welcome

Kia ora! Welcome!

We invite you to join us at Te Awa Ora: PAC 2026 to be held at the beautiful Te Pae in Ōtautahi, Christchurch from the 15th -17th of October 2026. It’s very exciting to be hosting the very first ever PAC in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The theme of the conference for 2026 Te Awa Ora, “the living river“ takes inspiration from the braided rivers of Canterbury that meander through Ōtautahi. Te Awa Ora in Maori symbolises life, flow and connection. The river is essential; to life and health.

Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au
The river is healthy. The people are well.

This name Te Awa Ora represents the dynamic ever- flowing nature of paediatric care shared across the Tasman and amongst paediatric communities through a process of weaving knowledge streams.

Get on board the Waka at this three-day conference as we explore themes associated with Te Awa Ora. 

  • Hikuwai (Headwaters) – The origins of acute illness, early recognition, triage
  • Tāheke  (The Rapids) – High-acuity, fast-paced interventions
  • Kōpiko (The Meander) – Managing complex but slower-progressing cases
  • Huinga (Confluence) – Multidisciplinary teamwork in paediatric emergencies
  • Mānia waipuke (Floodplains) – System pressures, capacity, and surges
  • Piriti  (Bridges)-Connecting acute care with families and community
  • Pūahatanga  (Estuary )– Transition to long-term management or adult services 

With a programme including lectures and workshops the conference aims to deliver an exciting academic programme along with a rich cultural experience and diverse entertainment options for some fun and networking.

Nau mai, haere mai ki Ōtautahi, Aotearoa with a specially warm welcome to our colleagues from across the Tasman for a memorable few days.

Damaya Rasanathan

On behalf of the conference organising committee for PAC 2026