Wellington ready to rock the ITS in 2026

New Zealand has built upon its earth science strengths to win the 22nd International Sedimentological Congress (ISC) in 2026 for the city of Wellington. The ISC is one of the largest international conferences dedicated to the study of sedimentary rocks and the processes by which they are formed. The ISC is rarely held in the southern hemisphere but in 2026 it will be hosted by Geoscience Society of New Zealand’s Sedimentology Special Interest Group (SSIG). The congress is expected to attract up to 1,000 participants to Tākina, the Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, and deliver an estimated NZ$3.4m (US$2.4m) to the economy. Bjoern Spreitzer, Tourism New Zealand general manager of domestic and business events, stated: “Conferences like this showcase our expertise to the world and help grow our knowledge at home. They also deliver significant economic gains that benefit the New Zealand economy.” Dr Mark Lawrence, lead organiser and senior geologist at GNS Science, said: “Geologically New Zealand is very interesting. It has a whole range of geological attributes concentrated in a relatively small geographic area. Then you have the impact of tectonics, and climate change. It’s essentially a neat, small-scale laboratory.” The theme for the congress will be ‘Sedimentation on active plate margins through time and space’ and will include field trips across the country covering as broad a range of sedimentary systems in Zealandia as possible. Topics relating to indigenous Māori and Pacifica views of the sedimentary process will also be included. Plans are also underway to ensure the conference has wider outreach to New Zealanders, through public lectures or learning experiences for school age children. Dr Lawrence believes this will be an excellent opportunity for the new generation of sedimentologists to engage in the event: “It will be particularly good for students who may otherwise be unlikely to attend such a prestigious event overseas. For those starting out in the field it’s a great opportunity to make these international contacts.” Wellington will be the host city, providing both knowledge in earth science via Victoria University and geological affiliated research institutes such as GNS Science and NIWA, and a brand new conference venue. David Perks, WellingtonNZ’s general manager, concluded: “Being so central to the rest of New Zealand means all the site visits to be undertaken by delegates are very accessible. And while here they’ll be able to enjoy our great eateries and bars and all Wellington has to offer, learning more about the history of New Zealand right across the road at Te Papa – New Zealand’s national museum, and getting closer to nature at Zealandia.”