Speaking & Events
OCTOBER 2026
Raising sepsis awareness within the Aged Care Sector
Sepsis Trust NZ CEO Ally Hossain presented at the Aged Care Association (ACA) conference in Wellington, highlighting the importance of early sepsis recognition among older people, who are particularly vulnerable to serious infection and its complications. It was an opportunity to engage with aged care professionals, share practical knowledge and reinforce the importance of recognising the often-subtle signs of sepsis before it is too late.
OCTOBER 2026
A National Sepsis Action Plan supported by Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick MP
Our recent meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss the urgent need for a coordinated national response to sepsis in Aotearoa New Zealand. We were encouraged by Chlöe's engagement and her commitment to supporting the development of a National Sepsis Action Plan.
Her backing represents an important step towards building cross-party momentum for sepsis to be recognised as a national health priority.
We believe sepsis should transcend party politics. Saving lives through earlier recognition, better treatment and improved support for survivors and whānau is an issue that deserves the support of all political parties.
OCTOBER 2026
Labour leader Chris Hipkins MP meets 10-year-old sepsis survivor
During our brief meeting with Labour Leader Chris Hipkins, a 10-year-old sepsis survivor asked whether he would support a National Sepsis Action Plan if he became Prime Minister.
It was a powerful reminder of what is at stake. Behind every statistic are real people, children and families whose lives have been changed by sepsis.
The opportunity was another important opportunity to build bipartisan support for a coordinated national response, with earlier recognition, better treatment and improved support for survivors and whānau at its heart, and it's led to an invitation for a formal meeting with Hipkins in due course.
SEPTEMBER 2026
Inaugural fundraising "Long Lunch" event in Nelson raises $8,865
Our Sepsis September fundraising lunch, held in partnership with Nelson restaurant Arden Porta Via, was a wonderful celebration of community support and generosity. Thanks to the incredible contributions of local businesses, sponsors, donors and attendees, we raised an impressive $8,865 – with every dollar going directly to Sepsis Trust NZ.
The event was a fantastic reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together behind a life-saving cause. We are enormously grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.
SEPTEMBER 2026
Highlighting the critical role of diagnostics in Sepsis
Our CEO was invited to present at the Co-Lab Forum in Wellington on the vital role of diagnostics in sepsis recognition and management. The presentation highlighted how timely, accurate diagnostic information can support clinical decision-making, guide appropriate treatment and improve outcomes for people with sepsis. It was an opportunity to strengthen conversations around the importance of diagnostics as a critical part of the wider sepsis response.
SEPTEMBER 2026
Strengthening sepsis recognition in Urgent Care
Long-time Sepsis Trust NZ supporter & Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Katie Wallander presented at the Royal New Zealand College of Urgent Care's annual Boot Camp, highlighting the importance of recognising sepsis early in urgent care settings.
Her presentation equipped urgent care clinicians with greater awareness of the signs of sepsis, the importance of timely escalation and the role of early intervention in improving outcomes. Another important opportunity to take the sepsis message directly to frontline healthcare professionals and our Infection Cards were distributed to all delegates for use in their practice.
SEPTEMBER 2026
Taking sepsis awareness into the community
Sepsis Trust NZ took its life-saving awareness message to the Nelson Home & Garden Show, connecting with local families and visitors to raise awareness of sepsis and the infections that can lead to it. It was a valuable opportunity to share practical information, encourage early recognition and help more people understand when to ask: "could it be sepsis?" The event also raised just under $3,000 thanks to a charity raffle, generously supported by local businesses.
SEPTEMBER 2026
Championing the role of diagnostics in sepsis management
Our CEO was invited to speak at an event in Melbourne, hosted by BD & Waters Corporation, bringing together microbiologists, laboratory leaders and healthcare professionals from across Australia and New Zealand.
Ally shared the human impact of sepsis and highlighted the critical importance of awareness, advocacy and timely diagnosis in improving patient outcomes. It was another valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships across the diagnostics sector and reinforce the vital role of early diagnosis in saving lives from sepsis.
AUGUST 2026
Launching our RNZCGP-endorsed Infection Cards at GP CME South
A significant milestone for Sepsis Trust NZ was presenting on paediatric sepsis, alongside Consultant Paediatrician Dr. John Garrett, at GP CME South in Christchurch. It also gave us the opportunity to launch our new RNZCGP-endorsed Infection Cards.
Developed to help patients and whānau recognise when an infection may be becoming more serious and when to seek urgent medical attention, the cards are a practical tool to support safety-netting and earlier sepsis recognition in primary care. This was an important step in taking our awareness work directly into the community, where 80% of sepsis cases originate.
MAY 2026
Sepsis Trust NZ visits with WHO sepsis experts
Our CEO Ally Hossain travelled personally to the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland, to hold a series of meetings with sepsis and antimicrobial resistance experts.
These meetings are an important opportunity for us to elevate New Zealand's position on the global health stage, but also for us to listen and learn from international sepsis experts, ensuring we are upholding global best practice. We continue to share our specific learnings with the Ministry of Health & Health New Zealand, and continue these important international conversations.
MARCH 2026
Taking the sepsis message to Emergency Medicine
Our CEO, Ally Hossain, presented at the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) conference in Nelson, sharing the importance of early sepsis recognition, timely treatment and listening to patients and whānau. It was an important opportunity to bring the survivor and family perspective into conversations with emergency medicine professionals and advocate for system-wide improvements in sepsis care.
MARCH 2026
Connecting with Emergency Nurses at CENNZ
In March 2026, Sepsis Trust NZ exhibited at the College of Emergency Nurses New Zealand (CENNZ) conference, connecting with emergency nursing professionals from across the country. It was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of sepsis, share practical resources and strengthen relationships with frontline clinicians working to improve early recognition and treatment.
Trust co-founder Dr. Dan Dobbins & Infectious Disease Consultant Dr. Katie Wallander also presented a sepsis session.
FEBRUARY 2026
The Rt. Hon. Helen Clark accepts Patronage of Sepsis Trust NZ
Sepsis Trust NZ was honoured to announce the appointment of one of New Zealand’s most respected global public health leaders, the Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, as its new Patron.
Her appointment brings an unparalleled depth of global leadership and public health experience to the role, signalling to government, clinicians, funders and the public that sepsis is a serious, system-level health priority worthy of national and international attention.
As former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Co-Chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, Helen Clark has spent decades advancing health equity, strengthening health systems, and championing prevention and early intervention worldwide.
DECEMBER 2025
Taking sepsis to the Beehive: Meeting with the Minister of Health
A significant milestone in our national advocacy came with an in-person meeting with the Minister of Health, Hon Simeon Brown MP, to champion better recognition, treatment and support for people affected by sepsis in Aotearoa.
We called for a National Sepsis Action Plan, in line with World Health Organization recommendations, adequate resourcing to implement the national hospital sepsis quality improvement package, and greater support for sepsis survivors and whānau, alongside increased public awareness.
The meeting marked an important step in bringing sepsis higher on the national health agenda and strengthening our call for a coordinated, nationwide response. It was an opportunity to ensure the voices and experiences of survivors, families and our wider community were heard at the highest levels of government. Our CEO subsequently met with him after his presentation at the ACA Conference in October 2026.
Contact Info
Sepsis Trust NZ
PO Box No 565
Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240
info@sepsis.org.nz
Charity No. CC56078
Helpful Links
Our thanks to our 2026 funders
Pub Charity, The Lion Foundation, The Potter Trust, Nelson Pine Industries Limited
