Manaaki Mana

Kaikōkiri Hui 2026

10 – 12 August 2026

Rotorua, Aotearoa New Zealand

Tēnā koutou katoa

Nau mai, Haere mai & Welcome

The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Te Rōpū Manaaki Mana warmly invite you to join us for the 2026 Kaikōkiri Hui, taking place from Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 August in Rotorua, Aotearoa.

Our Hui is a space for connection, reflection and collective growth, bringing together kaikōkiri and those committed to advancing Māori health equity in emergency care. Across three days, you will take part in wānanga (shared discussions), whakawhanaungatanga (building and strengthening relationships), akoranga (learning), and ngā mahi pārekareka (time for rest and shared experiences).

We will gather at Tangatarua Marae, a place grounded in learning, connection and the bringing together of people. Named after the Tūhourangi ancestor Tangatarua, the marae reflects the idea of “two peoples, together in one place,” and sits within the rohe of Te Arawa, whose iwi have long upheld the tikanga, manaakitanga and deep cultural knowledge of this region. In Rotorua, Te Arawa are known for their strong traditions of hosting, storytelling and connection to the land, all values that will guide and shape our time together.

The programme will include a mix of facilitated wānanga, shared kōrero, and opportunities for kaikōkiri to speak to their experiences, challenges and successes within their own emergency departments. There will be space to learn from one another, explore new ideas, and strengthen the collective voice of those championing change.

Registration includes all kai (meals) throughout the Hui, with optional evening activities available to join. There is also an opportunity to stay at the marae (whānau and tamariki are warmly welcome), or you may choose to arrange alternative accommodation. Further details, including transport, tikanga (cultural considerations) and what to bring, will be shared closer to the Hui.

We look forward to welcoming you to Rotorua and to sharing this time together.

Ngā mihi nui, kia haumaru,

Te Rōpū Manaaki Mana

Te Rautaki Manaaki Mana:

Excellence in Emergency Care for Māori

The vision of this strategy is that emergency departments will provide excellent, culturally safe care to Māori, in an environment where Māori patients, whānau and staff feel valued, and where leaders actively seek to eliminate inequities.

To learn more, visit Aotearoa New Zealand: Manaaki Mana Strategy


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Kaikōkiri Hui Working Group

Kim Yates &

Piki Mathieson

Co-Chairs

Max Raos

Middlemore Hospital

Inia Tomash

Middlemore Hospital

Kate Kerr

Rotorua Hospital

Hazel Leslie

Rotorua Hospital

Ngaringi Katipa

Hauora Māori Services

Te Whatu Ora

Marama Tauranga

Hauora Māori Services

Te Whatu Ora

Natasha Hemopo

Whakatāne Hospital

ACEM Event Planning Team

Robert Lee

Executive Director of Policy Research & Partnerships

Dianne Te Tau

Project Lead, Māori Health 

Jon Royal

Pou Tikanga

Jo Murray

Manager, Aotearoa New Zealand Office

Lisa Kalms

Manager, Events & Conferences

Stay a little longer and experience Rotorua

Rotorua is one of Aotearoa’s most unique and vibrant destinations – known for its geothermal landscapes, rich Māori culture, and incredible range of activities for all ages. From bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs to towering redwood forests and scenic lake views, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.


For those looking to unwind, Rotorua offers a range of wellness experiences, including geothermal spas and lakeside retreats – the perfect way to relax and recharge. For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for mountain biking, forest walks, ziplining and exploring the many natural wonders of the region.


Rotorua is also a fantastic destination for whānau, with plenty of family-friendly activities and experiences to enjoy together.


We encourage you to make the most of your time here – come for the Hui and stay to explore, connect and experience all that Rotorua has to offer.