Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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FENZ proposes restructure to build modern and effective emergency service

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is proposing to restructure its organisation to ensure it can sustainably, effectively and efficiently meet New Zealanders’ needs both now and in the future. 
Subject to consultation, the proposals in the restructure will touch around 700 roles across the organisation, resulting in the net loss of around 140 positions.
No frontline firefighter positions are impacted, although some supporting functions may change.
“This proposal is about ensuring we are best positioned to deliver a modern and responsive emergency service,” Chief Executive Kerry Gregory says.
“The primary focus is to provide a trusted service that keeps New Zealanders safe. Our dedicated team does an amazing job looking after our communities and this proposal is about ensuring we are best positioned to continue doing that. 
“I acknowledge this is difficult for the teams and individuals impacted. We are committed to constructively working through their feedback to ensure we get the best outcome.
“Our intention is to communicate the outcome of consultations before the end of the year, allowing as many  people as possible to go into the holiday period with certainty. No structural changes will take effect until the new year, likely to be March/April, to give people and teams time to prepare and transition.
” The changes have been proposed to give effect to Fire and Emergency’s strategic direction, which shapes how the organisation operates and what it focuses its efforts and resources on.”
It is the culmination of a period of evolution that began with the merger of around 40 organisations in 2017 to create a national service. The key drivers behind the proposed changes include:
  • Removing silos and increasing collaboration and oversight across functions
  • Refocusing on Fire and Emergency’s core business
  • Improving role clarity and accountability
  • Enhancing decision-making by empowering leaders
  • Creating 'Centres of Expertise' and improving access to, and quality of, information
“Changing workloads and expectations on our people, along with the need to prepare for future challenges and resource constraints, highlighted the need to make changes to become a more effective and sustainable emergency service,” Kerry Gregory says. 
 “Our operating environment is evolving rapidly. Communities’ needs are changing, and technology, both the tools we use and those that can create new risks, is advancing at pace. To meet these changes, we must adapt and become more adaptable. 
I’m proud of the mahi our teams do every day to keep our communities safe. By making smart decisions now with their input, we can build a more modern, and more trusted emergency service – one that’s equipped to meet the needs of New Zealanders for years to come,” Kerry Gregory says.
Note to Editor
  • Fire and Emergency New Zealand has approximately 14,900 personnel
  • We have around 1300 fire trucks and over 600 station sites
  • In the 2024/2025 financial year, our crews responded to 88,805 incidents
  • Fire and Emergency’s 2024/2025 levy revenue was $796,717,000 and other revenue $41,300,000.
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Govt. must step in and stop the deep cuts proposed by FENZ – PSA

