CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Closing 12 September 2025, New Zealand Time

The World Indigenous Cancer Network and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa invite you to Rotorua, Aotearoa New Zealand for the 2026 World Indigenous Cancer Conference (W.I.C.C. 2026) at the Energy Events Centre, 20 - 24 April 2026.

This promises to be a joyful gathering with more than 600 researchers, clinicians, whānau (family), rangatahi (youth), and advocates coming together in a space of deep connection, learning, and cultural celebration.

We welcome you as part of our whānau to share your voice, your work, and your presence at W.I.C.C. 2026.

Nau mai, Haere mai
Welcome to W.I.C.C 2026

REGISTER

Earlybird Registrations Now Open

Early Bird rate: NZ$625 per person – save NZ$200 when you register now.

Like the agile pīrairaka (fantail), act swiftly and secure your place today.

register

Submit your Abstract

Are you an Indigenous researcher, health professional, or community leader with powerful insights to share? W.I.C.C 2026 is your platform to showcase your stories, research, and solutions.

Abstract submissions are now open and extended until Friday 12 September 2025, NZT.

Submit abstract

Sponsorship and Exhibition Packages

This is your opportunity to stand alongside Indigenous-led solutions and demonstrate your organisations’ commitment to health equity.

Our sponsorship packages, inspired by ngā manu (native birds), reflect the strength, guidance, and resilience of Te Ao Māori. Each tier offers a unique way to connect, contribute, and be seen.

Contact us

Presenting at W.I.C.C. 2026

The W.I.C.C. 2026 Scientific Committee invites researchers, health professionals, policy makers, community leaders, practitioners, and advocates from across the globe to submit your abstracts now. We welcome submissions grounded in Indigenous worldviews, science, healing, and action.

W.I.C.C. 2026 is a space for connection, challenge, and change. It is a platform to elevate Indigenous knowledge, leadership, research, lived experience, and practice to improve cancer outcomes for Indigenous peoples everywhere.

This is your opportunity to share your work, your story, and your solutions.

Key Dates

Abstract submissions open: 24 June 2025
Abstract submissions close: 12 September 2025
Conference dates: 20 – 24 April 2026

Presentation Types

Oral Presentations – 15 minutes
Posters - displayed throughout the conference and a dedicated Q&A session within the programme
Keynote Presentation - for invited keynote speakers.

Submit your abstract

Our people and tikanga (culture) await you

Rotorua is a small regional city with big city facilities. It boasts some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions and experiences: geothermal wonders, magical forests with hundreds of kilometres of mountain biking trails, and a wealth of natural hot springs and spas for you to explore while you attend W.I.C.C. 2026.

Rotorua is a destination that will surprise and enchant you.
Accessible from anywhere in the world, New Zealand is just a meal, movie and a sleep away for delegates. With stunning landscapes, welcoming locals and so much to see and do, New Zealand is the ultimate congress destination that is worth the extra air miles.
International connections to Auckland.
540+ weekly flights connecting Auckland to the world.
150+ international flight arrivals every day.
30 international airlines fly direct to Auckland from 43 destinations around the world.
Travelling from Auckland to Rotorua is a short 40-min domestic flight with Air New Zealand or a scenic 2.5-hour drive.
New Zealand is serviced by Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam.
See world map travel times
Rotorua is an incredibly user-friendly destination with accessibility in spades, offering a variety of accommodation options in the Central Business District within easy walking distance of key conference centres.
Pullman, Millennium, Novotel, Ibis and Sudima are all within a short walking distance of the Energy Events Centre and the amenities of the city.
Most other accommodation options are within a ten-minute drive of the venue.
Please note: we have 600 rooms on hold across the city to ensure there are options available to our guests to attend this event.
Marae visits and overnight stays
Your W.I.C.C. 2026 host Hei Āhuru Mōwai can facilitate visits and overnight stays on local marae for delegate groups wanting this experience while in Aotearoa.
Advanced notice is essential - we will do our best to accommodate delegates, working with our local Te Arawa iwi/hapū contacts and networks.

A word from your hosts

Our co-chairs Dr Nina Scott and Professor Jacquie Kidd and CEO Gary Thompson look forward to laying out the welcome mat for the World Indigenous Cancer Network and all delegates to Aotearoa, New Zealand in April 2026. The people of Te Arawa, Rotorua also stand ready to welcome you to the Cultural Centre of our beautiful country.

We are honoured and look forward to the cordial exchange of indigenous culture, knowledge, lived experiences, practice, research, networks, and new perspectives to help us improve cancer prevention, treatment and outcomes for our peoples.

Mark your calendars and start preparing to embark on this haerenga (journey) of discovery and joyful exchange of culture. Stand together with us in the wisdom of the whakataukī:

Mā te whakātu ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama,
mā te mārama ka mātau, mā te mātau ka ora.
With discussion comes knowledge, with knowledge comes understanding,
with understanding comes wisdom, with wisdom comes well-being.

Dr Nina Scott
Co-chair