37 Years of WIPCE
A Global Indigenous Education Movement
The World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) commenced in 1987 in Vancouver, Canada. The pivotal role of community, represented by elders and community knowledge keepers, was captured in the inaugural WIPCE conference, providing both a primacy of purpose and of place. WIPCE is now a movement of individuals and organisations dedicated to the design and development of culturally affirming and intellectually enriching education for Indigenous peoples.
An estimated 370 million Indigenous peoples live in all continents of the earth and represent a significant part of the world’s vast cultural and linguistic diversity and heritage. Indigenous peoples possess unique knowledge systems, which are recognised as crucial for sustainable development. At the same time, social, economic and political marginalisation of Indigenous peoples is pervasive in all the regions across the world.
Indigenous peoples face fundamental challenges when attempting to reconcile their own forms of culturally transmitted learning with systems of formal education. Over the past 37 years, WIPCE has endeavoured to address this issue and has grown to become a major international event in the Indigenous education movement. The WIPCE conference draws Indigenous representatives from across the globe to share successes and strategies for culturally grounded education. WIPCE attracts Indigenous education experts, practitioners, scholars, students and communities, with thousands of delegates expected in 2025 – the largest and most diverse Indigenous movement on earth.
WIPCE 2025 will run from Rātapu (Sunday) 23rd through to Rāpare (Thursday) 27th in Whiringā-a-Rangi (November) 2025. Upon the sacred land Takaparawhau that watches over the Waitematā harbour of Tāmaki Makaurau, the waters that shine and gleam in the sun beneath the foreboding and loving shadow of Rangitoto. The guardians of the sacred fires of Tuperiri, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, will formally welcome our guests to the shores of Aotearoa with the traditional Māori pōwhiri (welcome ceremony).
The four-day conference will include:
- A range of national and international keynote and inspirational global speakers from all Indigenous nations.
- Abstract presentations, with an Academic Committee appointed to ensure a robust selection is achieved. Only Indigenous voices will be selected. The final selection will be endorsed by the WIPCE International Council specific to their countries/nations.
- Knowledge cafe – allowing delegates to network and to be involved in discussion groups on subjects such as language revitalisation, Indigenous traditions, culture, and rights.
- Symposiums, such as those for kaumatua (elders) and rangatahi (youth).
- Panel discussions.
- Seminars and workshops.
- Poster sessions.
- WIPCE village, with an art exhibition and stalls to promote Indigenous art, crafts and artists.
- Designated areas for kaumātua (elders).
- Daily catering for delegates, including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
- Cultural excursions featuring local marae, Māori schools, significant Māori sites, cultural and art organisations, attractions, and Māori and Pacific communities and businesses.
- Parade of nations, recognising all our manuhiri (visitors) to the conference.
- Cultural extravaganza and closing ceremony, a finale concert showcasing a selection of national and international performances.
As ngā kaiārahi (hosts) of WIPCE 2025 we are committed to the values as ratified through the Coolangatta Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Education and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Our hosts
Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau, also known as the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), is one of the world’s best modern universities. We embrace new technologies to lead the learning of tomorrow, and prepare our students for the rapidly changing world. AUT has more than 60 research centres and institutes delivering leading research – from artificial intelligence to robotics, and ecology to public health. As a contemporary university, AUT is connected to an extraordinary range of organisations worldwide; sharing expertise and resources, collaborating on ground-breaking research, and connecting students with industry leaders and employers.
The university has a strong and important relationship with Māori, which honours the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document. This commitment is reflected in our educational, social and philosophical culture. Our Office of Māori Advancement works closely with Māori staff, students and the wider community in advising and implementing Māori knowledge and initiatives throughout the university.
Host Committee
Professor Pare Keiha
Pouārahi Matua | WIPCE 2025 Chair and Senior Responsible Officer. Iwi (tribal) affiliations: Te Whānau-a-Taupara o Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki / Rongowhakaata.
