Auckland wins major principals convention for 2026

Tamaki Makaurau Auckland will host the International Confederation of Principals (ICP) World Convention in 2026, putting New Zealand’s education community on the world stage. The convention will be hosted at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in September 2026 and is expected to attract up to 3,000 school principals from around the world. New Zealand last hosted the event in 2007. Securing the event was a team effort between the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF), the Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB), a division of Tataki Auckland Unlimited, and Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme. NZPF president Leanne Otene says: “Hosting the convention in New Zealand will expose New Zealand’s educators to the world’s leading researchers and the top international speakers in this sector. Conversely, we have some incredibly good researchers in New Zealand, and we can put them on the world stage. It’s a great opportunity.” Otene adds that ICP is a place where educators can share ideas and best practice and see what’s working elsewhere in the world. “We’re expecting a good turnout. New Zealand is a destination that people will want to come to from a tourism perspective, but we also have a reputation that we will put on an amazing convention. We’ll have this beautiful new venue and the opportunity to showcase our multicultural city, with visitors also having the opportunity to visit schools.” The convention is expected to deliver an estimated $4.6m boost to Auckland’s economy and offers international guests the chance to explore the region and the rest of the country while they are here. NZICC’s General Manager Prue Daly adds: “As the only venue in New Zealand large enough to host a conference of this scale, it is a privilege to be welcoming the International Confederation of Principals (ICP) and their delegates to the New Zealand International Convention Centre in 2026.”