Each Cutting Edge, we recognise members of the addiction workforce who are making exceptional contributions to our sector.
Nominated by their peers, the award winners are selected by a dapaanz panel.
This year, we were pleased to recognise 31 addiction sector kaimahi across 13 awards categories.
We congratulate all the awards winners and thank you for your mahi. You make a difference for your communities and the organisations and teams you work with every day.
Dapaanz Excellent Contribution to Addiction Practice: Sheridan Pooley, CADS Auckland.
This very important award acknowledges an addiction sector hero who has made a significant difference to addiction practice, the wider sector and for whānau and communities over their career. Their contribution goes above and beyond. Their professional impact will leave a lasting legacy on the addiction sector.
“Sheridan has been involved with addiction services since the 1980s including volunteering at NZ’s first needle exchange. As Chair of the Lived Experience Addiction Leadership Group, Sheridan advocates for addiction clients nationally and engages in quality assurance and improvement activities at local, national and international levels. For over 20 years, Sheridan has amplified the voices of clients which has significantly impacted positive change across the sector.”
Sheridan Pooley
Dapaanz Excellence in Clinical Supervision Practice
- Alex Wang – Asian Family Services
- Cory James – Tuhiata Mahiora Trust
- Nicole Cope – CADS Auckland
- Pareake O’Brien – Te Puna Ora o Mataatua
Dapaanz Excellence in Mātauranga Māori Addiction Practice
- Rob Tua, Lusan Turton & Josh Kemp, Cultural Kaimahi Team – Higher Ground | Papa Taumata
- Sheena Maunsell – Odyssey Auckland
Dapaanz Excellence in Pasifika Addiction Practice
- Arona Aloaina – Tupu South Auckland
Dapaanz Excellence in Asian Addiction Practice
- Ashvini Chandra – Asian Family Services
- Dr Wardah Ali – Asian Family Services
Dapaanz Excellence in Addiction Peer Support Practice
- Aroha Crosbie and Brody Runga – Ka Rere Te Manu
Dapaanz Excellent Contribution to Accredited Addiction Peer Support
- Antoanetta Du Preez – PGF Services
- Luke Gundeson – CADS South, Auckland
- Paul Brown – Auckland City Mission
Dapaanz Excellent Contribution to Peer Support
- Michelle Stephens – Puna Whakataa | Ember Services
- Tarsha Joyce – Higher Ground | Papa Taumata
- Tyron McKenzie – Manaaki Ora Trust
Dapaanz Excellence in Working with Rangatahi
- Alexandra Siu – Odyssey Auckland
- Flo Tamehana – Manukau Institute of Technology
- Jason Ryder – Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira
- Jhial McGregor – Kapiti Youth Support
Dapaanz Excellent Contribution to Minimising Gambling Harm Practice
- Alex Wang – Asian Family Services
- Denise Giles – PGF Services
- Hyunsook Rhee – Asian Family Services
Dapaanz Newcomer to Addiction Practice Award
- Sam Marshall – Care NZ
- Trevor Lamb – Mana Enhancing Stop Charitable Trust
Te Pou also sponsors two awards each Cutting Edge to recognise workforce innovation and research. This year’s award winners were:
Te Pou Workforce Innovation Award
- Chris Ranui-Molloy – Recovery Street
Te Pou Workforce Research Award
- Suzette Jackson – Higher Ground | Papa Taumata