The meeting is expected to see up to 400 delegates from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands gather in New Zealand’s capital next October.
The event explores Indigenous wellbeing in practice across a variety of facets, including physical and mental health, education, justice, community services, policy and culture. The meeting will centre Indigenous voices, lived experience and knowledge systems.
The conference will be hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMHA), with Wellington’s hosting bid supported by both Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
“Wellington had an exceptionally strong, integrated bid process, which incorporated a well-connected destination famil program,” said Trent Bruinsma, from ANZMHA’s conference organiser, AST Management.
“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.”
Business Events Wellington’s manager, Loryn Blaikie said the conference was “a great win for Wellington”, adding that it put a spotlight on “the easy access to innovative content and inspiring experiences in the city that will add value to the conference experience”.
“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,” said Blaikie.
The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference will be held in Wellington from October 10 to 12, 2027.
