The Bay of Plenty will host New Zealand’s largest-ever gathering for neurodiverse families, as Epic Families Live returns to Tauranga’s Baycourt Theatre.

Epic stands for “extraordinary parents and incredible children”.

Now in its third instalment, Epic Families Live has sold out both of its previous events, a media statement said.

This year’s show is set to surpass them both, drawing 500 parents, carers, teachers, health professionals and children from across Aotearoa to a day described by past attendees as “life-changing”.

Headlining the event is Sonia Gray: TVNZ presenter, actor and host of the award-winning podcast No Such Thing As Normal.

Diagnosed with ADHD herself and raising a neurodivergent daughter, Gray joins a line-up of New Zealand’s leading neurodiversity voices, including Guinness World Record holder and Bay Paediatrics managing director Freddie Bennett, developmental paediatrician Dr Sarah Moll – the only New Zealand clinician invited to present to the ADHD World Congress – alongside leading occupational therapist Elen Nathan, entrepreneur Sarah Gillum, advocate Lisa Cowan, and “Barber Spence” Spencer McNeil.

The event is brought to Tauranga by Bay Paediatrics, New Zealand’s Neurodiversity Centre of Excellence.

“This isn’t a conference, and it isn’t a lecture. It’s proof that families raising neurodivergent kids don’t need to feel alone, lost or judged,” Bennett said.

“Every family who walks into that theatre is going to walk out with real tools, real connection, and real hope.

“Tauranga is leading this conversation for the whole country, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring an event of this scale home. We’re going to change the game for every family in New Zealand”.

Epic Families Live welcomes children. A dedicated, staffed Kids Zone – run by qualified, police-vetted teachers – sits alongside the main theatre, ensuring no family has to choose between attending and finding childcare.

Attendees will hear talks covering ADHD, autism, sensory processing, emotional regulation, school advocacy and sleep.

With two sold-out events behind it, organisers expect tickets for the 2026 show to move quickly.

Event details:

Epic Families Live 2026, Sunday, August 16, Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga.

Tickets: https://baypaediatrics.com/epic-families-live