Slade McFarland is an exceptional leader in mental health advocacy and cultural engagement, drawing on a distinguished background as a former professional rugby player—representing North Harbour, the Blues in Super Rugby, and the Māori All Blacks. Today, he serves as Hauora & Engagement Manager at MATES in Construction, where he leads strategy while remaining firmly embedded in frontline delivery, bridging the gap between leadership and lived experience.

Widely recognised for his authenticity, warmth, and people-first approach, Slade is a sought-after keynote speaker whose presence is both compelling and deeply human. He connects with audiences across industries and communities—offering not only inspiration but practical, values-based tools to support wellbeing, leadership, and open communication.

Slade’s field experience includes delivering impactful talks on suicide prevention, mental fitness, and peer connection to workers on construction sites, while also shaping national strategy and engagement for workplace wellbeing. He is an ambassador and prominent speaker for Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate, where his storytelling helps break down stigma and foster open kōrero in rural and working communities.

Rooted in Māori values, emotional intelligence, and a lifetime of high-performance teamwork, Slade’s leadership reflects both strength and heart. Whether addressing cultural identity, personal resilience, or the power of vulnerability, his contribution is not just professional—it’s personal, purposeful, and deeply transformative.

Primary Speaking Topics:

1. Mental Health in the Workplace

Breaking stigma, building peer connection, and creating psychologically safe environments - especially in high-risk industries such as construction, trades, and transport.

How progressive organisations are shifting from reactive policies to proactive culture change - breaking down stigma, fostering peer-led support, and building psychologically safe environments.

2. Resilience and Leadership Under Pressure

Lessons from professional rugby and real-world adversity—how to lead with strength, humility, and

integrity in challenging environments.

Drawing on elite performance and lived experience, Slade unpacks how leaders can stay grounded, agile, and purpose-driven under pressure.

3. The Power of Vulnerability

Why true leadership starts with speaking up. Encouraging open kōrero, emotional literacy, and human

connection to build stronger teams.

4. Cultural Identity and Māori Values in Leadership

Integrating tikanga Māori and kaupapa-driven leadership to strengthen personal and organisational

culture, purpose, and cohesion.

5. Suicide Prevention and Lived Experience Advocacy

Drawing from frontline mahi with MATES in Construction and Lean on a Gate, Talk to a Mate—how to

engage hard-to-reach audiences with practical tools and authentic storytelling.

6. Community and Connection

From the rugby field to the construction site, to the farm and all the clubs in between—how collective

wellbeing, whanaungatanga (relationships), and manaakitanga (care for others) drive real, lasting

impact.