Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has been selected to host the 30th Scientific Symposium of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) in 2028, marking the first time the global event will be held in Oceania.
Running from 5 to 10 November 2028, the symposium will bring together an estimated 1,300 clinicians, researchers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders from around the world to advance evidence-based, person-centred transgender healthcare.
The event will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and is expected to generate nearly $3.1 million in economic impact and around 7,300 visitor nights for Tāmaki Makaurau.
More importantly, WPATH 2028 will serve as a powerful platform for meaningful dialogue and action to support high-quality care for transsexual, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals globally.
A Bid Led by Local Champions
The successful bid to bring WPATH to Aotearoa was led by Dr Elizabeth McElrea (she/her), Board Member of WPATH, and Jennifer Shields (she/they), President of the Professional Association of Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA). They were supported by the Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
“Bringing WPATH 2028 to Tāmaki Makaurau — and to Oceania for the first time — is incredibly significant,” said Jennifer Shields.
“This symposium creates a vital space to share evidence, lived experience and best practice, supporting access to gender-affirming care internationally, grounded in the rights of trans people to bodily autonomy and self-determination.”
Auckland: The Ideal Host for a Global Health Dialogue
Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said the announcement — made during the Auckland Pride Festival — reflects the city’s reputation as a progressive, globally connected destination.
“Aotearoa has a history of leading progressive policy, inclusion and healthcare.
Securing this symposium reflects Auckland’s reputation as an open, inclusive region that welcomes important conversations and advances in health and wellbeing,” said Pereira.
“From world-class facilities to a strong health and research ecosystem, Auckland offers the perfect environment for a values-led, knowledge-driven event like WPATH.”
A Defining Moment in Global Transgender Health
Leo Lewis (he/him), Executive Director of WPATH, said the 2028 event will offer an immersive, high-impact programme that helps shape the future of transgender health.
“WPATH 2028 is not just a conference — it’s a defining moment for the field.
Delegates will experience cutting-edge research, bold innovation, and global collaboration. We’re proud to bring this event to Auckland and to build momentum for progress in every region of the world.”
Shields added that hosting WPATH in Aotearoa is about more than visibility — it’s about lasting impact.
“We’re excited to showcase Aotearoa to our international colleagues, and to equip attendees with the skills, research and relationships needed to transform care — not just here, but globally.”
