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 ocean.
The Inaugural Indigenous Tech Summit 2026 reclaims this narrative.
Led by ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge digital capability, the summit brings together Māori, Pacific, and global Indigenous tech communities to navigate the future of artificial intelligence, data sovereignty, innovation, enterprise and workforce development.
We invite you to join us as we navigate these new realms.
Eke panuku, eke tangaroa e!
Katie & Lee - Trustees, Te Hapori Matihiko Trust.
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.
Our 5 Pou (Content Pillars)
Our Programme has been designed and curated around the following 5 Pou.
Pou 1: Ancestral Wisdom & Wayfinding
Bridging mātauranga Māori, Indigenous knowledge and ancestral wisdom with future technologies and systems design.
Pou 2: AI, Lore & Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Ethical and sustainable tech, AI governance models, Māori data sovereignty, protecting Indigenous data across borders.
Pou 3: Global Indigenous Connections
Trade pathways, cross-border tech ventures, ocean-wide networks between Pacific and global Indigenous peers.
Pou 4: Tech Enterprise & Innovation
The Koru Economy, startup commercialisation, capital access, scaling Indigenous-led ventures.
Pou 5: Rangatahi Futures & Te Pae Tawhiti 2050
New pathways, mentoring next-gen talent, youth-led digital projects.
Meet our Kaikōrero
Summit Overview
"Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata, ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tīna."
Pursue the distant horizon so that it draws near; hold fast to the one within reach.
Te Pae Tata (the near horizon)
Vision, leadership, indigenous data sovereignty, global business, and the AI divide. The day opens with whakatau and karakia, followed by keynotes from local and international speakers and panel discussions. Workshops and lightning talks.
Te Pae Tawhiti (the distant horizon)
Enterprise and innovation, AI ethics & governance, environmental & sustainable tech, and the future of work. Pakihi and founder networking, workshops, demos, and lightning talks on the expo floor, closing with poroporoaki.
Explore the summit
Rangatahi Zone - Mokopuna Room
A dedicated rangatahi zone, curated and led by rangatahi.
Te Pae Hiko (Lightning Talks) Stage - Foyer
A place for founders to take the stage and pitch what they’re building. Or a space for social impact organisations to tell their stories.
Expo - Foyer
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
Summit Pass
- 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?
Summit Pass: $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?
Indigenous Tech Summit attendees can access discounts at our partner hotels. For more information, please contact kiaora@matihiko.nz
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: kiaora@matihiko.nz
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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