Tariana Turia

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia will attend the Healing our Spirit Worldwide conference in Honolulu next week.

This is an international forum which focuses on the successes, best practices and common issues in the health of indigenous communities.

The conference explores the health, healing and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples around the world to enable practitioners to share cultural methods for improving health.

A prominent theme throughout the programme is to address alcohol and drug abuse issues.

Mrs Turia will deliver a keynote speech and is leading the New Zealand delegation.

The Minister will leave New Zealand on September 4 and return on Friday September 10.

While in Honolulu Mrs Turia will attend a number of bilateral meetings with other Health Ministers and Government officials and visit local health providers.

The Minister will also attend a reception for Ministers and officials, hosted by the Governor of Hawai'i Linda Lingle and the Congressional Delegation of Hawaii.