New Zealand is your next people-focused conference destination

Are you looking for the opportunity to be innovative and curious at your next conference? Build relationships based on respect, care for people and planet, and act with integrity? Choose a conference destination with values that align with yours.

New Zealand has distinguished the core values that collectively underpin its offering to the world.

Four concepts from New Zealand’s indigenous Māori culture were chosen by New Zealanders across the public and private sector as best representing the country’s values (Ngā Mātāpono): pōtikitanga (curiosity, innovation, and ingenuity), tiaki (care and protection for people, place, and planet), manaaki (warm welcome and building relationships based on respect and reciprocity), pono (acting with integrity, honesty, transparency).

Tourism New Zealand global manager of business events Penelope Ryan says: “These values form the foundation of New Zealand’s unique offering for conferences and events. “The value in conferences lies in the ability to bring people together to build authentic relationships, share knowledge in the spirit of reciprocity, and spark new ideas and solutions for a better future.”

Ryan adds: “New Zealand’s Māori culture not only allows for memorable, authentic experiences for our visitors, but the values of Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) resonate with all people.”

Genuine engagement

There are increasing moves to integrate Māori culture into New Zealand conference programmes as a way to facilitate deeper connection and spark new conversations. These range from bringing people together with a traditional pōwhiri or mihi whakatau welcome, to engaging Māori speakers and collaborating with Māori and Pasifika businesses across the event supply chain.

Sandra Julian, senior business development manager at PCO Arinex and founder of Auaha adds: “These are important elements, but authentic engagement demands more than ticking checklists. It requires a thoughtful understanding of your organisation’s cultural competency and development plan.”

Including Māori representation on the Local Organising Committee supports authentic co-creation; while partnering with Māori and Iwi organisations, government, and business can develop event solutions that help to transform outcomes for communities in Aotearoa and beyond.

“Understanding the local whenua (land) and its people, and integrating this into your event, adds depth and significance,” Julian adds. “As this whakataukī (Māori proverb) reminds us: He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata – What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

“If your organisation is at the beginning of this journey, consultation with Māori advisors or kaumātua (elders) is key. This enables you to use appropriate and meaningful tikanga and cultural practices. It creates an authentic connection with Māori values.

“By fostering respectful relationships and tailoring your engagement to reflect your organisation’s cultural capability, you create richer, more engaging event experiences.”

Indigenous ingenuity

International conferences are also discovering the global potential of thought leadership in Te Ao Māori. WIPCE 2025 – the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education, taking place in November in Auckland, will probe culturally grounded education.

The 8th Adaptation Futures Conference at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in October, which is part of the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme, will discuss inclusive approaches to climate-resilient development.

Meanwhile, Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa are set to host the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC) in Rotorua in 2026, welcoming 600 health professionals from around the globe.

Hei Āhuru Mōwai chief executive Gary Thompson says “Aotearoa New Zealand has a wealth of knowledge to share in Indigenous cancer care, including Māori providers delivering hauora services. Hauora, our Māori view of health, embraces the physical, mental, social and spiritual dimensions of well-being, placing whānau (family) at the heart of care. This holistic approach ensures that hospital cancer services and community providers are seamlessly connected to improve outcomes for our people.

Through this conference, we aim to share these innovations with other Indigenous nations while learning from their experiences to foster mutual growth and collaboration.

“This conference is about solutions – turning these disparities around and empowering Indigenous communities worldwide. We aim to build a strong international network of Indigenous cancer leadership and formalise our collective efforts through the WICC.”

In addition to academic and scientific research, the conference will be structured around Māori tikanga and values and stories. A social programme will incorporate Rotorua’s tourism attractions and Māori cultural experiences to ensure delegates have an enriching experience during their visit.

Thompson adds: “This is a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible work we’re doing here, while sharing our culture and stories with the world.”

Are you interested in putting people at the centre of your next conference? Find out more about New Zealand here.