Professor Pare Keiha is a distinguished academic and leader, serving as the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Māori Advancement at Auckland University of Technology. He holds multiple key roles, including Dean of Te Ara Poutama, the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Development, and the Faculty of Culture and Society. With a vast background in both academia and corporate governance, he has contributed significantly to various public and private organisations. His expertise spans areas such as strategic planning, project management, marketing, corporate governance, competition law, intellectual property law, and Māori and Pacific development.
Professor Keiha's influence extends beyond academia; he is actively involved in advising Māori enterprises and state sector entities, particularly in business development, management, and strategy. He was honoured by the Queen in the 2008 New Year’s Honours List when he was made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order (QSO) for his services to business, education, and Māori. Additionally, he is deeply connected to his Māori heritage, affiliated with significant tribes in Turanga (Gisborne), including Te Whānau-a-Taupara o Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Rongowhakaata. Passionate about education and social justice, he continues to make meaningful contributions to various sectors, including education, research, and cultural preservation. Professor Pare Keiha will be joining us as the WIPCE 2025 Chair and Senior Responsible Officer.
Aroha Te Kanawa
Kaitohu Hinonga | WIPCE 2025 Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) Hapu: Ngāti Rora, Ngāti Kinohahu, Ngāti Uekaha Iwi (tribal) affiliation: Ngāti Maniapoto
Aroha Te Kanawa is a highly accomplished project and event manager, renowned for her success in organising national and international events. With a history of managing large-scale conferences and events, she founded Te Kanawa Project & Event Management in 2003. Aroha is deeply committed to Indigenous development evident through her roles as a former member of WINHEC, and as the current Secretary/Treasurer of the WIPCE International Council. She was also the Project Manager of WIPCE Aotearoa in 2005 hosted by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. She is also a Trustee and Treasurer of her marae Te Tokanganui A Noho / Te Kuiti Pa.
Aroha’s personal skills and passion, coupled with her dedication to her varied projects make her a highly respected professional. She has a knack of “thinking outside the box” to deliver experiences rather than events. Aroha's aspiration to her people and her passion for social responsibility underline her commitment to making a positive impact. Aroha will be joining the WIPCE 2025 committee as our Kaitohu Hinonga (Professional Conference Organiser).
“This is a huge honour for me to be part of the AUT Hosting Committee for WIPCE 2025 as we welcome our global Indigenous whānau on behalf of te ao Māori back to Aotearoa since 2005, this is a movement that I am passionate about to come together as one celebrating our indigeneity to be immersed in our matauranga across the globe, and doing what we do best, showing our manaakitanga, whakawhanaungatanga and aroha.”
Professor Georgina Tuari Stewart
WIPCE 2025 Academic Committee Chair Iwi (tribal) affiliations: Ngāti Kura, Ngāpuhi-nui-tonu, Pare Hauraki
Georgina Tuari Stewart is Professor of Māori Philosophy of Education in Te Ara Poutama, at the Auckland University of Technology, and a distinguished Māori education researcher. Raised in Auckland, she pursued an initial career in scientific research after completing an MSc in chemistry. Later, she transitioned to teaching, becoming the first instructor of pūtaiao (Māori-medium subject science) and pāngarau (maths) at Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi Marae in 1993.
Georgina, one of the few Māori-speaking teachers in secondary science, continued her journey to explore the Māori science curriculum, culminating in her Doctorate in Education from the University of Waikato in 2007. Her professional trajectory includes roles at the University of Auckland's Tai Tokerau Campus in Whangarei from 2010 before joining AUT in 2016. Georgina is a prolific author, contributing over 50 published articles on Māori education. Her work delves into the intricate intersections of knowledge, language, culture, and education. Georgina Tuari Stewart has been appointed as the Chair of the Academic Committee for WIPCE 2025, showcasing her commitment to advancing indigenous education on a global platform.
