Conference Information

Aotearoa New Zealand Welcomes IMPAC6

An island nation, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) lies in the south-western Pacific Ocean and has an enormous Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4.2 million square kilometres, the seventh largest globally and 15 times larger than its land mass. With two major islands: Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island) and Te Waipounamu (South Island) are separated by the powerful Cook Strait. Over 700 smaller islands are scattered over what once was the world’s eighth continent, Te Riu-a-Māui/Zealandia and which covers 4.9 million square kilometres, has 800+ seamounts and is almost entirely underwater (up to 94%).

A long nation, our climate ranges from subtropical in the North to sub-Antarctic in the South. The marine environment here is truly unique, with the highest proportion globally of native (endemic) species, including the known 1400 fish species, 1000 seaweed species, 1500 species of sponges, 3600 mollusc species, nine species of penguins. Six of the seven marine turtle species and half of the world’s cetaceans visit or live here, including the critically endangered Māui’s and endangered Hector’s dolphins.
As a bicultural nation first settled by Polynesian Māori from the 13th century, then charted by Abel Tasman in 1642 and colonised by European settlers from 1769 after James Cook, the country has a strong navigation and sea-faring culture.

We have a rich history of celestial navigation and wayfinding, competitive sailing, recreational fishing, and traditional waka (vessel) carving, paddling and ocean voyaging. Throughout the population, there is a real sense of ocean
pride and identity. From the passionate activism of the 1960s-1970s, both Māori and Pākehā (European origin non-Māori) have fostered the conservation and better care of the natural marine environment and Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa), given our important Rainbow Warrior and Greenpeace nuclear-free legacy . Today, many New Zealanders remain uncompromising marine protection advocates, whilst also enjoying all the marine environment has to offer.

Conference Programme & Format

SUNDAY:

2.00pm | Registration
4:40pm | Pōwhiri
6.00pm | Cocktail

Ending ceremony |
Handover to the next country

Tākina — Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre

Opening in mid-2023, Wellington’s new Convention and Exhibition Centre,
or “Tākina” as it has locally been named, will deliver worldclass conventions
at the heart of city’s vibrant cultural precinct.

Inspired by Wellington’s dramatic landscape and environment, the centre is designed with the delegate experience in mind. It balances flexibility and functionality with the built-in technology, food and beverage that showcases the region, and cutting-edge contemporary design.

The IMPAC6 Conference will have exclusive use of the 10,000 square meters of flexible conference and exhibition space at Tākina. The conference will have a dedicated plenary space on level two of Tākina with 9 additional forum and break out rooms.
The centre also offers the conference a dedicated conference organisers office, speaker green rooms, secretariat office and media room.

Located in the heart of Wellington’s cultural precinct, the centre is within easy walking distance of key transport links, over 4,000 accommodation rooms, entertainment and recreation options. It is also right on the doorstep of the capital’s vibrant culinary scene and majestic waterfront, making it the perfect location for your delegates.

Social Venues

TSB Arena & Auditorium (Shed 6)

Capacity: 1200 banquet, 2800 cocktail
A truly multi-purpose venue, comprising the TSB Arena, TSB Arcade and TSB Auditorium (Shed 6). The TSB Arena is the largest flat floor, pillar-free space in the Wellington CBD and will work wonderfully well for your exhibition and catering space and as a purposebuilt auditorium for your main plenary.
The TSB Arena is a large flat-floored venue, with a 2186m² floor space that can a fits a standing crowd of up to 6000, while tiered and loose seating accommodates up to 3568 seated guests.
Floor-to-ceiling black drapes frame the space for exhibitions, awards dinners, and other special events.

Michael Fowler Centre

Capacity: 2200 auditorium capacity
The main auditorium is home to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and is Wellington’s main stage for leading performing artists. This much-loved part of the Wellington skyline sits right at the heart of the capital city’s civic and cultural precinct. A striking three-level glass facade fronts a magnificent interior space, ﬁnished with Italian marble and native timbers. The architecture has seen the venue win numerous architecture awards.
The Michael Fowler Centre is within an easy stroll of major hotel accommodation, culinary delights, quirky cafés and boutique shopping in Wellington’s arts, culture and entertainment precinct.

Te Wharewaka Tapere

Capacity: 230 seated, 500 standing
The Function Centre, located on Wellington’s waterfront, is a purpose built-function centre, capable of hosting conferences, events, meetings, dinners and functions for 10 to 500 guests.
Boasting four beautiful function spaces, coupled with full on-site food and beverage operators. This venue can offer a great experience, underpinned by cultural values – you will be well looked after.
This venue, along with the Pipitea Marae and Function Centre in Thorndon, is managed by Wellington Venues.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Capacity: 600 banquet, 5,000 cocktail
Te Papa is New Zealand’s bold and innovative national museum and a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences. As well as being a six-level museum that showcases New Zealand’s national art and treasures, it is also a unique conference and events venue that combines serious business with outstanding hospitality.
The stunning waterfront location puts Te Papa at the heart of Wellington and provides plenty of natural light and lovely harbour views. Te Papa is close to all major hotels and public
transport and offers plenty of on-site parking, so your guests will find us easy to get to.