Ko Te Tōrino
Haere Whakamua,
Haere Whakamuri
Tuia te rangi e tū nei, tuia te papa e takoto nei, tuituia te maiaorere o mihi ki a koutou ki a ngākau nui, ki a manawa tītī, ki a aumangea.
Nō reira kei ngā mōtoi kahotea, kei ngā kairiaki o te tongarewa tapu o tuawhakarere maranga mai. ‘Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata. Ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tīna.’ Nau mai rā hei kaihoe mō tō tātou waka. He waka tēnei hei kawe i ō tātou manako kia tupu, kia ora, kia pūāwai anō hoki. Ko koe ki tāu hoe, ko au ki tāku, ka tuku ai ki ngā wai o onamata ki anamata.
We acknowledge the connection between the sky and earth, and extend our deepest respect to you the individuals of courage, resilience, and enduring commitment.
To those who have carried the mantle and safeguarded the wisdom of generations, we honour your strength and invite you to rise. As the whakataukī reminds us: ‘ Seek the distant horizon so it draws near; hold fast to what is close so it endures.’
The Waitangi Tribunal in association with Te Herenga Waka warmly welcome you to this conference web-page for:
Ko te Tōrino: Haere Whakamua, Haere Whakamuri
50 Years of the Waitangi Tribunal
VENUE
Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka
Kelburn Parade
Wellington 6012, New Zealand
DATES
9th - 10th
October 2025
REGISTRATION
Early bird extended!
Available until 14th September
This conference is designed to reflect upon the last 50 years work of the Waitangi Tribunal through the independent lens of experienced practitioners, scholars, and Māori communities. It will also be an opportunity to compare and contrast the Waitangi Tribunal model against other international models for the hearing of indigenous peoples claims. Other topics include drawing lessons from the past to enhance the Waitangi Tribunal’s role into the future.
The conference is designed to cover a wide spectrum of views presented by experts from a range of disciplines including justice, history, law, politics, iwi and Māori affairs. Each presenter has been encouraged to be as entertaining, provocative or as insightful as they wish to be. We should also note that neither the Waitangi Tribunal nor Te Herenga Waka have sought to constrain them, as they will not be speaking on behalf of either organisation.
Through this conference, we hope conference participants will have the opportunity to consider emerging claims issues and reflect on what will shape and determine the Waitangi Tribunal’s future. We know you will be as excited as we are to hear from this world class line-up of speakers. Therefore, be prepared to be inspired, intellectually challenged, entertained, and enlightened.
We wish to take this opportunity to thank the organising committee and session organisers for the work they did in assisting develop this amazing programme and for helping to identify presenters.
Nō reira nau mai, kuhu mai
Nā māuā, nā
Professor Rawina Higgins
DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR
TE HERENGA WAKA -
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY
Dr C L Fox
CHIEF JUDGE
CHAIR of the WAITANGI
TRIBUNAL
Te Hōtaka
PROGRAMME
A programme (indicative and subject to updates) is available to view and download.
Te Wāhi
VENUE
Ngā Mokopuna at Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka
42 Kelburn Parade
Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Waitangi Tribunal 50th Anniversary Conference will be held at Ngā Mokopuna - The Living Building, the marae wharekai at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Ngā Mokopuna operates as a working marae, grounded in tikanga Māori and guided by a deep belief in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga. The marae serves as a place of learning and connection, bringing together staff, students, and visitors, while embracing innovation and sustainability through its design and purpose.
Regarded globally as one of the most environmentally responsible buildings, Ngā Mokopuna aspires to achieve Living Building™ certification. The marae complex generates its own electricity, harvests water, and treats wastewater sustainably, embodying a commitment to do the right thing for the people, the whenua, and for future generations by inspiring new standards of responsibility and care.
EXPLORE WELLINGTON
Sitting at the heart of New Zealand, the Wellington region has so much to offer. Nestled between green hills and a sparkling harbour, the city is full of things just waiting to be discovered.
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington."
Cultural Heritage
Visit Te Papa, Wellington Museum, and other cultural landmarks that celebrate New Zealand's rich heritage and bicultural story.
Coffee & Cuisine
Experience Wellington's world-famous coffee culture and diverse dining scene, from local cafes to award-winning restaurants.
Arts & Creativity
Discover Wellington's thriving arts scene with galleries, theaters, street art, and creative spaces throughout the city.
Ngā Rēhitatanga
REGISTRATION
LIMITED DINNER TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
REGISTRATION TYPE
Early Bird
(Until 30 Aug)
Standard
(After 30 Aug)
Dinner only
3-course meal
Featuring guest speaker, Dr Linda Smith, the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, and live entertainment by Hoani Hotene (2025 Billy T Comedy Award Winner) and The Groove Hut Band.
Early Bird
(Until 30 Aug)
Standard
(After 30 Aug)
$250
Incl GST
Online only registration including Dinner
Access to view all sessions through a link to an online platform
Ability to interact with other delegates and submit questions to speakers (through a moderator)
3-course meal
Featuring guest speaker, Dr Linda Smith, the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, and live entertainment by Hoani Hotene (2025 Billy T Comedy Award Winner) and The Groove Hut Band.
