Important Update on W.I.C.C 2026
Hei Āhuru Mōwai, as the host of the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (W.I.C.C) 2026, is sharing several important updates that may affect plans for some of our delegates. We want to be upfront about what has changed, what remains the same, and what you may need to do.
In the spirit of manaakitanga and transparency, our commitment to uplifting Indigenous-led cancer solutions remains central to this kaupapa.
What’s changing
New location
W.I.C.C 2026 will now take place in Auckland at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, a community-owned venue operated by the Waka Pacific Trust. The event will no longer be held in Rotorua.
New dates
The conference will now run from 21–23 April 2026, with the pōwhiri to open proceedings on the morning of 21 April. The previously scheduled travel day has been removed.
GST adjustment
Due to an invoicing error, GST was unintentionally omitted from paid registrations. A GST adjustment will be applied to those registrations.
Accommodation and tours
Accommodation and tour packages will no longer be offered through the registration process.
Delegates will need to arrange their own accommodation. We will share nearby options soon.
How this might affect you
You may need to update your travel and accommodation plans. We understand this can be disruptive, and our team is working with accommodation providers near the venue to support delegates as best we can.
If you purchased accommodation or tour packages through our earlier registration process (prior to 3 February 2026), a refund is being arranged through the original booking agent.
To give delegates more flexibility, the cancellation policy has been updated. Existing paid delegates now have an additional 10 days to cancel and receive a full refund.
If the GST correction on your registration creates difficulties, please get in touch — our team is here to assist.
Delegates wishing to update their registration can do so via the registration portal.
What remains the same
If you have already registered and paid, your place is secure. No action is required unless you wish to cancel or make changes.
All accepted abstracts remain confirmed, and presentations will carry over to the updated programme.
Our keynote speakers are currently being reconfirmed, and an updated programme schedule will be shared soon.
The Pō Whakamutunga (Farewell Dinner) remains part of the conference and will now be held inside the new venue on the final day. Tickets are $100 + GST.
Delegates can view their registration details through the registration portal.
What you may need to do
If your registration payment is outstanding, please review your invoice via the registration system.
For accommodation arranged outside our earlier booking agent, any changes or cancellations will need to be managed directly with your provider. Travel insurance may assist with costs related to the venue change.
Bookings made directly with airlines, hotels, or tour operators also sit outside our process and need to be amended through those providers.
We acknowledge that these changes may mean extra steps for some delegates. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work through this transition.
For more information, click here to read the FAQs or contact us at wicc2026@heiahurumowai.org.nz