Tāmaki Makaurau, the traditional Māori name for Auckland, speaks to diverse landscapes, beautiful harbours, and fertile soils. It speaks of the coming together of different iwi (tribes) to meet and trade – a perfect metaphor for MEETINGS.
New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city is embarking on a two-year stint hosting Business Event Industry Aotearoa’s premier trade show for the meetings industry. This year’s event has been something of a homecoming at the Auckland Showgrounds as the show returned for the first time in four years. In 2026, the event will take place at the highly anticipated New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), which is set to open early in the year.
“This is an exciting time to be showcasing what Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland can deliver for conferences and incentives,” says Ken Pereira, Head of Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
“The city is undergoing a significant revitalisation, from the NZICC, the country’s largest purpose-built convention centre, to an influx of new accommodation investment. There are now 18,000 hotel rooms in the region, with new additions in the city centre including the Horizon by SkyCity with direct links to the NZICC, SOHO Hotel Auckland, JW Marriott, Intercontinental, Hotel Indigo, Abstract and Hotel Grand Chancellor properties, plus Auckland Airport’s new Te Arikinui Pullman. Openings this year will include the Radisson RED – the first RED in the Pacific – and TRIBE Auckland.
Meetings 2025
“The City Rail Link project, and the new transport hub that is part of Auckland Airport’s expansion, support our vision for a more connected and accessible Auckland while meeting the highest standards of environmental responsibility. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to connect, collaborate and to experience all that Auckland has to offer.”
Pereira says this year’s MEETINGS will be an opportunity for visitors to discover the Treasures of Tāmaki. This platform showcases authentic Māori tourism businesses to help event organisers incorporate unique, memorable cultural experiences into their next conference or incentive, from food and beverage to storytelling tours, artistic performances, venues and accommodation.
“At our recent forum, Unleashing the Potential of Business Events, the Māori culture of Aotearoa was described as a competitive edge for Auckland and New Zealand. It is about providing experiences found nowhere else in the world, delivering new perspectives and content as well,” Pereira says.
Meetings 2025
“Connecting people with the Treasures of Tāmaki is just one of the many resources Auckland Convention Bureau can draw on to support conferences. We can also connect event organisers to local iwi (tribes) and cultural expertise to advise on programme development, indigenous experiences, and protocols via our own network and through Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Māori Outcomes rōpū (team).”
“In addition, we’re working to enhance Auckland’s positioning as a business events destination by leveraging its knowledge-rich experiences. This includes aligning with the region’s economic development priorities and partnering with universities to attract conferences in key innovation sectors like fintech, advanced manufacturing, medical technology, clean technology and aerospace.”
MEETINGS 2025 will be preceded by a city tour for hosted buyer attendees, plus famil activities for international guests. Visitors will get a chance to experience first-hand a range of Auckland’s attractions, including the All Blacks Experience and Wētā Workshop Unleashed, wine tasting on Waiheke Island, and sailing on the Waitematā Harbour.
Pereira says he can’t wait to see the response to the MEETINGS welcome night ‘kick-off’ at Eden Park, which will put the stadium’s events prowess on full display. Waterfront venue the Viaduct Events Centre will host the finale celebrations, with the official after-party exploring the city’s nightlife at the Rooftop at QT Hotel.
“There really is such a great diversity of options within Auckland. We’d encourage event organisers to come and meet us and our partners on the Auckland stand at MEETINGS and see how Auckland can elevate your event.”
Edited by Peter Needham at MEETINGS in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
