SOCIAL & WELLBEING
Take time to connect with colleagues, enjoy the social programme, and make space for wellbeing throughout the conference.
Welcome reception
Thursday 30 July | 5.00pm - 7.00pm
Join us for an evening of networking amongst the exhibition. An opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones. The welcome reception will include light canapés and beverages and will finish in time to allow you to make your own dinner arrangements and enjoy the Auckland food scene.
One ticket is included for full registration types. Tickets can be purchased for day registration types for $90. Please indicate your attendance through the registration process - we would love to see you there!
Inside the GP Consultation with Lucy O’Hagan
Thursday 30 July | 7.00pm - 7.45pm
Join us for a very special evening performance as part of the GP26 social programme with Lucy O’Hagan presenting Inside the GP Consultation - a powerful and deeply human one-woman performance exploring the realities of general practice.
Using multiple characters, Lucy brings to life the humour, complexity, vulnerability and unseen emotional work that exists within the consultation room. Both funny and poignant, the performance shines a light on the human dynamics at the heart of healthcare and the extraordinary role GPs play every day.
Lucy O’Hagan is a rata hauora/ GP, teacher, mentor, writer and performer. She loves ideas, and how we can make things better. She has studied the social science of medicine as well as narrative practice and kaitiakitanga.
In 2025 her first book, Everything but the Medicine, was published with Massey University Press. A poignant and humorous exploration of the human complexities of the consultation. Longlisted for the Ockham NZ Book Awards it is in its 3rd print run, and is also available as audiobook and ebook.
Her one woman show with 32 characters Inside the GP Consultation is currently touring the country.
In 2024 she released a set of recorded stories written during the pandemic. Waiting for Covid is available on podcast platforms. “Seriously good listening—touching, real, funny.”
Visit https://lucyohagan.com/
Comedy night
Friday 31 July | 5.00pm - 8.00pm
Join us at the end of day one for an evening filled with laughter as celebrated comedian Pax Assadi takes the stage! Savour a mouth-watering selection of finger food from local restaurants - Depot, The Grill and Masu. Don’t miss this chance to connect, relax and indulge in great food and entertainment.
Tickets are $50 and include a light meal and a drink voucher. Non alcoholic drinks are complimentary.
Pax Assadi is regarded as one of the most exciting young acts in New Zealand by his peers and audiences alike.
Beginning his comedy journey in 2012, he has since racked up an impressive array of award nominations for his performances on stage including the 2013 Billy T Award, 2015 NZ Comedy Guild Breakthrough Comedian of the year and Best Male Comedian of the year and most recently was nominated for the prestigious Fred Dagg Award.
Pax is a regular face on television having appeared in TV One's panel show Word Up, TV 3s 7 Days, Maori TVs Crack Up, the critically acclaimed Brown Eye and the 2016 NZ International Comedy Gala.
Born and raised in New Zealand and the son of immigrant parents, Pax brings a unique perspective that resonates with people of every background. His blend of personal stories and insightful observations will have you pondering life whilst simultaneously curled over with laughter.
Move, Connect, Thrive: GP26 Sunrise Wellbeing Breakfast
Saturday 1 August | 6.45am - 7.45am
Start your day with movement, connection and wellbeing at the GP26 Sunrise Session.
This uplifting breakfast session combines a light yoga session, breakfast and an engaging discussion on the role of movement and community connection in improving health outcomes for both patients and practitioners.
Featuring Dr Andrew Boyd and Glen Turner, the session will explore parkrun - the global initiative delivering free weekly 5km community events focused on participation, accessibility and wellbeing.
Designed as a relaxed and energising start to the day, the session offers practical insight into preventative health while giving delegates the chance to connect, reflect and invest in their own wellbeing.