Recognising the importance of aligning national identity with global engagement, New Zealand has distilled four key values—Ngā Mātāpono—that underpin its approach to hosting conferences and events. These values, drawn from Māori culture and endorsed across both public and private sectors, are:
- Pōtikitanga – Curiosity, innovation, and ingenuity.
- Tiaki – Care and protection for people, place, and planet.
- Manaaki – A warm welcome and relationship-building based on respect and reciprocity.
- Pono – Acting with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
According to Penelope Ryan, Global Manager Business Events at Tourism New Zealand, these principles form the foundation of the country’s business events offering. “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,” she says.
Genuine Engagement with Māori Culture
An increasing number of conferences in New Zealand are incorporating Māori traditions and perspectives to facilitate deeper connections and foster meaningful dialogue. From ceremonial welcomes such as pōwhiri and mihi whakatau, to engaging Māori speakers and collaborating with Indigenous businesses, organisers are moving beyond mere symbolism toward genuine engagement.
Sandra Julian, Senior Business Development Manager at PCO Arinex and Founder of Auaha, underscores the importance of authenticity in cultural integration. “These are important elements, but true engagement demands more than ticking checklists. It requires a thoughtful understanding of an organisation’s cultural competency and development plan,” she explains.
Including Māori representation on local organising committees is one approach to fostering authentic collaboration, Julian adds. Partnering with Māori and Iwi organisations, alongside government and business stakeholders, can help shape event strategies that have long-term, meaningful impacts.
“Understanding the local whenua (land) and its people adds depth and significance to an event,” she says. She refers to a well-known whakataukī (Māori proverb) that encapsulates this philosophy:
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.)
For organisations beginning this journey, Julian advises consulting with Māori advisors or kaumātua (elders) to ensure that cultural practices are meaningful and respectful.
Indigenous Thought Leadership on the Global Stage
New Zealand’s commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives into conferences is gaining international recognition. In 2025, Auckland will host WIPCE, the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education, an event dedicated to exploring culturally grounded approaches to education. Later in the year, Christchurch will be the site of the 8th Adaptation Futures Conference, part of the UN’s World Adaptation Science Programme, where experts will discuss inclusive climate resilience strategies.
Meanwhile, Rotorua is preparing to welcome 600 health professionals from around the world in 2026 for the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC). This event will highlight Indigenous-led healthcare approaches, with a particular focus on hauora, the Māori holistic model of well-being that integrates physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of health.
Hei Āhuru Mōwai Chief Executive Gary Thompson, who played an integral role in bringing the WICC to New Zealand, emphasises the importance of showcasing Indigenous approaches to health. “Aotearoa New Zealand has a wealth of knowledge in Indigenous cancer care, particularly through hauora services, which embrace the physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of well-being,” he explains.
By incorporating Māori tikanga (customs) and values into the conference structure, organisers aim to create a setting that is not only intellectually enriching but also deeply rooted in cultural identity.
“This is about solutions—turning disparities around and empowering Indigenous communities worldwide,” says Thompson. “We aim to build a strong international network of Indigenous cancer leadership and formalise our collective efforts through the WICC.”
Conferences with Purpose
As global conference organisers increasingly seek destinations that align with their values, New Zealand presents a model for events that integrate cultural authenticity, ethical responsibility, and innovative thinking. By grounding business events in Māori principles, the country offers a unique opportunity for delegates to engage with both ideas and identity in a meaningful way.
For those looking to place people and purpose at the centre of their next conference, New Zealand provides an environment where ideas can be nurtured, relationships can flourish, and cultural exchange can drive impactful change.
Are you interested in putting people at the centre of your next conference? Find out more about New Zealand on businessevents.newzealand.com
Contact: Jean Hendry, Tourism New Zealand, Business Development Manager, jean.hendry@tnz.govt.nz