Source: PSA

– Net loss of 169 roles including 46 directly supporting firefighters
– 13% of FENZ of non-firefighting staff proposed to go
– FENZ cutting spending by $70m/year – 10% of annual budget
Fire and Emergency NZ’s proposal to cut 13% of non-firefighting staff across the country and shave 10% off its annual budget, is reckless at a time of escalating climate-driven emergencies.
Staff at Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) were today given a 260-page consultation document and told to provide feedback within two weeks before the new structure is confirmed just days before Christmas.
“The Government must step in and stop these short-sighted cuts – FENZ is telling its workers to do more with less, which will impact FENZ’s ability to deal with emergencies and prevent future emergencies,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“It’s alarming that the proposed cuts include the net loss of 46 roles in the Operational Response branch that sits at the heart of FENZ’s ‘frontline delivery’, supporting fire stations and firefighters and communication centres.
“These workers do critical work like ensuring the urgent coordination of resources for fires and other emergencies.”
FENZ is also proposing to cut 45 roles in the Prevention branch which according to FENZ aims to ‘reduce risk and harm before emergencies occur and currently has the accountability for ensuring our people are well trained should they occur’.
“This includes cutting the roles of four wildfire specialists – how does that make sense when the Tongariro National Park fire shows how important it is to be prepared for such emergencies?
“The wildfire, which required mobilisation of resources from across the country, coupled with concerns about the state of the ageing fire engine fleet should have been a wake-up call that FENZ needs more investment, not deep cuts.
“At a time of rising climate risks from more frequent extreme storm events and wildfires, and the increasing population in major urban centres, these proposed cuts are completely the wrong approach.”
The restructure follows the Government in December refusing to agree to the insurance levy increases FENZ wanted – 95% of its revenue funded through the levy, forcing FENZ to shave spending by $50m a year over the next three years. On top of that the Government has ordered FENZ to cut $60m from its budget by 2029, all up about 10% of its current expenditure is to be cut.
“The Government is deliberately allowing the underfunding of FENZ, and ignoring the risks to New Zealanders’ lives and property.
“Yet again, we are seeing the Government pushing through shortsighted decisions regardless of the consequences for public safety.
“Workers who are impacted are in a state of shock. And this comes at a time of great uncertainty with bargaining for a new collective agreement currently ongoing.
“Imposing such a fundamental restructure on staff with an extremely short consultation period, just before Christmas is insulting and unfair.
“Many workers and their families now face a bleak Christmas period knowing their jobs are on the line. This tells you how much the Government cares about workers who do such a courageous job keeping New Zealanders safe.
“The PSA will be strongly opposing these changes and will be setting out the risks in a comprehensive submission. It should never have come to this.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Economy – China fixed communication service revenue growth to remain stagnant through 2030, forecasts GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

The total fixed communications services revenue in China is expected to see sluggish compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.7% in its revenue from $303 billion in 2025 to $314 billion in 2030, mainly due to drop in average revenue per user (ARPU) levels, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s China Fixed Communication Forecast (Q3 2025) reveals that fixed voice and fixed broadband service lines will expand at a CAGR of 1% and 1.5%, respectively, over the forecast period. However, both voice telephony and broadband ARPU levels will drop considerably during the period thereby dragging the overall revenue growth.

For instance, fixed voice ARPU levels in the residential segment is expected to decline from $5.07 to $4.35 between 2025 and 2030 due to the growing popularity of mobile/Internet-based communication. Similarly, broadband ARPU levels are expected to decline from $31.10 to $29.53 in residential segment due to the discounted pricing plans offered by operators.

Pradeepthi Kantipudi, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Fiber will remain the leading broadband technology in terms of subscription share through the forecast period driven by the government’s support for expansion and improvement of fiber network infrastructure in the country. FTTH coverage is widespread with about 99% of residential broadband subscriptions on fiber optic lines as of 2025 and is expected to reach 100% by the end of 2030.”

China Mobile will lead the fixed broadband services market in 2025, by subscription share, followed by China Telecom and China Unicom. China Mobile will maintain its leadership in the market through 2030 driven by its strong position in the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) segment and a focus on upgrading gigabit broadband network across the country. China Mobile's commitment to integrate advanced technologies, such as AI-driven network management and 10G PON deployments, has enhanced service quality and customer satisfaction.

Kantipudi concludes: “As service differentiation increasingly relies on network performance, reliability, and bundled digital services, the operators that pay attention to customer experience while optimizing operational efficiency will lead the next wave of China’s fixed broadband growth.”

Notes:

Quotes provided by Pradeepthi Kantipudi, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData
Information based on GlobalData’s China Fixed Communication Forecast (Q3 2025)
GlobalData’s China Fixed Communication Forecast:  Quantifies current and future demand and spending on fixed voice and data services. The data is published quarterly.

