Tūrangawaewae Marae
A place to stand, a place to gather
WISPC 2026 will be hosted at Tūrangawaewae Marae — headquarters of the Kiingitanga and official residence of the Māori Monarch, on the banks of the Waikato River.
One of the most significant cultural and historical gathering places in Aotearoa New Zealand, Tūrangawaewae Marae is a powerful expression of identity, belonging, and connection to whenua (land), whakapapa (ancestry), and community.
Established under the leadership of Te Puea Hērangi in the 1920s, the marae stands as a symbol of resilience, unity, manaakitanga (hospitality), and Māori self-determination — and remains a living cultural centre today.
Hosting WISPC 2026 here gives delegates the opportunity to experience authentic Māori culture, tikanga, and connection in a setting of profound cultural importance.
- IwiWaikato-Tainui
- HapūNgāti Mahuta & Ngāti Te Weehi
- WakaTainui
- Awa (River)Waikato River
- Maunga (Mountain)Taupiri
- LanguagesTe Reo Māori & English
- Time ZoneGMT+12 (NZST) / +13 DST
- CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- VoltageAC 230/240V, 50Hz
- EmergencyDial 111
A living centre of leadership and legacy
Tūrangawaewae has welcomed world leaders, royalty, dignitaries and communities from across Aotearoa and beyond.
Te Kiingitanga
The marae is deeply connected to the legacy of the Kiingitanga movement, established to unify Māori and protect land, language and identity.
Māhinārangi & Tūrongo House
The complex includes the iconic Māhinārangi wharenui, opened in 1929, and Tūrongo House, residence of the Māori Monarch — carved and built across generations of storytelling.
Pōwhiri & Welcome
Visitors are welcomed through pōwhiri and guided by tikanga throughout their stay. Delegates are encouraged to approach with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn.
Arriving at Tūrangawaewae Marae
Most international delegates arrive via Auckland Airport before travelling south to the Waikato region.
Ngāruawāhia sits at the meeting point of the Waikato and Waipā Rivers, about 20 minutes north of Hamilton and within easy reach of Auckland. WISPC 2026 will provide some transport options for delegates; detailed schedules will follow closer to the event.
Quick reference
Observing tikanga onsite
As a living marae and sacred gathering place, visitors are asked to observe tikanga throughout their time onsite. Additional cultural guidance will be shared with delegates prior to WISPC 2026.
If you require specific accessibility assistance, please contact the WISPC 2026 team in advance — accessibility information and onsite guidance will be made available closer to the conference.
Participate respectfully during the pōwhiri (official welcome) process.
Remove shoes before entering the wharenui (meeting house) where requested.
Follow photography guidance provided onsite.
Listen to and follow instructions from marae hosts and kaumātua (elders).
Respect cultural practices and designated spaces throughout the marae.
Explore the Waikato region
Delegates are encouraged to extend their stay and explore the wider Waikato region.
Waikato River
Scenic river experiences along the awa that shapes the region's identity.
Hamilton Gardens
Award-winning themed gardens, a short drive from Ngāruawāhia.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
One of New Zealand's most iconic natural attractions.
Hobbiton Movie Set
The famous Shire, set among the rolling Waikato countryside.
Taupiri Mountain
The sacred maunga overlooking the Waikato River.
Local Arts & Food
Cultural centres and regional food experiences across the Waikato.
Tūrangawaewae Marae is more than a venue — it is a place of living culture, leadership, and belonging. WISPC 2026 acknowledges the generosity of Waikato-Tainui and the Kiingitanga for welcoming delegates into this important space, and encourages every attendee to embrace these values throughout their experience.