Wellington has been named to host the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference (IWC) in 2027, a leading annual gathering dedicated to Indigenous-led approaches to wellbeing, grounded in culture and community.
The conference is expected to attract up to 400 delegates from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, 10 – 12 October 2027.
Hosted by the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMHA), the conference centres Indigenous voices, knowledge systems, and lived experience, creating a space to explore what wellbeing looks like in practice across health, mental health, education, justice, community services, culture, policy and beyond.
The bid was supported by Business Events Welington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
“New Zealand has always been an extremely important part to this conference,” said General Manager of AST Management, provider of conference management services to ANZMHA, Trent Bruinsma.
“The focus of the conference is to highlight some of the incredible work that is being done in indigenous communities in Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Pacific region.
“This conference is designed to feature and highlight the hard work being undertaken in the areas of academia, research, public and private practice case studies and examples, and grass-roots community health initiatives.”
Mr Bruinsma said Wellington had an exceptionally strong, integrated bid process which incorporated a well-connected destination familiarisation program.
“This famil was extremely well thought out, incorporating connection to and immersion into culture, making contacts with locally based subject matter experts, providing rich options for the social and wellbeing program, pre and post conference touring and partner programs along with essential services like suitable and professional venues, caterers, audio visual services and exhibition suppliers,” he said.
“This is a great win for Wellington, highlighting the easy access to innovative content and inspiring experiences in the city that will add value to the conference experience,” said Business Events Wellington Manager, Loryn Blaikie.
“Our support included integration with iwi, local associations, and academia as well as showcasing authentic opportunities for cultural immersion, from marae visits to Waka experiences and local tours of Pōneke, Wellington’s indigenous landscape.”
Chief Executive of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, Dr Grant Davidson said the organisation was delighted to see the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference coming to Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.
“Wellington is home to Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliament making access to decision-makers easy. I look forward to the legacy that holding the conference will bring to indigenous peoples from around the world,” said Dr Davidson.
For more information about Business Events Wellington, visit WellingtonNZ.com/meet.