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

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Health – "An indictment on our nation": Health Coalition Aotearoa slams country’s fall in global tobacco industry interference ranking

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Health Coalition Aotearoa says it is an “indictment on our nation” for New Zealand to fall from second in 2023 to 53rd in a global study released today assessing the interference of the tobacco industry.
The 2025 Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index outlined New Zealand’s “most deteriorated” and paper-thin protection against tobacco industry interference.
Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Smokefree Expert Advisory Group co-chair Professor Chris Bullen says the report shows the Government’s actions are far too closely aligned with the tobacco industry’s agenda.
“This report shows our Government blindly letting Big Tobacco waft back into New Zealanders’ lives despite decades of relentless work towards Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 goal. How many times do we have to remind the government that tobacco kills?” asks Bullen.
Despite overwhelming opposition from health experts, Māori health providers and other New Zealanders, in early 2024, the Government repealed crucial elements of the Smokefree Act, gave tax breaks to tobacco companies through the reduced excise tax on heated tobacco products, and continues to allow unregulated lobbying by the tobacco industry.
Bullen says, “We are the first country in the world that we’re aware of with a government that has reduced a tobacco tax. Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in Aotearoa. Rolling back protections and bending to industry pressure is not just shameful, but harmful – it will have health consequences for many of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people.”
This report reflects the decades of progress dismantled by the current Government and sends a clear signal to New Zealand: tobacco industry priorities now outrank public health.
Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) is a coalition of member organisations committed to closing the health prevention gap in Aotearoa. HCA has been campaigning for tighter regulation of lobbying and industry influence on policy across all government sectors in its Level the Playing Field campaign since April 2025.
HCA works with the Cancer Society, ASPIRE Aotearoa research group, Public Health Communication Centre and Vape-Free Kids in a collaborative effort to increase transparency on tobacco industry lobbying and improve smoking and vaping cessation policy.
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Universities – Building resilient cities in a time of climate change

Source: University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

Local and international experts are meeting in Wellington this month to share their knowledge on creating healthier, more resilient cities in the face of the challenges posed by climate change.

The International Conference on Urban Health, co-hosted by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka and the International Society for Urban Health (ISUH), is being held at the Tākina Convention Centre from 17-21 November.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Weaving Climate Action, Equity and Wellbeing – From the Pacific to the World’, reflecting the urgent need to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems, climate resilience and health equity in urban development.

Distinguished Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, from the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington, says it is the first time the event has been held in Oceania.

“The conference offers an unparalleled opportunity for delegates to engage with the most pressing urban-health issues facing New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific islands, from climate change to sustainable transport to environmentally sustainable public and community housing developments.

“It gives us all the chance to learn from others and share successful initiatives to build sustainable cities.”

The conference has attracted participants from more than 35 countries, with visitors coming from as far afield as India, Uganda, Denmark, Saudi Arabia and China.

The programme features more than 100 sessions, with panel discussions on ‘nourishing landscapes’,  which will feature Māori researchers and practitioners coming together to share Indigenous insights and solutions for restoring food systems, and on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) age-friendly strategy, which has been adopted by local councils in Aotearoa.

Keynote speakers at the conference include Skye Duncan, the Executive Director of the Global Designing Cities Initiative, who will discuss human-centred urban design; Professor James Ward (Pitjantjatjara, Narungga), the Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Queensland; Professor Mike Davies from the Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering at University College London, who will discuss the provision of healthy and comfortable built environments in a changing climate; and Professor Deidre Brown, the Director of the Centre for Māori and Pacific Housing Research at the University of Auckland, who will share insights on the impacts of housing design on hauora Māori and Pacific peoples.

Researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington, presenting at the conference include Professor Howden-Chapman, who will lead a panel of colleagues in a discussion about the findings from a five-year Endeavour Fund research programme on the value of public and community housing in Aotearoa New Zealand; Professor Nevil Pierse, who will share his findings about the outcomes of the Healthy Homes Initiative; Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard, who will discuss the impact of the WHO healthy housing framework; and Guy Penny (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa), who will talk about his work on the Papakāinga development at the Wainuiomata Marae.

This year, for the first time, the conference will include a government round table with national and local government leaders and their international counterparts discussing how urban policy and governance can drive health, equity, and climate resilience in our cities. The session will be free and open to the public and will be held on Thursday, 20 November from 3pm to 4.30pm at Tākina.

