In this interview with BOTT, Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, details how major infrastructure investments, sustainable delegate transit solutions like the Hui Pass, and authentic Māori cultural integration are positioning the region to capture large-scale international conventions and premium APAC incentive travel.
- What gives Auckland a competitive edge as a MICE destination in 2026–2027?
Auckland’s business events proposition has taken a significant step forward in 2026. The opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has increased our ability to host major international conferences, while Auckland offers delegates a combination of world-class venues, accommodation, cultural experiences and easy access to the wider region.
Alongside this investment in infrastructure, we are also focused on making it easier for delegates to enjoy more of Auckland during their stay. Recently, in partnership with Auckland Transport, Auckland Convention Bureau launched Hui Pass, a five-day discounted travel pass providing delegates with unlimited travel on buses and trains across Auckland. This pass makes it easier for delegates to experience more of the city centre and beyond, while contributing to the region’s sustainability goals.
Auckland’s advantage lies in the broader delegate experience. As New Zealand’s primary international gateway, the city combines strong connectivity with a compact city centre, distinctive Māori and multicultural experiences, and easy access to beaches, islands, vineyards and regional attractions. This gives organisers considerable flexibility to build compelling programmes, with once-in-a-lifetime experiences beyond the meeting room.
This also creates a strong opportunity for Auckland in the corporate incentive market, particularly from India, where premium groups are increasingly looking for distinctive destinations that combine culture, nature and high-quality experiences.
Recognising the potential of the Indian market, Auckland Convention Bureau has appointed BRANDit as its in-market agency to help build Auckland’s profile, strengthen relationships and develop new opportunities in India.
For Auckland Convention Bureau, our focus is not only on bringing events here, but on connecting organisers with the people, places and experiences that can add value to their event and leave delegates with a strong sense of Auckland.
- How will NZICC strengthen Auckland’s ability to host major international events?
New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) represents a major increase in Auckland’s international business events capability. Located in the heart of the city centre, it has 33 meeting and event spaces and capacity for up to 4500 people, giving Auckland greater ability to host large and complex international conferences.
We have already seen that capability demonstrated through major international events in 2026. The International Coral Reef Symposium brought more than 2100 delegates to Auckland, while almost 2000 microbial ecologists gathered at NZICC for the International Symposium on Microbial Ecology.
The venue also sits within walking distance of more than 8000 hotel rooms and Auckland’s dining, entertainment and cultural experiences. This combination strengthens the proposition we can take to international associations and event organisers considering Auckland.
NZICC sits alongside established venues across the city centre including Viaduct Events Centre, The Cloud and Aotea Centre.
- How are Māori culture, local experiences and natural attractions being integrated into business events?
One of Auckland’s strengths is the opportunity for delegates to experience much more than the conference itself, while also offering a compelling range of experiences for corporate incentive groups.
Manaakitanga – The care and hospitality we extend to visitors is an important part of the experience we want delegates to have in Auckland. Māori culture can also form a meaningful part of an event programme, alongside opportunities for delegates to enjoy Auckland’s diverse communities, food, arts and culture.
Auckland’s natural environment is another important part of our proposition. Delegates can move easily between an urban event experience and the region’s harbours, islands, beaches and other visitor offerings.
Auckland Convention Bureau works with event organisers to help connect their programmes with the experiences Auckland has to offer, creating an event that feels distinctive to this place.
- What opportunities do you see for Auckland from India and the wider APAC MICE market?
India is an important relationship for Auckland, and this year we have a very tangible example of how business events can help strengthen connections between our two countries.
In November, Auckland will host the two-day Business, Sport and Innovation Summit, bringing leaders from Aotearoa New Zealand and India together to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities across business, sport, innovation, education, research, tourism and investment.
The summit forms part of 100 Years of Unity Through Sport, a national programme marking a century of sporting connection between Aotearoa New Zealand and India. Auckland is playing a leading host role, with activity across sport, culture, community and business.
For Auckland Convention Bureau, the summit demonstrates the wider role business events can play. They bring people together around shared interests and create opportunities to build relationships and connections that extend beyond the event itself.
India also presents a growing opportunity for Auckland in the incentive market, with strong potential to attract high-value corporate and incentive groups seeking distinctive international experiences.
Auckland’s cultural diversity, including being home to New Zealand’s largest Indian diaspora, provides a strong foundation for deepening relationships with India. Building on that opportunity, Auckland is also well positioned across the wider APAC region to attract business events and incentive programmes through its strong connectivity, business credentials and premium visitor experiences.
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