He toka tū moana, arā he toa rongonui – courage and strength in advocating for Hauora Māori The whakataukī refers to strength of character in the face of adversity, ‘like a rock that stands in raging waters’. It celebrates the principled stance that the Hon. Tariana Turia has taken on many issues while in Parliament, from the Foreshore and Seabed debate to promoting the vision of a smoke-free Aotearoa. The theme of our conference speaks to the need to ‘stand strong’ in the face of adverse social, political, economic and environmental circumstances in order to advance Māori health and wellbeing. It reminds us of the importance of having a clear vision and a strong set of values to guide our mahi.