The conference opens on Monday, 17 November with a free one-day symposium, ‘Designing Cities for Every Age’, at the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, which will look at how cities can be better designed to support people at every stage of life. Please register for the symposium on the ICUH website (for catering purposes).

Notes:

The full programme is now available on the conference website: https://www.icuh2025.org/

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I Am Hope begins search for new Chief Executive as founder Mike King prepares for next chapter

Source: Authority PR

I Am Hope Foundation, home of the Gumboot Friday initiative, is preparing to open an exciting new chapter in its journey to improve youth mental health in New Zealand. The organisation will soon begin the search for a new Chief Executive to lead its next phase of growth and innovation.

While serving as Executive Director and Principal Ambassador, founder Mike King has carried a share of the organisation’s Chief Executive duties. He says it’s the right moment for fresh leadership to take I Am Hope forward.

“When we started I Am Hope it was nothing more than a dream, a small group of people trying to make sure every young person could access free mental health support without barriers. Building this organisation from scratch has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. But we’ve reached a point where it’s time for a new vision and a new voice to take us forward,” says King.

“I’ve loved every second of this journey, the wins, the challenges, the people. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made through Gumboot Friday, funding thousands of counselling sessions for young Kiwis. Now it’s time for someone else to build on that legacy.”

Under King’s leadership, I Am Hope has grown from a grassroots movement into a nationally recognised mental health charity. Since launching Gumboot Friday in 2019, the initiative has provided more than 137,000 free counselling sessions to young New Zealanders aged 5 to 25.

The new Chief Executive will lead the foundation through its next evolution, expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the sustainability of free mental health support for generations to come.

King will continue to play a key role in the organisation in a new capacity, which will be announced alongside the appointment of the new Chief Executive.

“I’m not going anywhere,” King adds. “My passion for helping young people hasn’t changed. I’ll be taking on a new role that lets me get back to what I love most, connecting with people, challenging the system, and championing hope.”

The recruitment process for the new Chief Executive will begin in the coming weeks.

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Economy – Reserve Bank NZ’s Wellington building temporarily closed after isolated asbestos disturbance

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)

12 November 2025 – RBNZ's Wellington building has been temporarily closed to allow for an isolated asbestos disturbance to be remediated.

On Thursday 6 November, as part of a routine building-wide survey of asbestos material, an isolated disturbance of asbestos was identified at 2 The Terrace. The area was contained and the finding was reported to Worksafe. Coincidentally, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake also closed the building that evening for air quality monitoring to be completed.

Assurance testing has since been completed, however the building needs to remain closed while the asbestos disturbance is remediated, as fire sprinkler systems on a key emergency exit floor need to be deactivated.

The health and safety of our staff and tenants is a priority. Therefore, the building has been closed while remediation works take place, which could take until November 24.

RBNZ does not anticipate any impact on our services. Business continuity plans have been activated and are currently operational, including through staff working from the RBNZ's Auckland premises.

RBNZ's Wellington building contains encapsulated asbestos and planning for refurbishment of 2 The Terrace is underway, in line with our 2024/2028 Statement of Intent. Further information on progress of this project is detailed in our 2025 Annual Report.

2024/2028 Statement of Intent: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=5228815309&e=f3c68946f8

2025 Annual Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=ce5a8728cb&e=f3c68946f8

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Tech – Tense, sceptical, aware: NZers increasingly cautious about Internet

