generations. To see the volunteers crammed under the gazebo to listen to you - they could've just been hanging outside. Thank you for coming, for sharing your life, for being authentic. Loved the humour, your message was more powerful, challenging and captivating."

  • “Andre where do I start.... we wanted to get back in touch with you to say a massive THANK YOU for your huge contribution… We could not have been happier with how this day turned out and the experience and energy that was created in the room. We really want to acknowledge the critical role that you played and the fact that without YOU...the conference would not have been as successful as it was and so we really can't thank you enough. We are so grateful for your generosity, support and willingness to be involved as our amazing MC.”

  • Andre is a skilled facilitator who uses his excellent people skills and understanding of anti-racism and Rainbow Rights to bring out the best in all who take part. Andre brings self-awareness, empathy, kindness, and humour to his role as a facilitator. He is skilled at active listening and his thoughtful manner enables those involved to feel ownership of the process. I highly recommend Andre, particularly if you are seeking assistance in leading/facilitating a conversation about equity, inclusion and belonging.

    a National Human Rights Institution

  • Andre has been such a gift to our organization. He presents in a way that is loving and gentle, breaking down barriers and bringing people together (rather than pushing people further apart). Andre has supported growth for our staff in many different ways. His presentation style is funny and grace-filled, and he weaves personal stories into what he shares. We 100% recommend Andre, especially to Christian organizations – wherever you’re at on your own journey, Andre will have something to offer you.

    Christian Youth organisation NZ

Inspiring people to be and to do better, through speaking

“I’m an ex-preacher turned human rights advocate. Regardless of my job or context, I’ve always loved speaking about complex societal issues in a way that inspires, challenges, and motivates people towards positive action.

I know I am living my purpose when I make audiences think, laugh, and then inspired to be and do better.

I've spoken in front of many people -- from Prime Ministers and MPs, to 'at-risk' young people, to youth workers, at Women's Conferences, Men’s Wellbeing conferences, government agency meetings and team away days, to School Principal gatherings, and guest lectures at universities -- Regardless of background, I aim to connect, educate and inspire.

In 2023, I presented at seven conferences internationally and domestically, over half of these were keynote talks. I would love to speak to your event this year."

My professional experience as a MC, host, convenor

For more than 20 years, I’ve facilitated, Master of Ceremonies (MC, emceed), officiated, and hosted conferences, events, webinars, and workshops for the following organisations and events (a sample):

  • Prime Ministers Youth Awards at NZ Parliament x3

  • Te Kahui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission;

  • Covey Leadership (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) for IBM New Zealand;

  • The Office of the Chief Justice (Ministry of Justice);

  • Ministry of Social Development;

  • Ministry of Health;

  • Ministry of Pacific Peoples;

  • Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment;

  • NZ Police;

  • Te Hiringa Hauora | Health Promotion Agency;

  • YMCA NZ;

  • NZ Heart Foundation;

  • plus multiple large community events such as Awards Shows, Graduation Ceremonies, Polyfests, Fundraisers, church events and more,

  • and not to mention, private events such as weddings, graduations, farewells and birthdays.

I will also MC DECULT 2024 - the first cult awareness conference in Australasia, in October in Christchurch. As part of my advocacy for social cohesion, I agreed to be involved in this conference, the more I saw survivors of religious abuse and cults, in my work around conversion practices, as well as observing the Royal Commission in Historic Abuse in State Care hearings. I hope religious leaders will engage in this conference, to help prevent cult-like behaviours from taking root within their respective settings.

Book me for a keynote

Now that I am working for myself, I have more time and greater scope and lattitude to speak on the issues I am passionate about, such as:

  • Wellbeing — how to bring your whole self to work, while also getting the work done, and protecting yourself!

  • Social Cohesion (the importance of nuanced approaches to solving conflict in one of the most divisive times in recent history; and related topics such as inequality, and mis/ disinformation).

  • Intersection of LGBTIQ+ rights and religion/religious beliefs

  • Race relations and Racism

  • Why Lived Experience matters - from an organisational, societal perspective (for managers and organisations), and individual perspective (tips to stay sane and safe!)

  • Human Rights

  • Inclusion, Equity and Diversity

  • Income inequality including the Pacific Pay Gap

  • Youth Development & Justice

  • Matters of interest to Pacific, ethnic and migrant groups

  • Faith, religious, Christian topics (sermons, workshops, small group discussions)

  • Motivational talks

  • Addiction (Alcoholism & Sobriety - see my Stuff National Portrait)

My style is to weave in personal stories, humour and inspiration, among evidence-based research, and sociological and current events as examples to stimulate thought and reflection. 

Andre giving a keynote at CARN 2023 Conference on “Faith, culture & family - When protective factors become risk factors for conversion practices survivors”. [Start at 12:23]
Andre speaking at the Best of the Best Designers Speak talks, on Voice of Racism on behalf of the Human Rights Commission. [Start at 03:02] 

Andre on the  'Ending Conversion Practices: A Global Conversation'  panel  at World Pride Human Rights Conference. [Start at 42:11] 
Andre being interviewed for TV by Moana Maniapoto for the Manly Sea Eagles Pride Jersey saga for Te Ao with Moana

FAQs about how to book me:

  • In short, yes. While I have set rates, fees are based on any combination of the following:

    • Your budget (equity with other main presenters)

    • Preparation time (how much research will be required for the drafting of the talk; learning about your intended objectives and outcomes)

    • Actual time required to speak or MC

    • Logistical preparation

    If a payment or a speaking fee, is not possible, but covering travel and accomodation expenses are possible, please reach out.

  • Yes. Travel plans can be discussed when booking a talk/MC engagement. Organisers should consider travel and accommodation etc at the time of booking.

  • Yes, I do and have done many online events. However, depending on the nature and topic, there may be some limitations on the types of content and desired outcomes due to the non-in person format. Preparation time for talks do not differ between in-person and online events.

  • After I am approached to speak, MC or host, I ask for 1-2 meetings with organisers to understand intended objectives and outcomes, as well as information about the audience and organisational culture. After that, we stay in touch via email. After the event, I am able to meet for debriefs if needed.

Let’s connect!