LE VA GLOBAL PACIFIC SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE
6 – 7 MAY 2027, DUE DROP EVENTS CENTRE - AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Our world is changing. The needs and makeup of Pacific communities are changing too. Economic pressures, climate change, technology and artificial intelligence are creating new challenges and new possibilities.
The GPS 2027 theme and conference invite us to reflect on what we carry forward, what we need to adapt, and what we can create together.
It is the moana that binds us, it is the whenua that defines us
Our purpose carries forward from GPS 2025: It is the moana that binds us, it is the whenua that defines us. Pacific peoples and Māori share whakapapa, values and a collective responsibility to the generations coming after us. In Aotearoa, that relationship sits within Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
GPS 2027 asks what it means to be grounded in who we are, drawing on the knowledge, cultures and relationships of Pacific peoples to shape what comes next for our communities across the moana.
Global Pacific Solutions | GPS 2027 is Le Va’s flagship biennial conference, a space for conversations on mental health and addiction, suicide prevention, sexual violence, disability, public health and wellbeing.
This event is for all those dedicated to the care, support, service and development of Pacific and Māori people.
Showcase Pacific-led solutions from across the globe that advance community wellbeing alongside innovative kaupapa Māori approaches.
Strengthen connections across Pacific nations, communities, providers, iwi and governments to share knowledge, build relationships and advance collective solutions.
Inspire collective action across community, health, social services, education, justice and government to address complex challenges affecting Māori and Pacific wellbeing.
Advance Māori-Pacific relationships through shared leadership, Māori-led content and meaningful partnerships with iwi and providers, grounded in mutual respect.
Harness research, innovation and technology to share knowledge and strengthen Pacific wellbeing, while upholding Māori and Pacific data sovereignty.
Champion community-led solutions that draw on the strengths, knowledge and lived experiences of those closest to the challenges we seek to address.
Meet some of our headline speakers
John Pulu
Master of Ceremonies
GPS 2027
John Pulu
Master of Ceremonies | GPS 2027
John Pulu is a director/reporter on TVNZ's Tagata Pasifika programme. He graduated from AUT University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Communication Studies in television and also won the Spasifik Magazine prize and PMC Storyboard Award for diversity journalism.
Keri Opai
Pou Tikanga
Wise Group
Keri Opai
Pou Tikanga | Wise Group
Keri Opai, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Ruanui, Waiohua, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Porou, is a distinguished Māori educator, linguist, and author from New Zealand.
He has dedicated his career to teaching te reo Māori and culture across various educational settings, including kōhanga reo (language nests for children under five), primary and secondary schools, polytechnics, wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions), mainstream universities, and community organisations. Holding a Master’s degree in Māori knowledge systems, Keri is also a licensed interpreter.
As an author, Keri has made significant contributions to Māori literature. He wrote “Te Reo Hāpai,” a seminal work that established a Māori language glossary for mental health, disability, and addiction sectors. Additionally, his book “Tikanga” provides insights into Māori customs and traditions, aiming to dispel myths and enhance cross-cultural understanding.
Keri’s dedication to promoting te reo Māori and culture has been recognised with awards such as the Huia Short Stories Award for te reo Māori and the LIANZA Te Kura Pounamu Award for distinguished contributions to children’s and young adults’ literature in te reo Māori.
Fuimaono Dr Karl
Pulotu-Endemann
Clinical Nurse & Creator of
Fono Fale
Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu-Endemann
Clinical Nurse | Founder of Fono Fale
Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu-Endemann is a proud Samoan-born Matai, Fa’afafine, and New Zealander who champions the strength and capabilities of Pacific people. Actively involved in the "By Pacific For Pacific" movement since the post-Dawn Raids of the 1970s, he has established vital services for Pacific communities, including Pacific Trust Canterbury and Le Va.
His work spans governance roles in the Mental Health Commission, ALAC, Drug Foundation, NZ AIDS Foundation, and more. Guided by Fa’a Samoa principles of respect, integrity, service, and compassion, Fuimaono is a renowned consultant specializing in Pacific health issues, community development, and cultural competencies.
Dr Denise Kingi-'Ulu'ave
Clinical Specialist & Translational Lead
Wise Group & Le Va
Dr Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave
Clinical Specialist & Translational Lead | Le Va & Wise Group
Dr Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave is a registered clinical psychologist, strategic leader and respected advocate for prevention, wellbeing and Pasifika mental health. Of Tongan descent, she is the former Chief Executive of Le Va and now serves as Specialist Clinical and Translational Lead across Le Va and the wider Wise Group, where she brings clinical, cultural and systems leadership to advancing long-term wellbeing outcomes for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. In this position she plays a key role in promoting the prevention of mental distress and addiction and is Chair of the Primary Prevention of Mental Distress Collective in Aotearoa and Pasifikology – a network of Pasifika psychologists.
With more than 20 years’ experience spanning justice, community, child and adolescent and Māori mental health services in New Zealand and Australia, Denise has built a career at the intersection of clinical excellence, cultural leadership and public health impact. She has also published in several international research journals on psychology and wellbeing.
