Ten years on from the Tūramarama Declaration, the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference returns to Aotearoa

Hosted by Te Rau Ora at Tuurangawaewae Marae, Ngaaruawaahia, 4–6 November 2026. WISPC 2026 will bring together Indigenous leaders, practitioners, researchers, rangatahi, and whānau champions from across the world under the theme Wai Ora – Healing Waters, which reflects the enduring strength, resilience and life-giving nature our awa (river). 

The conference marks ten years since the Tūramarama Declaration was endorsed at the inaugural World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference in Rotorua in 2016. Authored by Sir Mason Durie, the Declaration set out a collective commitment to uplifting the mauri of Indigenous peoples so that all can live well, into old age. 

Since then, the Declaration has travelled the globe – featuring at WISPC gatherings in Australia, Canada, and the United States, shaping wellbeing programmes, national strategies, policy, and academic research across Indigenous nations. The World Federation of Public Health Associations endorsed the Declaration in 2017, a commitment reconfirmed by Emma Rawson-Te Patu, who served as President of the Federation from 2024-2026, at WISPC 2024 hosted by the Seneca Nation, USA. WISPC 2026 will carry that legacy forward – a call to unite Indigenous-led solutions to suicide prevention and wellbeing, and to ensure Indigenous knowledge continues to guide a future where our peoples can flourish. 

Riki Nia Nia, Chief Executive of Te Rau Ora, said hosting the conference is both an honour and a responsibility: 

“It is a great honour for Te Rau Ora to welcome Indigenous peoples from across the world to Tuurangawaewae Marae. Just as the Waikato River continues its journey, so too does the strength and wisdom of our peoples – flowing across generations, sustaining hope, healing, and transformation. This conference is a space where Indigenous mātauranga, Indigenous innovation, cultural identity, and the lived experiences of our communities are recognised as foundations for healing. We warmly invite whānau, Indigenous leaders, practitioners, researchers, sponsors, and partners from Aotearoa and around the world to join us as we strengthen our collective commitment to this important kaupapa.” 

Michael Naera, Aotearoa member of the international WISPC board, said the return home carries deep significance: 

“Ten years ago at Rotorua, 450 of us stood together and endorsed the Tūramarama Declaration. It was a commitment to our people that we would work collectively so the mauri can flourish and all our peoples can live well, into old age. A decade on, that commitment has travelled the world. I’ve seen indigenous nations in Australia, Canada, and the United States recognise their own story in the Declaration and carry it into their own communities. In November, we gather again in Aotearoa, not to look back, but to announce how this kaupapa moves forward for the next decade. Suicide prevention should matter to everyone. Registrations are now open, and we welcome all who share this commitment to join us.” 

Registrations and partnership opportunities 

• Earlybird registration is open now at $1,199 (until 24 August 2026); standard registration $1,299. Registration includes the Pōwhiri Reception and three-days of workshops and invited speakers. 

• The updated Pūtea Wai Ora Sponsorship and Exhibitor Prospectus are now available, offering a range of partnership and exhibition opportunities. 

• Abstract submitters have been notified, and the full conference programme will be released soon. 

Register and find out more at www.wispc2026.com 

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Media contact: Josh Brown | joshua.brown@terauora.com | +64 21 274 7755 

About Te Rau Ora Te Rau Ora is a national Māori health and wellbeing organisation committed to strengthening Māori health leadership, workforce, and communities across Aotearoa. 

Website: www.terauora.com 

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