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OCTOBER 21-22, 2024 DUE DROP CENTRE, AUCKLAND, AOTEAROA NZ

2024 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference


Join us in Aotearoa as we share Our Stories, Our Strength: A Collective Journey to Indigenous Wellbeing.
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Welcome

Now in its fourth year

The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference celebrates Indigenous community, culture and identity to help advance social and emotional wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.

The conference highlights the importance of connection to country, culture, spirituality and ancestry and the roles they play in wellbeing.

We bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to conceptulise and strategise solutions to the most important wellbeing needs of all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.

 

 

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Let's Share Wisdom

A Space For Stories

The conference gives space for and respect to the stories of our past and present. We aim to share our collective wisdom to move forward positively and improve health outcomes for all First Nations Australian Māori and Pasifika people.

The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference theme, topics and final program is carefully curated by a committee with Indigenous cultural, community, services and business leaders. The conference supports ‘nothing about Indigenous Peoples, without Indigenous Peoples’ when reviewing presenter applications so you can rest assured the content at the conference is extremely relevant for the sector.

Our IWC24 Mission

Join us and be a part of the IWC24 mission to…

  • Address key mental, social and emotional health challenges facing First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people in 2024 and plan for brighter future.
  • Support mental and allied health professionals and emerging workers in the field by providing access to networking opportunities and a high level of professional development.
  • Provide a platform for government policy and initiatives to update, inform and seek feedback from the people who are delivering the services in the community.
  • Encourage multi-sectoral collaboration and create an engaging space for knowledge sharing, and learning opportunities.
  • Gain new insights and learnings to take back to your workplace and provide better wellbeing outcomes for all Indigenous people.

Te Rā Hononga

Pōwhiri & Hīkoi - Bringing connection to the people of the land

To honour the richness of Te Ao Māori and pay homage to the local iwi, its people and the land that hosts our event, we are proud to open the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference with Te Rā Hononga hosted by Mana Whenua, Te Ahiwaru.

Unfortunately, all sessions for Te Ra Hononga are full. To join the waiting list, please complete this form and we will let you know once an opening becomes available.

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Keynote Speakers

Dr Diana Kopua
Dr Diana Kopua

Director/Independent Psychiatrist, Mahi a Atua

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Tohunga Mark Kopua
Tohunga Mark Kopua

Director/Amo Mātauranga, Mahi a Atua

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Hinemoa Elder

Hinemoa Elder

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Te Whatu Ora

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Mohi Allen
Mohi Allen

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

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Judy Atkinson
Judy Atkinson

Emeritus Professor SCU: PhD QUT: GHMTR Harvard Uni Graduate Certificate.

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Karlo Mila
Dr Karlo Mila
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Awatea Mita

Justice Advocate

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Thomas Strickland
Thomas Strickland (Te Aupouri, Aitutaki)

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Wharepaoro Christie
Wharepaoro Christie (Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa, Whakatohea)

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Jennifer Barrett
Prof Jennifer Barrett

Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous (Academic), Indigenous Strategy and Services portfolio, University of Sydney

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Tiana Watkins

Tiana Watkins

Senior Manager, Le Va

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Quine Matata-Sipu

Qiane Matata-Sipu

Founder, Director, QIANE+co, NUKU

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Where education and research meets storytelling and ancestral wisdom.

Who attends IWC?

Here’s who typically attends IWC

The delegates for the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference are varied across community, government, mental and allied health as well as business. Typically, we see:

  • Traditional Healers, Elders, Community Leaders within the First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika communities.  
  • CEO, Managing Directors and Managers of any First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika organisation. 
  • Professors, Associate Professors, Lecturers, PhD Students from Universities around the world with a particular focus on First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika studies. 
  • Psychologists, GPs, Social Workers, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Nutritionists, Allied Health Manager, Mental Health Nurses working within First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika communities.  
  • Directors and Consultants of Private Counselling/ Psychiatrist/  Psychologist Practice. 
  • Mental health workers from federally funded government agencies - eg Housing, Social Services, Employment Services, Educational Services, NIAA, Corrective Services. 
  • Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of any Australian Peak or State Mental Health agency, NZ Peak or State Mental Health agency, Pacifica Peak or State Health agency and Human Rights Commissions. 
  • Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of Hospital and Health Services and PHNs. 
  • Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of Land Councils. 
  • Principals, teachers or counsellors working with First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika students.  

