NEWS
PĀNUI
AU / NZ IWC
(Indigenous Wellbeing Conference)
20 / 10 / 2024
On Monday 21st and Tuesday the 22nd of October 5 kaimahi from both Ōtautahi and Hakatere had the privilege of attending the 2024 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), The theme "Our Stories, Our Strength: A Collective Journey to Indigenous Wellbeing," the conference celebrated the richness of Indigenous cultures in both Aotearoa and Australia and the essential connections to country, spirituality, and ancestry. And the links between our indigenous approaches to whānau and community wellbeing.
The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association.
The organizing committee, made up of Indigenous cultural and community leaders, ensured that the content was directly relevant to the needs of First Nations Australians, Māori, and Pasifika peoples. The mantra of "nothing about Indigenous Peoples, without Indigenous Peoples" resonated deeply throughout the discussions, providing a genuine spotlight on our shared experiences and challenges.
The conference held over three days, was packed with insightful discussions, workshops, and presentations—over 40 concurrent sessions in total. Plus an exhibition and communal area hosting sponsors, booths, stalls, shops and coffee carts.
The Conference proved to be an invaluable opportunity for both the Kaimahi who attended and those in our organisation who streamed in from home and the office, shining a light on the importance of our collective narratives and the shared journey toward better health outcomes. Feeling inspired and empowered to contribute to this movement and mostly eager to share and apply what we learned in our own work.
KAIMAHI WHAKAARO
“One of my favourite aspects of the two-day Indigenous Wellbeing Conference was listening to presenters discuss how intergenerational and historical Indigenous narratives have shaped lives and facilitated healing.
I was particularly inspired by Dr. Diana Kopua, who challenged western models and their alignment with indigenous models, and Bronwyn Te Koeti, who shared her powerful story of resilience after overcoming the stigma of being in foster care.
Conferences like this are crucial for those of us from Christchurch/Hakatere, as they cultivate whanaungatanga with Indigenous peoples and enhance our services to better reflect cultural values in our communities.”
ANNETTE BRASELL
(Whānau Intervention Practitioner – Hakatere)
“I feel incredibly humbled and honoured to have been part of this years IWC. A highlight of the event was listening to esteemed guest speakers Dr. Diana and Mark Kopua discuss "Activating Indigenous System Change."
During a break, I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Diana, and I discovered that we share the same bloodline. This revelation deepened my experience profoundly, serving as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in driving systemic change.”
BARB O-CONNER
(Whānau Ora Navigator – Hakatere)
“Whanaunganga, sprinkled with manaakitanga & rangatiratanga are values that should always be present when facing adversity alongside our whaiora.
The struggle for mana building within Māori is real & deep but with the right support it can be achieved. It takes a village to raise a child is a quote I resonate with, but I believe it can be used to describe how we continue to support through He Waka Tapu to provide a safe, healthy environment for adults, where they are given the security they need to develop and flourish, to be able to realise their hopes and dreams.
As a Service Coordinator I believe it is my place to remind my team of our privilege and duty to provide this in their mahi with their whaiora.”
NIKKI GIBBS
(Service Coordinator - Ōtautahi)
