Reflections from the Asia Pacific Regional Advancement Committee Conference

Update from the Asia Pacific Regional Advancement Committee (RAC) Conference:‘The Ombuds Role in a Complex, Challenging and Rapidly Changing World’. Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand. October 8-10

by Fred Wright, Chair of the International Outreach Committee and Former AP RAC Co-Chair 

The Asia Pacific Regional Advancement Committee (AP RAC) of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) recently hosted a profoundly impactful and insightful conference, bringing together Ombuds from across the region and beyond. Under the theme "The Ombuds role in a complex, challenging and rapidly changing world" the event served as a vital forum for connection, learning, and strategic reflection.

The conference was beautifully framed by a traditional Māori welcome and closing ceremony conducted by Isaac Te Kai and Hinemoa Dixon from Fair Way, grounding our discussions in the cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand and providing a deep sense of place and connection.

Illuminating Keynote Addresses

We were honoured to host two distinguished keynote speakers who set a powerful tone for the event:

• The Hon. Peter Boshier, former New Zealand Chief Ombudsman, delivered a compelling address directly on the conference theme. He provided a masterclass on navigating complexity, drawing from his extensive experience to highlight the evolving challenges and indispensable role of the Ombuds in safeguarding fairness. 
• Jenn Mahony, President of the IOA, delivered a moving and powerful keynote on "The impact of current challenges on the Ombuds profession".  She shared a profound story from her time working with unaccompanied child immigrants at the US border, using it as a powerful metaphor for the Ombuds' journey at this time. Her narrative underscored that the path ahead for our profession requires deep understanding, unwavering compassion, and immense courage.

A Rich Tapestry of Learning Sessions

The conference programme was packed with invaluable sessions delivered by leading practitioners and thinkers from the Region:

• Panel: The Future of the Ombuds Profession: A forward-looking discussion featuring Jenn Mahony (IOA President), Wayne Marriott (IOA President- Elect), and Fred Wright (Chair, International Ombudsman Committee) explored the strategic direction and emerging opportunities for Ombuds globally.
• Evolving Modes of Ombuds Service Delivery: An insightful panel featuring Prof. Tim Hedeen (Researcher and Experienced Ombuds), Samantha de Coning (Head of Practice at Fair Way), Lydall West (CEO,Ombpoint), and Charmhee Kim (Freelance Ombuds) explored innovative delivery models and the future of Ombuds practice.
• Systems Theory for Ombuds: A Framework for Navigating Complexity: Fred Wright led an engaging workshop that provided a robust theoretical framework to help Ombuds analyse and intervene effectively within complex organisational systems.
• Restorative Practice in Ombuds Work: Wayne Marriott, Helen Parry, and Jessica Carter shared practical insights and techniques for integrating restorative practices into the core work of an Ombuds, fostering repair and understanding.
• Organisational Intervention: Three Case Studies: Wayne Blair, Caroline Wanyonyi, and Janet Vantriet facilitated a dynamic workshop presenting three real-world case studies, offering powerful lessons on effective intervention in workplace settings.
• Working with Trauma: A Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Led Practice: In a critically important session, Sue Ackerly and Jessica Carter delivered a fabulous presentation on how to practice in a trauma-informed way, including essential strategies for self-care and preventing vicarious trauma.
• Cases That Keep You Up at Night: The conference concluded with a fascinating and candid panel discussion facilitated by David Miller, Wayne Blair, and Helen Parry, who led delegates through a deep dive into some of the most complex and ethically challenging cases faced by Ombuds.

Looking Ahead and Gratitude

The conference concluded with a session from the AP RAC Co-Chairs, Sue Ackerly and Nelima Okhoya, who provided insightful reflections on growing the region's relationship with the IOA, plans for undertaking Foundations courses in the region, and a preliminary discussion about the next conference.

This successful event would not have been possible without the generous support of our major sponsor, Fair Way, as well as the International Ombuds Association and the Asia Infrastructure and Investment Bank.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the tireless Conference Committee Chair, David Miller, and committee members Sue Ackerly, Nelima Okhoya, Kate Haley and Fred Wright for their dedication. A special thank you also to Kate for her invaluable work behind the scenes.

Finally, we offer extra special thanks to David and Carole Miller for their incredible hospitality in opening up their beautiful farm on the Banks Peninsula for our conference lunch and debrief.  Our safe and scenic journey to and from the farm was expertly handled by Jeff Crawford, to whom we are also immensely grateful.

The conference reinforced the resilience, compassion, and critical importance of the Ombuds community. We left inspired, better connected, and equipped with new tools and perspectives to navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world.    

 The IOA expresses our deep gratitude to the AP RAC for their leadership hosting this important conference, and to Fair Way for hosting the first live Foundations course in New Zealand.