13/10/2026
Very grateful for the awareness in this space 🌱🫶🌿🥹
Rarotonga to host more than 600 delegates for international Indigenous conference
More than 600 delegates are expected in Rarotonga next month for an international conference on Indigenous health, knowledge and development.
The International Network of Indigenous Health, Knowledge and Development (INIHKD) conference will run from 9 to 13 November 2026, bringing together scholars, researchers, practitioners, creatives and community leaders from Aotearoa, Australia, Canada, Hawaiʻi, the United States and other parts of the Pacific and the world.
The conference will focus on Indigenous health and healing, environmental and ecological systems, and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Organisers are also sourcing products and services locally to create opportunities for Cook Islands businesses, producers and community organisations.
Conference packs will include locally made products such as pareu from the Creative Centre, oil from Mauke and lip balm from Rito.
On-island co-ordinator Jaewynn McKay says the aim is to showcase Cook Islands products and creativity while ensuring the event benefits the local community.
The conference will use several venues around Rarotonga, with nine breakout spaces operating alongside the main programme. Facilities including hostels and Takamoa will accommodate concurrent sessions.
An opening-night marketplace will also give local vendors the opportunity to sell their products directly to international delegates.
Organisers say the marketplace will be particularly important for delegates with limited free time to explore local shops and businesses during the five-day conference.
From media release.
Photo by Radio Cook Islands 2022 - Akari Pi a traditional healing oil of Mauke
