NZICC To Redefine Aotearoa New Zealand’s Business Events Landscape

NZICC - Hobson Street, early evening

Set in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) will open in February 2026, signalling a major step forward for the country’s business events sector. Designed to host more than 4,000 delegates across its flexible, vertically stacked spaces, the NZICC combines scale, cultural connection, and sustainability in a single national venue. For Prue Daly, General Manager of the NZICC and Board Member of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), the project represents years of collaboration, craftsmanship, and shared vision. With over 100 events already confirmed for its first year, including leading international congresses and association meetings, the NZICC is poised to strengthen Aotearoa New Zealand’s position on the global events map.

Headquarters: With the NZICC set to open in February 2026, what are your team’s main objectives in the remaining months of preparation? How does it feel to witness the results of years of planning and construction?

HQ: As the largest convention facility in Aotearoa New Zealand, the NZICC introduces a new scale and capability for business events in the region. How will this transform Auckland’s position on the global meetings map, and what types of international congresses and meetings will you be aiming to attract?

HQ: Building a national venue means establishing a new service culture. How are you preparing your staff to embody the values of manaakitanga — the Māori principles of genuine care and hospitality — alongside sustainability and excellence, from day one?

HQ: NZICC's culinary approach is centred around local ingredients, minimal waste and strong supplier partnerships. How do these values influence your approach to food and service, and which sustainability benchmarks or certifications are you working towards?

PD: Our culinary philosophy is rooted in Aotearoa New Zealand’s land, people, and rich cultural heritage. Supporting local means more than simply choosing New Zealand-made products. It is about building communities, creating a sense of pride, and uplifting the people who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.

 

Quality and authenticity guide every decision through our food and beverage service. Complementing the local ingredients, is our wine list all of which is from New Zealand suppliers. Keeping the connection to people in mind, we developed this wine list in conjunction with a few clients, who we invited in to taste test with us.

 

While flavour takes centre stage, sustainability is at the foundation of everything we do. The fresh produce on offer is sustainably sourced, leaving as little environmental footprint as possible and reducing waste. We are also partnering with organisations such as KiwiHarvest and Kai Ika to redistribute surplus food, and we are working towards certifications including EarthCheck Gold, LEED Gold, and Toitū Carbon Reduce. Our goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and send zero waste to landfill by 2030.

HQ: The NZICC is located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and connects directly to hotels, transport links and the city’s business and cultural life. How does this location enhance accessibility and foster a sense of community among organisers and attendees?

PD: Being in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s CBD means delegates are minutes away from more than 8,000 hotel rooms, top restaurants, universities, and attractions. The centre connects via airbridge to three SkyCity hotels and the SkyCity dining and entertainment precinct, and is surrounded by easily accessible public transport, including the new City Rail Link, which will better connect Auckland’s entire rail network. There will be more trains, and journeys will be easier and quicker. Attendees will be able to experience the city’s energy right on their doorstep.

HQ: The centre’s design and visitor experience pay tribute to Māori culture and heritage. In what ways will this integration be expressed throughout the visitor journey, from the building's art and architecture to the various cultural experiences that delegates will encounter?

PD: The NZICC is a living expression of Aotearoa New Zealand. From the moment you see the building, you are greeted by the country’s largest public artworks, glass fins reflective of the artist, Sara Hughes’ memories of looking up through the trees of a New Zealand native forest; and a terracotta tile installation by Peata Larkin which we like to think of as a korowai (cloak) around the building, protecting staff and visitors alike. Inside, a waka (canoe) carved by Māori master carver, Lyonel Grant, stands over 17 metres tall, and tells part of the Māori creation story, the separation of the sky father, Ranginui and earth mother, Papatūānuku. We are also working with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to offer cultural welcomes, storytelling, and experiences for events that honour our heritage.

HQ: What are you hoping the international delegates will remember most about their first events at NZICC when they return home?

PD: Our hope is that all our guests and visitors leave with a sense of connection—connection to our people, our culture, and the spirit of Aotearoa New Zealand. We want them to remember the warmth of our welcome, the quality of our service, and the uniqueness of the experience. NZICC is not just a venue; it is a place where ideas are shared, relationships are built, and memories are made and taken home, wherever in the world that may be.

HQ: With the opening just around the corner, could you tell us about some of the major national or international events that have already been confirmed for the first year at the NZICC? What will these events reveal about the venue and Auckland's capabilities?

PD: Our team has been working hard to create an exciting pipeline of national and international events. So far, we have confirmed more than 100 events in 2026, which sets us up for a brilliant start. Some of the highlights include the International Coral Reef Symposium, which will bring 2,000 people to the NZICC, and two sold-out shows from Mel Robbins’ Let Them tour. We are also proud to host two of Australasia’s largest association conferences: the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

 

Alongside these international events, we will also host a range of local gatherings, including school balls and community celebrations. It is this mix that truly shows what the NZICC can offer.

HQ: The NZICC has the potential to create a significant social, economic and cultural legacy. What long-term impact do you hope the centre will have on Auckland and the wider community?

PD: We see the NZICC as a catalyst for growth. It will generate jobs, support local businesses, and attract high-value visitors who contribute to the economy year-round. But beyond economics, we aim to foster cultural pride, sustainability leadership, and community engagement. Our legacy will be measured not just in dollars, but in the connections we create and the stories we help tell.

As the NZICC prepares to welcome delegates in early 2026, anticipation continues to build around a programme that will showcase Aotearoa New Zealand’s creativity, innovation, and manaakitanga. Its opening calendar will feature international congresses, cultural celebrations, and live performances that underline Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s growing global profile. Among the highlights is the AIPC ANZ Academy 2026, delivered in partnership with BEIA and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), which will bring convention-centre professionals from across the region to Auckland from 16 to 20 February 2026.

 

HQ invites readers to mark February 2026 in their calendars and follow the latest developments as Aotearoa New Zealand prepares to open its landmark venue to the world.