Massey University hosts transformative Oceania ICA conference focused on social justice and community-driven communication
Massey University is set to host the Oceania hub of the International Communication Association (ICA) conference, titled "Disrupting and Consolidating Communication Research: Applying Communication Theory to Practice." This pivotal event, organised by the university's Centre for Culture-Centered Approach to Research and Evaluation (CARE) alongside its communication and media studies programme, aims to bridge the gap between communication theory and practical application through the lens of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and social justice principles. The conference will be held both in-person on the Manawatū campus and online, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Leading the organisational efforts are four esteemed academics: Professor Mohan Dutta, who holds the Dean's Chair of Communication and directs CARE; Associate Professor Sean Phelan; Senior Lecturer Dr Debalina Dutta; and Dr Sy Taffel, Senior Lecturer and Co-Director of the Political Ecology Research Centre. Professor Dutta emphasises the importance of community-driven communication strategies aimed at addressing health disparities and social injustices, stating, "This event is a space for building solidarities, for challenging dominant knowledge structures and for co-creating transformative theories grounded in the lived experiences of communities."
The urgency of the conference theme is underscored by contemporary global concerns, such as climate change, digital governance, and inequality. Dr Taffel highlights this, noting that the conference serves as a critical forum for interrogating the material consequences of media systems and encourages sustainable communication practices. Central to the agenda are keynote addresses from notable figures including Professor Terry Flew from the University of Sydney and Professor Ella Henry from Auckland University of Technology, as well as Dr Arama Rata from Working to End Racial Oppression. They will lead discussions that cover a wide range of contemporary issues, such as the intersection of communication theory with pressing societal challenges.
The rich content of the conference is further complemented by panels addressing significant topics such as Palestine, Indigenous organising within Te Tiriti frameworks, and the future interplay between media and artificial intelligence. The opening panel, titled "Culturally Centering the Palestine Question: Inviting Disruptions to Sustain Our Collective Futures," will be broadcast on the main stage of the ICA, exploring themes of communicative inequality and erasure—core components of the culture-centered approach innovated by Professor Dutta.
In addition to these discussions, there will also be a notable collaboration with the ICA Hub in India, hosted by Manipal University, focusing on "Comparing Communication for Social Change in Aotearoa and India." This collaboration showcases the hub's engagement with pressing policy questions and reflects the interconnectedness of communication studies across regions.
The conference acts as a platform for scholars, practitioners, and community members alike to engage in critical dialogues aimed at transforming communication practices. It represents a significant advancement in the university's ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive and impactful research within the field of communication.
As the ICA conference approaches, the excitement around this hub suggests a vibrant interplay of ideas and perspectives that will not only enrich the academic discourse but also aim to foster actionable insights for greater community engagement and social justice in Oceania.