Mind & Nature NZ

28/08/2026

🧠🌱 What does your food have to do with your brain?

We often think about nutrition in terms of physical health—but there’s another part of the story worth exploring.

On 1 September, I’ll be in Auckland for Nourishing the Mind, a community talk organised by Lifestylerz.NZHealth.

We’ll explore the connections between food, the gut microbiome, inflammation and the brain and what nutritional psychiatry can tell us about mental wellbeing.

If you’re curious about the science behind the food–brain connection, I’d love to see you there.

📍 Auckland | 📅 1 September 2026

27/07/2026

🌿 What if hospitals could help us heal through nature?

A glimpse of the incredible greenery at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore — a beautiful example of biophilic healthcare design, where nature is woven into the healing environment.

Because sometimes, healing begins with simply being surrounded by green 🌿

14/07/2026

I’m looking forward to my upcoming online health workshop on Nutritional Psychiatry hosted by Grow Ltd on 29 July, exploring the latest evidence on how food, dietary patterns and the gut microbiome influence mental health. If you’re interested in the science of nutrition and mental wellbeing, I’d love for you to join us—register now to secure your place! 🌿

Nutritional Psychiatry: Food, Gut Health and Mental Wellbeing
Delivered by Dr Ivan Lin

The workshop aims to bridge scientific evidence with everyday practice, helping participants better understand how food environments and dietary habits may influence mood, stress and cognitive wellbeing.

Online, 29 July, 9am - 3.30pm
https://www.grow.co.nz/nutritional-psychiatry/

23/06/2026

A inspirational day of learning, connection and curiosity at Nourishing the Mind in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.

The workshop brought together health professionals, including GPs, nurses and allied health practitioners, alongside community members to explore the links between soil health, food quality, gut microbiome health and mental wellbeing. As an RNZCGP-endorsed event, it was encouraging to see clinicians engaging with these emerging areas of knowledge and their relevance to health and wellbeing.

Highlights included live soil microscopy, a fascinating look at kombucha under the microscope, thought-provoking discussions and a healthy cooking demonstration showcasing practical recipes to take home.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the rich kōrero throughout the day, and to Tūranga Health for supporting this event.

🌱 From soil to gut to mind, the day was a reminder of how interconnected our health, food systems and environment truly are.

22/06/2026

21/06/2026

I had the privilege of speaking at Zealandia’s Conservation Kōrero today on Roots of Resilience: From Climate Anxiety to Climate Confidence.

It was encouraging to see such strong interest in a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant for many people. Climate change can evoke feelings of anxiety, grief, frustration and uncertainty, yet these emotions often reflect something deeply human—our care for the natural world and concern for future generations.

During the seminar, we explored how resilience is not about eliminating difficult emotions or becoming certain about the future. Rather, it is about learning to respond flexibly, staying connected to our values, and taking meaningful action even in the presence of uncertainty.

I am grateful for the thoughtful engagement, insightful questions and positive feedback from attendees. It was especially meaningful to have these conversations within the remarkable setting of Zealandia—a living example of restoration, hope and what can be achieved when communities work together toward a shared vision.

Thank you to the team at Zealandia for the invitation and hospitality, and to everyone who attended and contributed to such a warm and engaging discussion.

15/06/2026

Last day to sign up!

Join us this Friday for Nourishing the Mind, a practical day exploring the connection between healthy soil, nutrient-rich kai, gut health and mental wellbeing. & Nature NZ Hannes Hansen FAR EAST Coffee Co
https://events.humanitix.com/nourishing-the-mind-hauora-through-kai-whenua-and-whanau

11/06/2026

What if the food we eat influences not only our physical health, but also our mental wellbeing?

I’m looking forward to presenting an upcoming online health workshop on Nutritional Psychiatry hosted by Grow Ltd, where we’ll explore the growing evidence linking nutrition, the gut microbiome, inflammation and mental health.

This session will examine how dietary patterns can support mental wellbeing and discuss the emerging science of how food, the gut and the brain interact to influence mental health.

I look forward to sharing this conversation with attendees and exploring how we can nourish both mind and body through the food system.

https://www.grow.co.nz/nutritional-psychiatry/

10/06/2026

I’m privileged to be speaking at Zealandia’s Conservation Kōrero next week on a topic that feels increasingly relevant for many of us.

As climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental uncertainty become more visible in our daily lives, many people are experiencing worry, grief, frustration and overwhelm. Yet these emotions can also reflect something important—our care for the places, species and future generations that matter to us.

In this talk, I’ll explore how resilience, values, psychological flexibility and connection with nature can help us respond to these challenges in a way that is both grounded and hopeful. There may be few better places to have this conversation than Zealandia—a living example of restoration, stewardship and what becomes possible when people come together around a shared vision.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of those who may be concerned about climate change and to help foster a greater sense of resilience, meaning and climate confidence in uncertain times.

https://www.visitzealandia.com/whats-on/conservation-kōrero-roots-of-resilience/

02/06/2026

Join us for this great opportunity here in Tairawhiti!

https://events.humanitix.com/nourishing-the-mind-hauora-through-kai-whenua-and-whanau

Join us for this great opportunity here in Tairawhiti!nga Health