Source: Radio New Zealand
It’s the first time in 20 years the global event has returned to Aotearoa. Supplied / WIPCE
Thousands of indigenous educators and leaders from around the world are set to gather in Tāmaki Makaurau next week for the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE).
It’s the first time in 20 years the global event has returned to Aotearoa, with more than 3800 delegates expected to attend.
Hosted by Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau (AUT) and iwi manaaki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the five-day conference will be held at the Aotea Centre from 16-20 November.
The event opens with a pōwhiri on Sunday, followed by a colourful ‘Parade of Nations’ along Queen Street, where representatives from more than 20 Indigenous cultures will march in official kākahu (attire).
WIPCE Co-Chairs Dr Noe Noe Wilson-Wong, Dr Bentham Ohia, Professor Damon Salesa and Professor Meihana Durie said the gathering celebrates indigenous unity and knowledge-sharing.
“WIPCE is about celebrating and affirming a shared sense of Indigenous determination and unity,” the co-chairs said in a joint statement.
“WIPCE is also a time to draw inspiration from the power of Indigenous ceremony, language, culture and scholarship and to reimagine the future of Indigenous education through sharing our deepest experiences, our distinctive histories and bold visions for the future.”
WIPCE Co-Chair Professor Meihana Durie said WIPCE unites Indigenous educators, scholars and champions from across the world. Supplied / WIPCE
Alongside their iwi manaaki of Ngāti Whātua Orākei, the chairs said they look forward to welcoming manuhiri to Aotearoa and in particular, to Tāmaki Makaurau, “a city that is home to the largest number of Pacific peoples in the world”.
Durie said the kaupapa provides a global platform for indigenous voices and aspirations.
“Although it is clear that indigenous rights remain under immense threat, this gathering unites indigenous educators, scholars and champions from across the world,” he said.
“Amplifying indigenous voices and aspirations to transcend barriers that limit our collective potential, and more importantly, to achieve transformative inter-generational outcomes for indigenous education worldwide.”
Durie said WIPCE is all about thinking about the future, and how to navigate it collectively as Indigenous people.
“Our greatest strength comes through our unification.”
The conference will feature keynote speakers including distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai-Smith, Professor Leonie Pihama, Dr Teina Rongo and actor-producer Cliff Curtis.
The kaupapa is set to deliver a major boost to the city’s economy, generating an estimated $8.275 million. Supplied / WIPCE
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said WIPCE will also deliver a major boost to the city’s economy, generating an estimated $8.275 million and more than 16,600 visitor nights.
“In addition, this gathering reflects our identity as the world’s largest Māori and Polynesian city, enriched by more than 200 ethnicities. We are committed to sharing knowledge that connects us all.”
For those not attending the conference, a free public festival Te Ao Pūtahi will run in Aotea Square over the week, featuring kapa haka, live music, kai and workshops – all celebrating indigenous culture.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
