Indigenous Tech Summit
TĀKINA, PŌNEKE
Karanga mai
For centuries, the vast expanse of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa was not a barrier separating our people. It was the original superhighway, connecting Indigenous navigators, traders and innovators across the Pacific.
The Inaugural Indigenous Tech Summit 2026 reclaims this narrative.
Led by ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge digital capability, the summit brings together Māori and global Indigenous tech communities to navigate the future of artificial intelligence, data sovereignty, enterprise and workforce development.
We invite you to join us as we navigate these new realms.
Eke panuku, eke tangaroa e!
What to expect
Learn
Attend workshops and hear from Indigenous leaders from across the globe.
Connect
Connect with innovators and founders all in one room.
Grow
Be part of conversations shaping the future of innovation.
Meet our Kaikōrero
Summit Overview
Full summit programme will be announced shortly
Te Pae Tata (the near horizon)
Vision, leadership and sovereignty. The day opens with whakatau and karakia, followed by keynotes from local and international speakers and panel discussions.
Te Pae Tawhiti (the distant horizon)
Enterprise and innovation. Venture networking, demos, and lightning talks on the expo floor, closing with poroporoaki.
Explore the summit
Rangatahi Zone
A dedicated rangatahi zone, curated and led by rangatahi.
Pitching Stage
Where founders take the stage and pitch what they’re building.
Expo
Browse the expo floor across both days of the summit.
About Tākina
Tākina means to invoke, to summon, to bring forth. A name gifted by Kura Moeahu, Te Āti Awa. The whole summit is held on one level, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Pōneke's harbour, level access throughout, and an expo floor that wraps around the main plenary.
Learn More
Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2026. Photo by Junior Films.
Secure your spot
Earlybird
Available until 21 September
Summit Pass
From 22 September
- Full summit access
- Keynote sessions
- Networking
- Expo zone + kai
Student + Low income whānau
- We don’t want price to be a barrier, so if you can’t cover the full ticket cost, join the waitlist and we’ll be in touch.
Set the bearing
Indigenous innovators from across the world, in one place, for two days. We would love you to join us for this first ever event.
Secure your spotFrequently asked pātai
Tickets & Registration
What are the ticket prices?
Early bird: $650 (until 21 September) | Standard: $750.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely! We encourage you to come on your own – it's a great way to meet new people and build connections within our hapori.
What is the dress code?
Business/smart casual. Wear something that makes you feel confident and ready to innovate!
Are there Q&A opportunities?
Yes! There will be dedicated Q&A sessions after keynote speakers and panel discussions, plus opportunities to connect with speakers during breaks.
What happens if I can no longer attend?
Tickets are non-refundable. However, you can transfer your ticket to another person at no extra cost. Simply email us with the details of the person you'd like to transfer it to, and we'll update the registration. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can process the transfer.
Venue & Accessibility
Where is the summit being held?
Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, 50 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011.
What are the parking options?
There are several convenient parking options nearby:
- Te Papa carpark across Cable Street
- Reading on Wakefield carpark (open all day Monday–Sunday)
- Barnett Street carpark (open Monday–Sunday)
- Five accessible car spaces available near Te Papa ground-floor entrance (two uncovered, three covered)
For other options, check Parkopedia.
How do I get there by public transport?
Most Wellington buses (including those from the airport and railway station) stop along Courtenay Place and Willis Street, which is just a few minutes' walk to Tākina. Wellington Combined Taxis have a stand outside Te Papa with easy access to Tākina's Cable Street entrance.
Is there bike parking?
Yes – free bike, scooter and skateboard parking is available at Te Papa, with free padlock rentals.
Are assistance dogs allowed?
Yes, certified assistance dogs are welcome when assisting a person with a disability. Please ensure they wear the appropriate coat and have a valid ID card.
Food & Catering
Is kai provided?
Yes – we will provide kai at the event. There are also food outlets and cafes nearby in Courtenay Place and throughout Te Aro precinct.
Are dietary requirements catered for?
Absolutely. Please indicate any dietary requirements during registration so we can accommodate you.
Accommodation
Where can I stay?
Wellington has plenty of accommodation options. Within a 5-minute walk from Tākina there are 7 hotels ranging from 3 to 5 stars, offering a total of 680 rooms. The closest is the QT Wellington. Within a 5–20 minute walk there are an additional 28 hotels.
What's nearby?
Tākina is within easy walking distance of Oriental Bay, Te Papa museum, restaurants and bars, Courtenay Place for arts and theatre, and vibrant retail and gallery options.
Sponsorship & Exhibition
Are there sponsorship opportunities?
Yes! We have multiple partnership options available including exhibition space and sponsorship packages. Email us for details and current availability.
Can my organisation exhibit?
Reach out to discuss exhibition space and how your organisation can be part of the summit: kiaora@matihiko.nz
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