Wellington city ' s upward trajectory in the business events sector. Since opening in mid-2023, this purposebuilt venue has developed a steady pipeline of business, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Wellington ' s conference infrastructure.
Offering 10,000 square metres of flexible space, including plenary seating for up to 1,600 people, Tākina occupies a prime location within the city ' s cultural precinct. Positioned directly across from Wellington ' s waterfront and the national museum Te Papa Tongarewa, the venue sits within easy walking distance of 4,000 hotel rooms and the vibrant city centre. This central location provides delegates with immediate access to award-winning eateries, regional wine and craft beer venues, galleries, and theatres. The city ' s distinctive position between hills and harbour ensures nature is never far away, with the urban ecosanctuary Zealandia serving as a popular pre- and post-conference destination.
Built to the highest standards of sustainability, including 5-Star Green Star design certification, Tākina this year achieved Qualmark Gold accreditation, based on criteria recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council( GSTC). This accreditation confirms the venue meets global sustainability standards across five key pillars: business systems, environment, people and culture, social, and health, safety and wellness.
Qualmark Specialist Keri Edmonds praised the venue ' s comprehensive approach:“ There is so much to commend about Tākina – from robust health and safety policies and practices to comprehensive environmental policies that demonstrate a strong commitment to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable resource management.”
The venue continues to receive outstanding feedback from clients who have experienced its facilities first-hand. Emma Prattley from PCO Conference Innovators, who hosted the New Zealand Dental Association Conference and Exhibition at Tākina, reported exceptional results:“ Everything ran seamlessly, which was largely due to meticulous planning and incredible attention to detail. We have received nothing but positive feedback, which is a clear sign of the event ' s success! The catering in particular was a real highlight, and many commented that it was ' the best ' conference catering they have ever had.”
Cultural connections Wellington also offers event organisers the opportunity to discover new perspectives through meaningful connection with New Zealand ' s indigenous culture and the te ao Māori holistic worldview, both in conference content and experiences.
This year, Tākina Events and local tribal group Te Āti Awa released a comprehensive new guide to cultural services available at Tākina. The guide details how to incorporate a whakatau or formal welcome into events and ensures that customs and values, known as tikanga, are properly integrated throughout conferences and gatherings.
Furthering this cultural integration, Tākina Events has developed a Māori food menu featuring authentic dishes including Rewena Fry Bread, Pork and Puha greens, and Manuka Honey and Kawakawa Glazed Chicken. These offerings provide delegates with genuine culinary experiences that reflect New Zealand ' s indigenous heritage.
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, located just across the road from Tākina, now makes its Te Marae space available for event bookings. The museum serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Māori culture and the wider New Zealand collection, with special packages designed specifically for conferences and incentives. Guided tours of Te Papa bring the stories of Aotearoa to life, offering delegates memorable experiences that deepen their understanding of New Zealand ' s unique cultural landscape.
Comprehensive support Business Events Wellington provides extensive local knowledge, expertise, and connections to deliver memorable events from conception through to completion. Support encompasses the entire event lifecycle, from initial planning and bidding processes through to selecting venues, securing accommodation, and recommending delegate experiences that showcase the best of the capital city.
The organisation ' s support extends to assisting international clients with travel arrangements to the city. Currently, Business Events Wellington maintains partnerships with five airline partners, offering discounts to conference delegates and making Wellington more accessible for international attendees.
The dedicated Legacy Programme represents another valuable resource for conference organisers. This initiative helps plan, measure, and promote the positive impacts generated by events, ensuring organisers meet their objectives whilst delivering valuable, memorable conferences that leave lasting benefits for both delegates and the host city. Through this comprehensive approach, Wellington continues to strengthen its position as a destination where business events create meaningful outcomes and lasting connections. n
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