Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s position as a world-class destination that embraces diversity, inclusivity and innovation has won it the World Professional Association for Transgender Health 30th Scientific Symposium 2028 (WPATH 2028).
WPATH 2028 will bring together around 1300 clinicians, researchers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders in Tāmaki Makaurau from 5 to 10 November 2028 to advance evidence-based, person-centred care worldwide.
The conference is estimated to generate an economic impact of nearly $3.1 million and approximately 7300 visitor nights for Tāmaki Makaurau. More importantly, it will encourage meaningful dialogue and action to promote a high quality of care for transsexual, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals internationally.
The bid was led by Dr Elizabeth McElrea (she/her), Board Member, World Professional Association of Transgender Health and Jennifer Shields (she/they), President, Professional Association of Transgender Health Aotearoa with support from Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Jennifer Shields says: “Bringing the WPATH 2028 Scientific Symposium to Tāmaki Makaurau – and to Oceania for the first time – is incredibly significant. The symposium creates a vital space to share evidence, lived experience and best practice, supporting access to gender-affirming care internationally and grounded in the rights of trans people to bodily autonomy and self-determination.
“Tāmaki Makaurau offers a welcoming, inclusive environment for clinicians, researchers and community leaders to connect, learn and advance equity in health outcomes, and we’re excited to showcase Aotearoa to colleagues from around the world,” says Jennifer Sheilds.
Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited says: “Aotearoa New Zealand has a history of leading progressive policy, inclusion and healthcare and it is very timely that, during the Auckland Pride Festival, we can share Tāmaki Makaurau will host WPATH 2028. Securing this symposium reflects Auckland’s reputation as an open, inclusive and globally connected region that welcomes important conversations and advances in health and wellbeing.
“WPATH is a values-led, knowledge-driven event, and Auckland offers the right environment to support meaningful exchange – from world-class facilities to a strong health, research and community sector. We look forward to welcoming delegates and showcasing a region that embraces diversity and innovation, while creating lasting social and economic benefits for Aucklanders,” says Ken Pereira.
Held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), in the heart of Auckland’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem, Jennifer Shields says WPATH will equip delegates with the skills, evidence and connections to transform care.
Leo Lewis (he/him), Executive Director for the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, says WPATH 2028 will be a truly global convening, with a programme focused on advancing the science and practice of transgender health.
“The WPATH 2028 Scientific Symposium promises an immersive, high-impact programme that will shape the future of transgender health for years to come by showcasing cutting-edge research, bold innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration from every region of the world. It is not just a conference, it is a defining moment for the field, and an event not to be missed."