Taituwha King
WIPCE 2025 Cultural Committee Chair Iwi (tribal) affiliations: Waikato - Ngāti Mahuta ki te hauāuru
Taituwha is a respected expert in Māori customs, protocols, and language, specializing in traditional arts such as haka, waiata, and mōteatea. He has showcased his talents with esteemed national groups like Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Mātaatua ki Rotorua, and Waipapa Marae, earning recognition as a cultural leader and ambassador for New Zealand. Taituwha's expertise has taken him around the world, leading delegations to international destinations including Europe, the USA, and the Pacific. Apart from his performance skills, he is a skilled composer, winning the 2022 National Choir Auahi Kore Performance Award for a piece with te reo Māori lyrics.
Taituwha is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, actively involved in his tribe, Ngāti Mahuta ki te hauāuru, his marae, Te Kooraha, and his community, exemplifying the Māori saying "Tangata i ākona ki te kāinga, tūngia ki te marae, tau ana", emphasizing the importance of honoring one's roots and contributing back to the community. Taituwha King will be joining the WIPCE 2025 Committee as the Chair of the Cultural Committee.
Colleen Leauanae
WIPCE 2025 AUT Project Manager Iwi (tribal) affiliations: Te Rarawa / Ngāpuhi
Colleen Leauanae (nee Noble) is of Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi descent, a true mokopuna of Hokianga – Tai Tokerau. She has twenty years’ experience in tertiary education, having held roles in student support and currently as Manager Special Projects, Strategic Relationships and Equity Māori at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
Colleen’s passion and drive to see our people succeed and can do, get the work done, attitude permeates through everything she does. Colleen has had the privilege of being mentored and inspired by people who have imparted the values of serving our communities selflessly within a fun and uplifting environment. Based in Auckland, Colleen holds governance roles across other organisations, and works diligently in educational and community initiatives that advance iwi, hapū and whānau aspirations.
Jaye Wainui
Āpiha Matua Herenga Kaupapa | WIPCE 2025 Project Relationships Manager Iwi (tribal) affiliations: Ngāti Whātua, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāriki Kaiputahi
Passionate and dedicated professional with a proven track record of leadership in Indigenous community development, advocacy, and cultural preservation. Currently Jaye works as the Chief Māori Health Officer – Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Corrections New Zealand and brings over a decade of experience in senior leadership, business administration, program management, and relationship building within the tertiary, local and central government sectors.
With a strong commitment to promoting Indigenous rights, education, and well-being, Jaye has demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that drive positive change and empowerment for our communities. Jaye believes that WIPCE is a platform to connect, collaborate and create the magic that innately, each one of us carries. The Indigenous spark, handed down from generation to generation that guides and leads us all home.
“We cannot wait to host each one of you here in Aotearoa, te kāinga o ngāi Māori katoa, mauri ora!” Jaye says.
“I am a victim of AUT’s careful consideration and care in guiding me to realise my potential as a young Indigenous leader, who can and will affect change for my and future generations”
Alanis Peacock
WIPCE 2025 Project Coordinator Iwi (tribal) affiliations: Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitāne
Alanis Peacock is a motivated and highly organised young professional with a deep passion for her work. She consistently strives to deliver her best in every endeavour. Throughout her career, she has gained diverse experiences in central and local government, as well as corporate organisations.
She has had a range of experience in event and project coordination from supporting in the management of large projects for local councils, and leading programmes that support the success of Māori graduates. Alanis has also been instrumental in organising various events which contribute to the advancement of Māori knowledge and traditions, such as M9, Mānawatia a Matariki and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.
Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Māori development, Alanis continues to demonstrate her dedication to her communities through academic pursuits. Beyond her professional and educational endeavours, she holds the position of Tūmuaki (co-president) for Tītahi ki Tua - AUT Māori Students Association. In this role, she actively engages with Te Mana Ākonga, the The National Māori Tertiary Students’ Association, and the wider AUT Student Association (AUTSA). Within these capacities, Alanis supports the leadership and governance of Tītahi ki Tua within the university while advocating for Māori students at AUT.