Is IWC for me?

Yes! The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference is for you if you’re looking for…

A space for safe, open and connected conversations around the health and wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika.

Networking with like-minded multi-sector professionals who are both Indigenous and non-indigenous to discover best practice solutions.

Inspiration from current research, top professionals and community leaders in Indigenous wellbeing.

A platform to share your own stories, research, programs and case studies with your community.

A space to collaborate with and support likeminded individuals to deliver better outcomes for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika.

What you’ll gain from attending IWC.

What makes the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference the best event you attend this year?

Not only will you get to spend a few days away from your every-day, connecting with your team, but you’ll also be inspired to see what your peers in the sector are creating.

 

You’ll also receive:  

  • An authentic cultural experience on the first day of the conference
  • Exceptional networking and connecting moments 
  • Wellness and mindfulness moments throughout the conference  
  • Access to all recorded keynote presentations (30 days) 
  • All recorded concurrent presentations (30 days) 
  • Access to conference app 
  • Printed conference materials 
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points 
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance 

The 2024 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference
T-shirt

t-shirt image for IWC

The design for this year’s T-shirt encompasses Te Whare Tapa Whā – a holistic Māori model of health. It uses the metaphor of a wharenui (meeting house) with four walls, each representing a different aspect of well-being: Taha Tinana (physical health), Taha Hinengaro (mental health), Taha Whānau (family and social health) and Taha Wairua (spiritual health). All four dimensions are essential for overall health and balance and embodies the mission and vision for Indigenous Wellbeing Conference.

Designed by Talia Musson from Toru Wha

Cost: $42.00 NZD
Sizes: Mens & womens sizes available – Medium – 3XL.

You can add your t-shirt to your registration.

Please note: T-shirts will be given upon arrival to the conference on Monday 21 October. A limited number of t-shirts will be available to purchase during the conference, however we encourage pre-purchasing to avoid disappointment.

The IWC24 Program

Conference Theme: Our Stories, Our Strength: A Collective Journey to Indigenous Wellbeing. 

With the full program to be announced in the coming months, take a look at the main topics and subtopics which will form the program.

IWC24 Topics (Click to Expand)

  1. Cultural Resilience and Identity Preservation:

    • Hauora Māori (Māori health and wellbeing) and the principles of Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake (including the Whakaputanga 1835 Declaration of Independence and Te Tiriti o Waitangi)
    • Acknowledging the significance and impacts of the 2023 Australian Voice Referendum on Aboriginal health and wellbeing
    • Healing from breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, disregard of Aboriginal land rights and native title, and impacts of the Stolen Generation
  2. Empowering Grassroots Innovation for Community Wellbeing

    • Showcasing initiatives led by Indigenous peoples for community health and wellbeing 
    • Highlighting grassroots initiatives that foster innovation and promote empowerment of Indigenous health and wellbeing
  3. Fostering Whānau (Family) Wellbeing Through Environmental Sustainability

    • Addressing the impact of climate change on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples
    • Utilising rongoā (traditional healing practices) and other Indigenous approaches for environmental and whānau (family) sustainability
    • Integrating whānau-centered (family-centred) approaches into community health and wellbeing development
    • Community harmony through holistic health practices
  4. Equitable Access and Cultural Inclusiveness for Diverse Populations

    • Bridging the digital divide to preserve cultural wellbeing
    • Recognising diverse health and wellbeing experiences of Indigenous peoples, including those of the takatāpui, MFAFF+ (LGBTQIA+) and whaikaha (disability) communities
    • Addressing social isolation
  5. Racism in Health and Decolonisation of the System

    • Decolonising healthcare services and embracing Indigenous methodologies
    • Addressing health disparities
    • Enhancing cultural competency in healthcare provision
  6. Open Topic:

    • Presenters are encouraged to share insights, experiences, research or perspectives on topics that contribute to improving the social and emotional wellbeing of all Indigenous peoples.

