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Science and innovation focus puts New Zealand – and Wellington – in spotlight
N ew Zealand is strengthening its reputation as it puts science , innovation , research and climate action at the top of its agenda . And that focus has seen the capital city – Wellington – become a drawcard for conference organisers .
Experts break new ground Dubbed as New Zealand ’ s intellectual capital , Wellington boasts the largest research , science and innovation workforce in New Zealand .
It ’ s home to Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington – which has the highest proportion of academics conducting high-quality research in the country .
There are also government-funded Crown Research Institutes , a medical school campus and college of creative arts .
Whether it ’ s healthcare , life sciences , climate innovation or deep tech , many of these institutions are internationally respected and their scientists are breaking new ground , turning their discoveries into ways that improve our planet and our lives .
For example , Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand ’ s top institution for Antarctic and climate change research , with scientists playing leadership roles and advisers in this vital field .
Then there ’ s the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research , which is undertaking cutting-edge research and clinical trials that are helping to better understand how to use the immune system to fight disease . A recent successful trial of a groundbreaking cancer treatment called CAR T-cell therapy is providing hope to people in New Zealand with incurable blood cancer .
Epicentre for change Wellington ’ s researchers and scientists don ’ t work in isolation . With New Zealand often ranked as the easiest country in the world to do business , Wellington itself is a hub of scientists , researchers , policy makers , business leaders and entrepreneurs .
Being home to the New Zealand Government and headquarters for many central government agencies and industry associations means it ’ s a collaborative and connected city with strong advocacy of progress , change and reform .
With climate action and innovation a big focus across all industry sectors , conference organisers can find a wealth of ideas and experts to support their events .
360-degree sustainability Sustainability is top of mind . The capital has the lowest emissions per capita of any Australasian city and it has long been a leader in climate innovation , as outlined in its accolade as one of the top 10 eco-cities in the world in Lonely Planet ’ s Travel Handbook .
There are programmes with the university , innovators , businesses and academic institutions all focused on the climate challenge and how to create a zero-carbon resilient city .
As organisers increasingly look to make their events more sustainable , Wellington ’ s event industry is also playing its part to reduce the carbon footprint of events .
Tãkina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre is the first venue in New Zealand to achieve a 5-Star Green Star rating . Tãkina Events also works with organisations like Kaibosh Food Rescue to help support conferences ’ sustainability goals .
Wellington ’ s central location and compact nature is another advantage . The capital is walkable and easily accessible . It sits in the middle of the country making it a gateway to the rest of New Zealand . n
Left : Wellington harbour and city from Mount Victoria at sunset n To learn more about the opportunities for conferencing in Wellington contact the official convention bureau Business Events Wellington at BusinessEvents @ WellingtonNZ . com . n For more information visit WellingtonNZ . com / meet
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