Laura Tongalea-Nolan

Laura Tongalea Nolan is a registered DAPAANZ professional with close to 20 years of experience in the mental health and addictions sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. She has worked across primary and secondary services including residential, forensic, kaupapa Māori, Pasifika, and mainstream settings, with a focus on addictions, co-occurring conditions, workforce development, and professional supervision.

She is the founder and Managing Director of Here Today, providing training, supervision, and advisory services. Laura serves as Co-Chair of Drua Pasifika Addictions Network, sits on the National Committee for Addiction Treatment, and is a board member of the NZ Drug Foundation.

Of Niuean descent, she is passionate about culturally responsive care and her master’s research explored Pacific peoples’ experiences in Twelve Step programmes, emphasising the importance of faith, collectiveness, cultural safety, and Pacific values in treatment.