New Zealand is globally recognised as a nation with a pristine natural environment. Increasingly, the island nation is developing a reputation as a leading green economy, too. At the forefront of these advancements is Wellington – the city that’s home to New Zealand’s largest science and innovation workforce.
Where innovation meets impact for business events
Wellington is a collaborative hub of knowledge exchange, research and innovation. The New Zealand Government, many central agencies, industry associations, universities and numerous research institutes are all based there.
Wellington has a reputation for innovation and pushing creative boundaries, stemming from close collaboration between research and education institutes, policymakers, creatives and industry. This collaboration keeps Wellington at the cutting edge of industry advancements, making the city relevant, cost-competitive and well-regarded on the global stage.
The city’s intellectual strengths, coupled with its central location in New Zealand and easy access, create an ideal environment for associations hosting events focused on positive change.
Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition CentreInternationally renowned scientific expertise
Wellington is a centre of academic excellence. It is home to Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, which holds the highest proportion of academics conducting high-quality research in New Zealand and ranks in the top 2% of universities worldwide.
Otago University’s Wellington campus specialises in medical and health sciences, with its prime location providing direct access to government. This makes it a leader in sharing research and clinical insights with policymakers and agencies.
Wellington is also home to many research-oriented businesses. The interconnected scientific community fosters collaboration between universities, research institutes and industry.
For example, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research recently completed a successful trial of a revolutionary CAR T-cell cancer treatment. They’ve partnered with Wellington-based health tech company BioOra to automate the production of CAR T-cells, paving the way for a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy and offering hope to those with incurable blood cancers.
Meanwhile, Volpara Health is advancing AI-driven software for the early detection of breast cancer.
Climate-conscious collaboration
Boston Consulting Group reported in 2023 that New Zealand is poised to become a leader in eco-tourism, sustainable construction, low-carbon energy and sustainable food production. Wellington is the eco-capital of New Zealand – a leader in climate innovation and environmental restoration. In 2022, the city was recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 eco-cities in the world.
Victoria University of Wellington is home to the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute, where you will find world-leading experts in Antarctic and climate research. As the country’s top academic institution in this field, the university conducts extensive research on climate change, as well as issues such as inequality, extreme events and policy.
In Wellington, you can also visit Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary. Thanks to its success, Wellington has become one of the few cities where native biodiversity is increasing. The university’s Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology also plays a key role in these conservation efforts.
Wellington’s academics don’t work in isolation. The city is exceptionally well-connected, and many of its ideas are being commercialised into successful climate-focused businesses.
For example, local cleantech company Humble Bee Bio is developing a biodegradable alternative to plastics by recreating the unique properties of a bee nesting material in the lab. Meanwhile, Open Star is racing to build the world’s first nuclear fusion reactor – a clean, abundant alternative to fossil fuels – with a mission to deliver sustainable energy for future generations.
New Zealand’s creative heart
Wellington is a city brimming with pioneering tech and creative talent. It has been recognised as New Zealand’s most creative city for two decades and is a UNESCO City of Film – renowned for its expertise in TV and film production, as well as digital media.
Investment in research and development within New Zealand’s tech sector has quadrupled over the past decade, with tech now accounting for a third of total R&D investment. Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand’s innovation agency, is based in Wellington. It supports businesses in innovation and growth, offering world-class innovation hubs and accelerator programmes that help launch smart ideas.
From an academic perspective, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington hosts the largest computer graphics research group in the southern hemisphere, specialising in real-time graphics, virtual reality and character animation. The university’s School of Engineering and Computer Science focuses on fields such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics and games, electronics and software engineering.
Both Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University provide top-tier training for future filmmakers. The Miramar Creative Centre and National Academy of Screen Arts give students the ideal environment to learn from award-winning professionals in Wellington’s film, animation and game design industries.
As one of the easiest countries in the world to do business, Wellington boasts a supportive and well-connected business ecosystem, creating a strong hub for CreativeTech, CleanTech and FinTech startups. Climate-friendly, creative and innovative thinking thrives in Wellington, where experts use imagination and enterprise to improve our lives and the planet.
Compact city with big ideas
Wellington is a super-connected, collaborative city, making it easy to tap into local experts. Though compact, it is at the heart of New Zealand’s decision-making, as well as being a thriving knowledge hub.
The dynamic and collaborative environment is attracting global associations, eager to connect with the city’s leaders in research, climate action and science.
Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre. Jason Mann PhotographyWith a strong focus on sustainable solutions, Wellington also offers plenty of support and inspiration for organising climate-conscious events. Conference organisers can offset the carbon impact of travel by engaging in knowledge exchange, global networking and research collaboration via in-person meetings.
The city is attracting international conferences, including the recent Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC 58) conference, the 48th World Conference of International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance in 2025 and the International Sedimentological Congress in 2026.
Discover why these organisations are choosing Wellington for their impact-focused events at wellingtonnz.com/meet
Or contact Business Events Wellington at businessevents@wellingtonnz.com
