AANZPA CONFERENCE 2025

Ōtepoti, Aotearoa (Dunedin, New Zealand)

Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te mātahi o te tau … Mānawatia a Matariki

E te tī, e te tā, e ngā kārangaranga maha ki ngā hau e whā o te ao nei
Ngā waewae tapu me ngā tangata o te kainga nei
Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua
Haere mai, Tauti mai, Whakapiri mai

Nau mai, Haere mai koutou ki Te Waipounamu, ki Ōtepoti

Matariki is the star cluster, to mark the beginning of the Māori New Year. We invite all of you, 

from the four corners of the world, newcomers and the people of this land, to come together.

Join us in Ōtepoti to connect, collaborate and embark on a conference guided and inspired by our theme, Manaakitanga … What Truly Matters.
Manaakitanga is the brightest thread in the tapestry of relationships that binds people together in mutual respect, generosity and support. The principle also embodies care, hospitality and protection. Manaakitanga recognizes the spiritual nature of mana (spiritual essence/authority) embracing one’s own mana authentically and fostering a natural compassion that uplifts and encourages us all.

What Truly Matters enables each of us individually and collectively to focus on what is central in our world now within AANZPA in our work, our communities, our lives and in all our interactions.

Through our theme we embrace the spirit of Manaakitanga … What Truly Matters to create a conference where these principles guide our encounters and workshops. We invite you to offer workshops and actively participate in shaping our AANZPA 2025 conference embodying these values in every aspect of our gathering.

Nāu te rourou, Nāku te rourou, Ka ora ai te iwi. 
From your basket, and my basket, our people will thrive

Pre-Conference workshops

• Hamish Brown and Cinnamon Boreham: What Truly Matters
• Jenny Hutt and Bev Hosking: Consolidating Intercultural Work

Post-Conference workshops

• Chris Hosking: Creating moments of optimism for everyday life: a focus on Role Training
• Rollo Browne and Bona Anna: The Drama of the Unfinished Self

Pōwhiri & Whakawātea: Welcome and Opening & Closing

We are preparing a pōwhiri (opening and welcome process) to set the scene and warmly receive you to Ōtepoti, to the rohe of Kāi Tahu (the land and region of the people of Tahu) and to Salmond Hall on January 15th. This traditional ceremony will be supported by mana whenua and invites us all to unite and fully embrace the shared purpose and spirit.

The pōwhiri signals the beginning of the conference and includes dinner – kai whakanoa that transitions us from tapu (formal/sacred space) to noa (normal/ordinary). After this we will gather for mihimihi, sociometry and continuing our warm-up to one another and our work together.

To conclude our conference we will have a whakawātea, a closing ceremony, to include an opportunity for reflections as well as ‘tukua te mauri’, where the handing over the spirit of this year’s conference to the hosts for AANZPA Conference 2026 will take place.

Plan Your Hikoi (Trip)

Whether you travel by road, air, or via Queenstown, stay tuned for upcoming information to help you plan your adventure. Discover activities to enjoy before or after the conference, from electric bike rides around the harbour to exploring Diana Jones and Chris Hosking’s favourite pre-loved clothes shops in Ōtepoti. Enjoy scenic bush walks, serene spots by the harbour and sea, and experience the unique outdoor pool at St Clair.

Stay tuned for more information on transportation options and recommended activities.

Highlights

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

A full day on Saturday dedicated to the AGM – this will be a hybrid event with online and kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) options.

Dinner Dance

Join us for a fun evening of local musical talent and a sampling of seasonal kai. This will be a BYO event with plenty of opportunities to get the tipple of your choice locally.

Location and Accommodation

All conference events will be hosted at Salmond Halls of Residence, 19 Knox Street, North East Valley, Ōtepoti Dunedin, nestled amidst trees and bush, where native bird song welcomes each dawn. Live-in accommodation includes all meals, providing a comfortable and communal experience. We can accommodate most dietary requirements. Our conference committee members will be available throughout the event at Salmond.

Stay tuned for more details about the location, accommodation, and dining options.