Source: Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Ngai Tūhoe, Ngāti Maniapoto
“The answers are within us.” Dr Verna Kirkness, the founder of the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE), delivered this powerful kōrero onstage in Tāmaki Makaurau this week.
WIPCE 2025 saw 3,800 of the world’s foremost Indigenous educators, knowledge-holders and leaders call for a new era of transformative action. Indigenous leaders vowed to continue driving Indigenous-led solutions to the world’s problems, rising above political edicts and governments of the day.
WIPCE 2025 Co-Chair, Professor Meihana Durie says today’s close of the conference signals the beginning of a powerful new chapter for Indigenous people.
“Today, as we bring WIPCE 2025 to a close, we usher in a new era of Indigenous endeavour and unity that will Trans-Indigenise our world. We will build an Indigenous economy, one that funds Indigenous education, research, hospitals, cinema and media channels. One that protects Indigenous lands, waters and skies, and most importantly, Indigenous people,” he says.
Delegates were urged to carve their own path and listen to their ancestors in keynote speeches, panels and community kōrero spanning politics, self-determination and decolonisation to shifts in educational systems, environmental stewardship, youth leadership and wellbeing.
Established in 1987, WIPCE has grown into the world’s largest, most diverse and most influential Indigenous education conference. Founded by Dr Kirkness because of an absence of focus on Indigenous education, the gathering offers an essential space for communities to unite in knowledge exchange, shared purpose, and moemoeā – our collective aspirations and dreams.
This year’s event brought thousands of delegates from more than 25 countries around the world including Guam, Colombia, South Africa, Canada, Taiwan and Japan.
“WIPCE has a unique power which brings so many people from across the globe to critique, share, support and strategise,” says WIPCE 2025 Co-Chair and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Toeolesulusulu Professor Damon Salesa.
“We have been deeply moved and honoured by the experience of hosting this conference, and it has been an extraordinary time for everyone involved, for AUT, Auckland and New Zealand. It has been a privilege to contribute to an event that aligns so closely with AUT’s vision of enriching lives and creating a better world.”
Beyond the formal sessions, WIPCE 2025 filled Tamaki Makaurau Auckland's inner city with colour, culture and indigenous vibrance. Wrapped in the protective cloak of iwi manaaki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, delegates were welcomed with a stirring pōwhiri, followed by a 4,000-strong ‘Parade of Nations’, showcasing the diverse attendees in their traditional kākahu (attire).
Te Ao Pūtahi Festival was also a standout feature of the week. Aotea Square transformed into a bustling hub of creativity, with stalls, kai and performances from the likes of kapa haka rōpū Ngā Tūmanako, and artists and bands including Corrella, Jackson Owens, IA, Betty-Anne and Sons of Zion.
Announced on stage today the 14th convening of WIPCE will be held at Waikoloa, marking the third time the conference will be hosted in Hawai‘i.
Chadd Paishon, a spokesperson for WIPCE 2028, says he’s looking forward to accommodating Indigenous peoples from around the world.
“To host such a distinguished event is a great honour for our people. It allows us to showcase our moana and share our aloha. We look forward to creating a place where our collective knowledge can flourish, and where we can build on the learnings we’ve gained here in Aotearoa.”
There was strong international interest in hosting the next conference, with nine bids submitted from Australia, Canada, Hawai‘i, South Africa and Taiwan.
Dr Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, WIPCE International Council Chair, and Native Hawaiian, says returning to Hawai’i in 2028 brings an opportunity to connect back into the Moana-nui-ā-Kiwa (Pacific Ocean), and to continue to navigate new currents in Indigenous education together.
“It is exciting to see so much interest in hosting WIPCE. This demonstrates how important the voices of Indigenous people are in our communities, and how powerful our collective vision has become on the global stage.”
