Te Rau Matatini is preparing to host more than 1,500 people from around the world for a five day indigenous health and well-being conference in November.

Healing Our Spirit Worldwide - The Seventh Gathering will take place at Claudelands, in Hamilton from 15-19 November. It is being hosted by Te Rau Matatini who has formed strategic relationships with tangata whenua Waikato-Tainui.  The Gathering patron is Te Arikinui Kīngi Tūheitia.

The Healing Our Spirit Worldwide movement began in Canada in the 1980s to address chemical abuse and dependence among indigenous people. The first Gathering was in Edmonton in 1992 and subsequent events have taken place every four years.

Te Rau Matatini Chief Executive, Marama Parore, said the Gathering will act as a knowledge exchange with a focus on indigenous futures and their communities.

“The powerful programme we have in place features speakers who are leaders in indigenous health.

“We look forward to hosting them and celebrating indigenous success and cultures from all around the world,” Marama said.

The Gathering is supported by the International Indigenous Council.

The Council’s Director for Aotearoa, Barry Bublitz, said the Gathering will put New Zealand on the world stage.

“Attendees will experience Māori culture at its fullest.

“They will also gain knowledge and solutions they can take back to their communities and whānau.

“I continue to be amazed at the transformational change the movement provides for many indigenous communities and I’m sure this Gathering will be no different,” Barry said.

The theme for The Seventh Gathering is Mauri Ora which means life force.  Mauri Ora is about the health and wellbeing of indigenous communities flourishing in positive directions.

The conference will open with a Pōwhiri at Tūrangawaeware Marae on Sunday 15 November.  The event will also feature a Festival Village which will be open to the public.

For more details and the programme please visit hosw.com.