Kaupapa | Conference theme
Wai Ora Waikato — Healing Waters
He manawa aa whenua, e kore e mimiti.
A spring of wellness that comes from deep within the earth, that will never dry up.
Mark the calendar
Key dates for WISPC26
The kaupapa of this conference centres on wellbeing, healing, and connection. We recognise that some topics may feel deeply personal. Please know that help is available — reach out to trusted support services at any time. In New Zealand, contact Lifeline on 0800 543 354, call or text 1737, or contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865.
Nau mai, haere mai
Our heartfelt gratitude to Te Rau Ora for hosting WISPC 2026.
On behalf of the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference International Council (WISPC IC), we welcome our relatives from many nations to join in strength, spirit, and hope.
The WISPC IC believes in the power of connection – to our ancestors, our culture, our lands, and each other. We understand that this is integral to building a strong foundation for future generations.
This gathering is a place where Indigenous voices can highlight their stories and share strengths-based approaches, wisdom, and wise practice in life promotion.
In response to suicide, we gather to answer with life. WISPC 2026 is where Indigenous communities share what protects, what heals and what holds, nation to nation, generation to generation. This is Wai Ora, the healing waters that rise from deep within us to never run dry.
Te whakapapa o WISPC
A kaupapa started in Aotearoa New Zealand is returning home after 10 years.
We acknowledge Ngāti Pikiao who hosted the inaugural WISPC in 2016, "Turamarama ki te Ora." Since then, WISPC has been carried across the world by sister nations, and in 2026 it returns home to Aotearoa.
Kaikorero · Keynote speakers
Voices that lead with matauranga and evidence.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, MNZM, best-selling author. Dr Elder brings together matauranga Maori and clinical psychiatry to advance Indigenous models of wellbeing and healing.
Psychologist and Director of the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention. Professor Dudgeon leads national and international policy on Indigenous suicide prevention.
Registered social worker, Indigenous mental health counsellor, parenting coach and educator. Her work centres culturally grounded healing, Indigenous parenting and intergenerational wellbeing.
He kaupapa manaaki
A suicide prevention conference grounded in strength, culture and hope.
WISPC centres the matauranga, resilience and life-promotion of Indigenous peoples. Korero here holds care for those with lived experience, and for those we remember.
Tiakina te oranga, tiakina te wairua. Protect life, protect the spirit.