Denise has led the design and development of major Ministry of Health-funded suicide prevention initiatives, including FLO: Pasifika for Life and LifeKeepers, helping shape prevention-focused approaches that strengthen community resilience and workforce capability.
Fonotī Pati Umaga
Musician & Disability Advocate
Fonotī Pati Umaga
Musician | Disability Advocate
Fonotī Pati Umaga, QSM, is a respected Samoan disability advocate, musician and leader who has dedicated over two decades to advancing equity, accessibility and inclusion for Pacific disabled communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Following a spinal injury in 2005, Pati became a wheelchair user and has drawn on his lived experience to influence disability policy, leadership and systems change. He has held numerous government and community advisory roles and currently serves as Senior Adviser, Engagement and Delivery at the Crown Response Office.
A talented musician and composer, Pati was a member of iconic Wellington band The Holidaymakers and founded Pacific Nation Records, contributing significantly to Pacific music. In 2026, his life journey inspired the theatre production Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan and the documentary My Humble Friend Fonoti Pati Umaga, screened at the NZ International Film Festival.
His achievements include the Queen’s Service Medal (2012), the Samoan chiefly title Fonotī (2016), the inaugural Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts Toa Award, and induction into the Attitude Awards Hall of Fame (2019). His work continues to inspire meaningful change through culture, art and advocacy.
Dr Corina Grey
Director - Public Health
Ministry of Health
Dr Corina Grey
Director - Public Health | Ministry of Health
Dr Corina Grey is a Samoan Public Health Physician, Epidemiologist and Health Researcher. Corina is currently the Director of Public Health with the Ministry of Health NZ. In recent years, Corina was the Deputy Secretary, Policy and Insights at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and has been a lead author on several national Pacific health publications, including Te Mana Ola: The Pacific Health Strategy, Ola Manuia: Interim Pacific Health Strategy, and Bula Sautu – A window on quality 2021: Pacific health in the year of COVID-19.
Join Us at GPS 2027
*Early bird pricing ends 31 January 2027
One Day Pass
$499
If you can only make it for a single day, the One Day Pass gives you full access to that day’s programme, including keynotes, workshops and networking – perfect if your schedule only allows a flying visit. We have a limited number of One Day Passes, so make sure you get in quick!
Standard Pass
*$799
Lock in the best price for GPS 2027 by registering early. Full access to all GPS 2027 sessions, workshops and networking opportunities across the conference. The Standard Pass is your go-to option once Early Bird pricing closes, covering the complete conference experience.
*Early Bird Price $799 then $899
Premium Pass
$1175
Treat yourself to a limited edition Premium Pass. It includes access to the two-day conference, reserved parking, a premium conference pack, reserved seating and a private room with refreshments.
Moana Nights Dinner
$149
Savour the flavours and experience the Pacific with an unforgettable evening of spectacular cultural performances, vibrant music and authentic Pacific cuisine. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours of our island homelands for a night of entertainment, connection and celebration.
IS GPS 2027 FOR YOU?
GPS brings together Pacific and Māori leaders, communities, providers, iwi, government, researchers, practitioners, innovators and international partners from across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
It’s for anyone working to support the wellbeing of Pacific and Māori communities in Aotearoa and across the moana, including in:
Our village of Partners
Partnerships help bring Global Pacific Solutions to life, and we look forward to sharing our partners as they are confirmed.
We welcome conversations with organisations that share our commitment to Pacific and Māori wellbeing. These conversations will explore opportunities for sponsorship, contributions to the programme and participation in the village, guided by our shared values and the purpose of GPS.
To talanoa about partnering with us, email gps@leva.co.nz
"I engage in decolonial, radical dreaming every day,
because I need something to sustain
the work that I do."
Dr Emalani Case, Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian) Senior Lecturer
Keynote Speaker - Moana Dreaming Panel | GPS 2025
Due Drop Events Centre
Le Va acknowledges the mana whenua of the lands on which we will gather for GPS 2027 in Wiri, Tāmaki Makaurau.
We honour their enduring relationship with this whenua and their role as kaitiaki and extend our respect to their tūpuna and descendants.
Address
“Inspiring to see brown Pacific excellence all in one space - a truly uplifting experience."
GPS 2025 attendee
“I loved it from the first panel all the way to the closing speakers.
Beautiful vagahau and messages of hope and strength I will take with me to work. My cup has been filled.”
GPS 2025 attendee
“The flow of the programme was well-executed. The session held space for reflection, emotion, laughter, and shared understanding. It created an environment that empowered many of us to reflect deeply and left a lasting sense of responsibility to do more for our disabled community.”
GPS 2025 attendee
“These people reconfirmed why I am serving my people;
they recharged my superpowers to go back out and stronger.”
GPS 2025 attendee
“Bold, Brown and Beautiful - a lot of Pacific people working across the country in a
variety of roles making a huge difference.”
GPS 2025 attendee