Source: InternetNZ

12 November 2025 – Tense, sceptical, aware – three words that describe New Zealanders’ relationship with all things Internet, including Artificial Intelligence, according to the latest 2025 World Internet Project (WIP).
The World Internet Project (WIP) is a global study of the social, economic, and cultural impact of the internet and digital technologies on societies around the world. AUT’s New Zealand Policy Research Institute (NZPRI) is commissioned by InternetNZ (INZ) to collect and analyse the responses of around 2000 Internet users aged 16+.
For the first time, this year’s survey includes questions about how New Zealanders feel about, and use, Artificial Intelligence (AI). When asked whether AI can be regulated, only 23% believe it is possible. The most common reason for doubt? “It’s already too late.”
The findings highlight the influence of age, education levels, and employment status when it comes to AI.
For example, 45% of 16-24-year-olds use AI frequently, compared with just 4% of those aged 75 and above. The tension about AI’s broader implications is real: more than half of Internet users surveyed (52.2%) expect AI to cause large-scale unemployment, yet nearly three-quarters (71.7%) are not personally worried about losing their jobs to automation. Older New Zealanders express stronger concerns about privacy and surveillance, and a majority oppose AI use by children younger than 18 due to its potential impact on their brain development.
Social media is also a concern for many living in NZ. Although most users (66.9%) view the Internet positively, a large share – 41.9% – consider social media equally helpful and harmful. More than 60% support stronger oversight of Internet and social media companies, with many favouring a mixed model of government and industry self-regulation, especially for platforms like TikTok and X.
Trust in online information remains low: around two-thirds of respondents (67.4%) say they are sceptical about the reliability of at least half of what they see online. Concerns about misinformation are widespread-two thirds (67%) see it as a serious issue.
Privacy issues are also top of mind for NZ Internet users, with more than 80% expressing some level of concern about the security of their personal or banking information when shopping online or using social networking sites.
Against this backdrop, more than half of users (52%) now say they are aware of the environmental impacts of digital technology. Younger respondents are taking actions to mitigate their digital footprint. Changes include keeping digital devices for as long as possible, unplugging devices when not in use, deleting unnecessary files or emails, or storing data locally rather than in the cloud.
NZPRI Director, Dr Lisa Meehan, says the latest WIP survey underscores the complex relationship that New Zealanders have with the Internet.
“To find so many people in NZ concerned about AI shows how pervasive it has become in our personal and work lives. The caution felt about AI is on par with our increasing wariness around social media and privacy concerns when doing online activities. This tempered response is appropriate given the seemingly endless flow of online content and information in our lives from so many internet-based sources,” says Lisa.
InternetNZ Chief Executive, Vivien Maidaborn, highlights the fact that for years, InternetNZ have sought to address barriers to digital equity, but notes that engaging with the online world is nuanced and that ‘more’ doesn’t always equate to ‘better’.
“Digital equity is not only about reducing barriers, but also about understanding what living well online means and knowing how to navigate its limits. The research points to a widespread desire for better regulation, an awareness that not all information online is reliable and that this has real impact on people's day to day life through privacy implications, politics and even the environment,” says Vivien.
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Health – New Primary Care Pathway to increase GP workforce a win for health care and patients

Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) is welcoming the establishment of the Primary Care Pathway to give medical graduates in year 2 of their Post Graduate training (PGY2) the opportunity to train and work in general practice.
A funding package to improve access to primary care and boost the primary care workforce was announced by Health Minister Simeon Brown in March 2025 as part of a wider commitment to fix New Zealand’s health system and improve health outcomes.
In this announcement, Minister Brown confirmed that up to 50 New Zealand-trained PGY2 doctors would train in primary care settings each year.
The College is optimistic that by providing more in-depth exposure to primary care services more medical graduates will get to see firsthand how comprehensive continuity of care in the community and close to home is vital to keeping patients healthy and out of ED and hospital.
College President Dr Luke Bradford says, “The job of a specialist GP is not for the faint hearted, but it is one of the most rewarding parts in medicine. By encouraging more medical graduates to experience the job firsthand we hope the stigma that is often associated with our job is diminished and that this Pathway will lead to a significant increase in trainees joining our College to become specialist GPs.”
College Medical Director Dr Prabani Wood says, “As a College and a workforce, we are excited to highlight the truly impactful nature of the specialist GP role and the wide-ranging opportunities that come along with it and look forward to welcoming doctors who gain their registration through this pathway into our College whānau.
“However, for this initiative to be successful and grow the next generations of the workforce, we must also ensure that our current workforce who will be doing the training and supervision of these PGY2 doctors are well-supported to do this alongside their usual clinical, leadership and governance roles.”
House Officers holding MCNZ general scope, including those who obtain MCNZ general scope through the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX), will meet the experience requirements to apply for the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) by successfully completing PGY2, and includes those on the Primary Care Pathway placements.
More information about the Primary Care Pathway and how to apply is available on the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora ‘Primary Care Medical Pathway’ webpage. EOIs are open until Friday 9 January 2026. 
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Global Indigenous leaders and educators to unite in Tāmaki Makaurau for WIPCE 2025