Early Bird
(Until 30 Aug)
Standard
(After 30 Aug)
$500
Incl GST
Online only registration
Access to view all sessions through a link to an online platform
Ability to interact with other delegates and submit questions to speakers (through a moderator)
$300
Incl GST
Terms and conditions
All prices are in New Zealand Dollars and include Goods and Services tax of 15%.
Early bird registration closes on 14th September 2025. If payment has not been received by this date then standard rates apply.
Full payment for registration fees must be received to secure your place at the Conference.
Cancellation policy
All cancellations of registration should be sent to wt50th@theconferencecompany.com by 5pm on 5th September 2025. Cancellations received prior to this date are eligible for a refund less an admin fee of $100. All cancellations “including no shows’ received after 5th September 2025 are not eligible for a refund.
Delegates are strongly recommended to take out a suitable travel insurance policy including coverage for non-refundable registration fees when you register for the Conference and book your travel.
If for reasons beyond the control of the organisers, the Conference is cancelled, registration fees will be refunded after the deduction of expenses already incurred.
Ngā Whare Noho
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel and Room Information
If you have made a booking at one of these hotels already with us, please click here to view the accommodation Terms and Conditions.
Requesting a Booking
If you would like to request a booking, please contact your chosen hotel directly via the phone number listed above and use Waitangi Tribunal 50th Conference as a reference.
Rates listed previously on this website may no longer be available but the rates provided by the hotels will be quoted as their best available rate.
For any queries please contact The Conference Company:
Telephone: +64 9 360 1240
Email: wt50th@theconferencecompany.com
Please note we are no longer holding rooms at the below hotels:
Mövenpick Wellington +64 4 385 9829
Novotel Wellington +64 4 918 1900
Hotel Recommendations
Mövenpick Wellington
345 The Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6001
A 5 star hotel, located in the Cuba Quarter. It is a 12 minute walk from the Conference venue. The Forage Kitchen and Bar serves breakfast, lunch dinner and bar service daily. The hotel has a swimming pool and fitness centre. Reception is open 24 hours.
Amenities in each room include a 42″smart TV, pillow menu, and tea & coffee facilities. Chocolate Hour is a Mövenpick signature experience for guests. Every day the hotel serves up 60 minutes of cocoa indulgence.
Internet access: WiFi
Breakfast: Breakfast rate of $40 per person per day
Check in time: 2pm
Check out time: 11am
Room type and rate (including GST)
Please contact the hotel for their best available rate
Cancellation policy: View terms and Conditions Policy
Novotel Wellington
133 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011
A 4 star hotel, located in the CBD and provides direct access to the business and shopping districts. It is a 13 minute walk from the Conference venue. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and fitness centre and car parking is available nearby.
Internet access: WiFi
Breakfast: Breakfast rate of $37 per person per day
Check in time: 2pm
Check out time: 11am
Room type and rate (including GST)
Please contact the hotel for their best available rate
Cancellation policy: View terms and Conditions Policy
Book Launch: 50 Years of the Waitangi Tribunal, edited by Carwyn Jones and Maria Bargh
Date: Thursday 9th October
Venue: Aho Ruruku, Ngā Mokopuna, Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Dress: Business casual
This collection, edited by Carwyn Jones and Maria Bargh, examines the immense contribution of the Waitangi Tribunal and the challenges it has faced over the past fifty years. It brings together a range of Māori analyses, perspectives, and interviews reflecting on the Tribunal’s work on issues relating to whenua and awa, te reo and mātauranga, social policy and wellbeing, Treaty settlements, and mana wahine.
All conference attendees are welcome to attend the book launch. If you are not attending the conference, but are interested in attending the book launch, please kindly RSVP by emailing tetakupu@twor-otaki.ac.nz, including the names and number of attendees.
Conference Dinner
Date: Friday 10th October
Venue: Renouf Foyer, Sir Michael Fowler Centre
Time: 5.30pm – 10pm
Dress: Formal
Featuring guest speaker, Dr Linda Smith, the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, and live entertainment by Hoani Hotene (2025 Billy T Comedy Award Winner) and The Groove Hut Band.
LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!
He Kura Toi Tangata: 50 Years of the Waitangi Tribunal, 1975-2025
Date: Exhibition from 24th May until 12th October
Venue: Te Waka Huia Wellington Museum
Time: Open 7 days from 10am - 5pm
The exhibition was originally developed by the Tribunal and Waitangi Treaty Grounds and launched earlier in the year at Te Kōngahu Museum in Waitangi. Now open to the public at the Wellington Museum until October 2025, guests are invited to ‘traverse the history of the Waitangi Tribunal and become a witness to its mahi in restoring balance in the spirit of te Tiriti through a selection of photographs and taonga.’
Whakapā Mai
CONTACT US
If you have any queries about the Conference arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Email: wt50th@theconferencecompany.com
Office: +64 9 360 1240
The Conference Company
31C Normanby Road, Mt Eden
Auckland 1024, New Zealand
theconferencecompany.com
The Conference Company
Ngā Hui Ngahau
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