Toxic Stress Symposium #2: Collective Action for Whānau Wellbeing

At a recent symposium on toxic stress, Chy Potaka-Osborne welcomed Alex and Nads from Point Research to share insights on how stress impacts our bodies, minds, and communities. They explained the three types of stress - positive, tolerable, and toxic - highlighting how toxic stress can impair memory, planning, and engagement while contributing to long-term health issues.

The discussion identified poverty, food insecurity, and family violence as key drivers of toxic stress, stressing that solutions don’t need to be complicated: it begins with recognising risk factors and taking clear, practical steps to address them.

Speakers emphasised that every organisation, whānau, and individual has a role to play in reducing toxic stress. Through self-checking, collective action, and open conversations, we can create stronger, more supportive communities that protect against harm and build resilience.

At the Toxic Stress Symposium, Kylee Osborne used a string activity to reveal how complex systems create barriers for whānau. Her message: every one of us can make one change to help turn toxic stress into positive outcomes.