Source: PĀNUI PĀPĀHO

Next week, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will transform into a hub of Indigenous knowledge, connection and celebration as 3,800 educators and leaders from across Aotearoa and the globe gather for the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE).

Returning to Aotearoa for the first time in 20 years, WIPCE 2025 will provide thought-provoking kōrero, insightful wānanga, panel discussions, presentations, and interactive breakout sessions designed to spark ideas and drive Indigenous knowledge forward.

Hosted by Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau – AUT and iwi manaaki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the event will be held at the Aotea Centre from 16-20 November.

The conference will open with a pōwhiri (official welcoming) on Sunday 16 November, followed by a ‘Parade of Nations’. Aucklanders will see delegates from more than 20 cultures and every corner of the globe parade Queen Street in their official kākahu (attire) in a colourful celebration of Indigenous pride.

A joint statement released today from the four Co-Chairs of WIPCE 2025 – Dr Noe Noe Wilson-Wong, Dr Bentham Ohia, Professor Damon Salesa, and Professor Meihana Durie – represents a step-change in the kōrero on Indigenous peoples in Aotearoa and around the world.

“As we head into final preparations for WIPCE 2025, we acknowledge the hard work and collective effort that has brought us to this point. WIPCE is about celebrating and affirming a shared sense of Indigenous determination and unity,” say the Co-Chairs.

“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. Together, alongside our iwi manaaki of Ngāti Whātua Orākei, we 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.”

WIPCE 2025 Co-Chair, Professor Meihana Durie says the event is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase Indigenous knowledge, scholarship and unity on a global scale.

“Although it is clear that Indigenous rights remain under immense threat, this gathering unites Indigenous educators, scholars and champions from across the world. 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,” says Durie.

“WIPCE is really about thinking about the future and how we navigate it collectively as Indigenous people. Our greatest strength comes through our unification”.

In addition to the cultural and academic contribution, the conference also brings significant economic benefits to Tāmaki Makaurau, says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited CE Nick Hill.

“WIPCE 2025 has the highest number of attendees ever recorded at an academic conference in New Zealand. The conference is expected to contribute $8.275 million to Auckland’s economy and generate more than 16,600 visitor nights,” explains Nick Hill.

“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.”

The conference features an exceptional line up of Keynote and Guest speakers, including Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai-Smith, Professor Leonie Pihama, Dr Teina Rongo and Actor and Producer Cliff Curtis. Together, they bring diverse perspectives that have helped shape global dialogue on Indigenous rights, decolonisation, education and arts.

For those not attending the conference, Te Ao Pūtahi, a vibrant and free festival at Aotea Square, will offer an immersive experience for the wider community. The event features different ao or ‘worlds’, focusing on culture, food, healing and trade.

Starting on Sunday 16 November, visitors can enjoy kapa haka performances from groups like Ngā Tumanako, with live music from artists including Corrella, Jackson Owens, Betty-Anne and IA. Indigenous stallholders will also be providing free hands-on creative workshops and storytelling sessions, as well as selling kai and gifts.

More information about this year’s kaupapa is on the WIPCE 2025 website, including the themes and programme, keynote speakers, guest speakers, Te Ao Pūtahi free festival and other event information.