The IWC Committee

The sector leaders who are behind the 2024 IWC conference

Qiane Matata-Sipu
Qiane Matata-Sipu

Founder, Director, QIANE+co, NUKU

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Nat Heath
Nat Heath

Founder, TriMob & Director Moorditj Ways Consulting

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Dr Lynne Russel
Dr Lynne Russell

Associate Professor (Research), Māori Health, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington

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Maraea Johns
Maraea Johns

Kaitohu Māori | Director Māori, Te Hiringa Mahara, Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission in Aotearoa

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Dr Huhana (Susan) Hickey
Dr Huhana (Susan) Hickey

Independent Director and contractor/advisor, Co-Director Pukenga Consultancy, Auckland

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Daario Penetito-Hemara
Daario Penetito-Hemara

 Kaiwhakahaere Matua- CEO at Toi Tangata

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Kerri Butler
Kerri Butler

Director,  Take Notice Limited

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Astley Nathan

Māori Engagement Specialist - Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

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Rhee Duthie
Rhee Duthie

Multicultural Advisor, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland

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Tapu Fuiava
Tapu Fuiava

Managing Director, Blackbutterfly Group Services

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Daryl Hobbs
Daryl Hobbs

Senior Psychologist, Nootyoong-Mara Cultural Healing Centre

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Asha Bhat
Asha Bhat

Chief Executive Officer, Southern Aboriginal Corporation

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Hurimoana
Hurimoana Dennis

Te Puea Marae chairperson

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Phylesha Brown-Acton
Phylesha Brown-Acton

MNZM, Executive Director + Weaver

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Karina Nepia
Karina Nepia

Director at AU | Rongomaiwahine | Rongowhakaata

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Join us

Registration Options

All prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).

NZD $573.85

Virtual | 2 Day Program

  • Live streaming of all keynote presenters
  • Live streaming of all sessions in the plenary room over two-day conference period
  • Virtual presentations
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days*
  • 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance

NZD $1,738.90

In-Person | 2 Day Program

  • All keynote presentations
  • All concurrent presentations
  • Discounted accommodation rates
  • Access to conference app
  • 5 star conference catering package
  • Access to exclusive networking functions
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
  • Printed conference materials
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance
  • Exposure for your organisation
  • Plus, chances to win great prizes!

NZD $5,906.40

In-Person Group of 3


  • All keynote presentations
  • All concurrent presentations
  • Discounted accommodation rates
  • Access to conference app
  • 5 star conference catering package
  • Access to exclusive networking functions
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
  • Printed conference materials
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance
  • Exposure for your organisation
  • Plus, chances to win great prizes!

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Have a team of 4 or more?

Fill in this form to receive a personal call from our team with your best possible rate.

“Such a great experience, lots to learn. I would to say to anyone thinking of attending: absolutely get ready to soak up some amazing inspiration.”

“IWC provided the opportunity for safe and open conversation and connection. Which was achieved from my perspective. That there is massive movement of congruent direction in First Nations wellbeing to empower and enshrine culture at the heart of wellbeing!”

“The conference was excellent, the speakers were great and informative, and i really enjoyed the range of presentations both keynote and breakout.”

“I found the topics presented and the people presenting were of such a high calibre. They provided so much depth to current issues and explained things in a kind and simply way.”

“I though the conference was great! It was relevant to my role and I felt like my cultural cup was full by the time day two was finished. I needed this conference - it can be isolating as an Aboriginal person working in Government.”

Where It's Happening

VENUE & ACCOMMODATION

For accommodation requests and enquiries, please email iwc@anzmh.asn.au 

 

OCTOBER 21-22, 2024
DUE DROP EVENTS CENTRE, AUCKLAND NZ

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Sebel Suites Manukau

 

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Ramada Hotel 

 

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Proximity Apartments 

 

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Sponsors

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Host Destination Sponsor

Tataki Auckland

Host City Partner

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Platinum Sponsor

ACC

Te Oranga Sponsor

He Waka Tapu

Hauora Sponsor

Te awhi

Barista Cart Sponsor

Te-Rau-Ora

Culture Connect Sponsor

Exhibitors

New Zealand Health Group - Horizontal Colour

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NCIE

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QIFVLS

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MacKillop Seasons

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Proudly Supported By

Te Ahiwaru

Mana Whenua

Get In Touch

Contact Us

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