Global Leaders to Convene at Tūrangawaewae Marae for World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference

A decade after Indigenous leaders first united in Aotearoa to address the impacts of suicide, the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference (WISPC) is returning to its roots. As reported by Waatea News, the 2026 conference will be held at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia from November 4 to 6. The gathering marks the tenth anniversary of the Tūramarama Declaration, a landmark document authored by Sir Mason Durie at the inaugural 2016 conference in Rotorua. Hosted by Māori health organisation Te Rau Ora, the event is themed 'Wai Ora Waikato – Healing Waters'. The theme emphasizes the critical roles of cultural identity, connection, and collective responsibility in fostering wellbeing. Riki Nia Nia, Chief Executive of Te Rau Ora, highlighted the significance of the event's return, noting it offers a vital opportunity to examine how the original declaration has shaped suicide prevention policy and community practice over the last ten years. A defining feature of the 2026 gathering is its focus on Indigenous knowledge and community-driven solutions rather than relying solely on clinical models. For Māori, this includes the essential roles of whānau, hapū, iwi, and te reo Māori in building resilience. The conference serves as a platform for practitioners and those with lived experience to share approaches that heal intergenerational trauma and nurture safe environments for future generations. The speaker lineup brings together a diverse range of expertise, including Māori psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder, Australian Indigenous psychologist Professor Pat Dudgeon, Indigenous physician Dr James Makokis, and former Kiwis rugby league player Paul Whatuira. Their participation bridges clinical research with community leadership and lived experience. Since its inception in 2016, the conference has travelled to Perth, Winnipeg, and Niagara Falls, and its return to Waikato signifies a milestone in the global Indigenous journey toward collective healing.