Rotorua, Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa to host World Indigenous Cancer Conference

Rotorua and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa are bringing indigenous voices, data, and improvements to the world’s consideration as they’re slated to host the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC) 2026.

This landmark occasion is predicted to attract 600 well being professionals, researchers, clinicians, and advocates from across the globe to Aotearoa New Zealand to collaborate on culturally grounded options for most cancers care.

Now in its fourth iteration, the bi-annual convention supplies a novel platform for Indigenous communities to handle the disproportionate most cancers burden they face, establish analysis priorities, and trade transformative approaches tailor-made to their distinctive wants.

Government help for a historic occasion

The profitable bid to host the 2026 convention was led by Hei Āhuru Mōwai, with help from Tourism New Zealand Business Events and RotoruaNZ.

Hei Āhuru Mōwai CEO Gary Thompson emphasises the importance of Indigenous illustration in driving international options.
He stated: “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.”

Thompson added that this holistic method ensures that hospital most cancers providers and group suppliers are seamlessly related to enhance outcomes for our individuals. 

Through this convention, his organisation seeks to share these improvements with different Indigenous nations whereas studying from their experiences to foster mutual development and collaboration.

A novel focus

Thompson likewise highlighted the stark inequities confronted by Māori, who’re extra probably to be recognized at later phases and expertise poorer outcomes in contrast to non-Māori.

He stated: “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.”

The convention shall be structured round Māori tikanga (protocols), values, and storytelling, guaranteeing Indigenous views are embedded in each side of the occasion. 

Beyond educational and scientific shows, the programme will have fun Māori tradition, incorporating Rotorua’s world-renowned sights and genuine cultural experiences to present delegates with a significant and enriching go to.

Into the guts of Rotorua

Thompson added: “We were adamant that this conference be held in Rotorua. It’s one of the major cultural centres of Aotearoa, and as an Indigenous conference, it’s vital to host it in a vibrant environment that reflects our heritage. This is a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible work we’re doing here, while sharing our culture and stories with the world.”

RotoruaNZ enterprise occasions supervisor Vanessa Wallace, Business Events Manager stated: “By internet hosting this convention, Rotorua proudly showcases its wealthy Māori tradition, providing delegates an genuine and immersive expertise in a metropolis that celebrates its heritage.

She added that the occasion will generate important financial alternatives for Rotorua, with native companies benefiting from elevated tourism and engagement, guaranteeing long-term development for the area.

The inflow of 600 well being professionals with their households in April 2026 is predicted to ship an estimated financial good thing about NZ$1 million.

For her half, Tourism New Zealand international supervisor for enterprise occasions Penelope Ryan added: “Hosting the World Indigenous Cancer Conference will enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a leader in Indigenous knowledge and innovation. Additionally, it supports year-round tourism to New Zealand by bringing international visitors to our shores in April, after our peak summer season.  I hope the delegates get a chance to enjoy our manaakitanga and all that Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer while they are here.”