For the indigenous Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand, the reappearance of the kāhui whetū (star cluster) Matariki - also known globally as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters - heralds new beginnings and is a predictor of good fortune, positive change and prosperity.
Navigation through our core programme has been designed using the kāhui whetū (star cluster) Matariki as a framework, after this was gifted to us by our Roopu, He Wāhine Toa Kei Te Kokiri – Strong Women Making a Move. Each whetū (star) holds special meaning in Māori culture, and each of our conference themes has been linked to a whetū (star).
Within this framework, your experience has been designed using social learning principles inspired by the beautiful Māori concepts of:
Storytelling exists at its very heart, including short lightning talks, group discussions, in-depth workshops and plenty of time for like-minded participants to collectively create solutions.
We will focus on collaboration, practical application, insights from a range of perspectives and on designing positive solutions to address inequities for women and girls in sport and physical activity globally. Workshops will be facilitated by group leaders covering both theory and practice and we also have a world-class Social Learning programme.
Download our Programme-at-a-Glance to find out more:
Or choose 'Programme' from the top menu bar to see the detailed agenda.
Note: programme may be subject to change ahead of the live event.
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Informal Couch Chats will be hosted by kaitiaki (guardians / facilitators) in the venue and online. They will put you at ease, make meeting up fun, and support a learning environment.
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Play has the power to spark new ideas and develop imagination; we’ll be using play breaks at the venue and online as a way to help let off steam and absorb new information received.
Some examples of the play you will experience include:
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Our physical venue is located in the very heart of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, less than a 5-minute walk from the City Centre. The venue itself has several gathering spaces over multiple levels, which we will utilise for informal drinks in the early evenings of Day 1, 2 and 3.
If you are joining us virtually, you don’t miss out! We will be hosting online Turn-Up Drinks too, enabling you to join us for online chats on a range of topics and get to know more people.
Find out more about Te Pokapū - The Aotea Centre here.
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The largest city in Aotearoa New Zealand and fourth most diverse city in the world, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, is our economic and our cultural heart.
Those joining us in person will get to see our beautiful city with many new friends and colleagues and will be able to discuss new ideas in a less formal setting.
Examples of the local adventures in the city include:
Find out more about Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland here.
Plus, we have put out a Call to Action to countries worldwide to register Indigenous Delegations, following the example being set by both the Canadian and Australian High Commissions.
Registrations for the off-site workshop will open in September. Check back later for more information.
What sessions can you access on the InspirePLUS Pass (in person and virtual)?
You will be able to access in-person only, hybrid and virtual-only sessions.
How can I access the virtual experience?
InspirePLUS Pass participants will have access to both the app and desktop version of the virtual platform.
Access to the virtual platforms will be provided a few weeks before the conference starts.
What does a hybrid session look like?
Depending on the requirements of the presenting group, some co-presenters may be split where one is delivering the session in person and the other is joining virtually.
Most workshops will have facilitated breakout rooms for small group discussions where you will be able to engage in your respective participant group - in person with in person / virtual with virtual.
If you want to collaborate with participants that are in the same session but are not at the venue and online. You will be able to do that using the engagement tools on the virtual platform via app or desktop.
What sessions can you access on the Inspire Pass (virtual only)?
You will be able to access hybrid and virtual-only sessions.
What sessions can you access on the InspirePLUS Pass (in person and virtual)?
You will be able to access in-person only, hybrid and virtual-only sessions.
How can I access the virtual experience?
For in-person participants (InspirePLUS Pass), you will have access to both the app and desktop version of the virtual platform.
For virtual-only participants (Inspire Pass), you will have access to the desktop version of the virtual platform.
Access to the virtual platforms will be provided a few weeks before the conference starts.
What does a hybrid session look like?
Depending on the requirements of the presenting group, some co-presenters may be split where one is delivering the session in person and the other is joining virtually.
Most workshops will have facilitated breakout rooms for small group discussions where you will be able to engage in your respective participant group - in person with in person / virtual with virtual.
If you want to collaborate with participants that are in the same session but are at the venue, in person. You will be able to do that using the engagement tools on the virtual platform (desktop). In person participants will need to be logged into the virtual platform via the app (mobile) or (desktop) to engage with participants that are online.
TAKE THE ACCESSIBILITY VIRTUAL TOUR
Located in Auckland CBD (Central Business District), Auckland City, New Zealand.
The Aotea Centre is located at the western edge of Aotea Square, off Queen Street, this venue is a cultural and entertainment space in the heart of the city which is easily accessible to all.
With a large auditorium, multiple meeting rooms and bright modern space, the Aotea Centre provides a fresh and inviting location for our Global Community of Action. Recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, this central venue is a great starting point for you to enjoy Auckland, meet with international participants and engage in our 4-day programme.
Visit their website for more information
Special rates (GST inclusive) have been negotiated. Room rates do not include breakfast unless otherwise specified.
Bookings should be made via the accommodation booking form in the registration form by 6 October. After that date no guarantee can be made that rooms will be available. To secure your reservation, payment is required by credit card. To see a list of the terms, conditions and cancellation policies, please click here.
Please advise The Conference Company of any change to a reservation rather than contacting the hotel directly.
Telephone: 1800 193 405 from Australia or +64 (0) 9 360 1240 New Zealand
Email: iwg@theconferencecompany.com
If you have an early morning arrival and require an early check-in, you will need to reserve your room for the previous night.
See a list of hotels below:
Address: 157 Hobson Street, City Centre (650m, 8 minute walk)
About Property: The Auckland City Hotel is ideally located just five minutes’ walk from the Aotea Centre and Queen Street. Facilities on site include Vie Lounge & Eatery, Vie Bar and Fond(ou) Cafe. Complimentary access is available to "The Teps" - just a 15mins walk from the hotel featuring two pools, spa and sauna facilities and a fitness centre.
Features:
Room type and rate including GST: Run-of-House Room: $200 per night (including GST)
Room size: 25sqm
Internet Access: Complimentary WIFI
Breakfast: Not included
Check in/out times: 2pm/11am
Address: 83 Symonds Street, Grafton (800m, 10-minute walk)
About Property: Situated near upper Queen Street, the Cordis is located within walking distance of the CBD. On-site facilities at Cordis, Auckland include 24 hour reception, 24hr room service, concierge, Eight Restaurant, the Lobby Lounge, a fully equipped health club and day spa and a resort-style heated rooftop pool.
Features:
Room type and rate including GST: Superior King Room: $279 per night (including GST)
Room size: 28-32sqm
Internet Access: Complimentary WIFI
Breakfast: $40 at Eight Restaurant
Check in/out times: 3pm/11am
Address: 63-67 Nelson Street, CBD (600m, 8 min walk)
About Property: A brand new 4.5-star hotel in the heart of the city, and conveniently located less than 10 minutes’ walk from Aotea Centre. Facilities on site include 24hr reception, 24hr room service, on-site dining at East restaurant, complimentary gym access and valet parking.
Features:
Room type and rate including GST: Superior Twin: $239 per night (including GST)
Internet Access: Complimentary WIFI
Breakfast: Available for purchase at East restaurant 6am-11am
Check in/out times: 2pm/11am
It does not constitute visa, passport and/or technical advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose. We recommend you make the necessary enquiries or seek professional advice.
Our conference agency, The Conference Company, has secured block bookings at select hotels close to the venue, the Aotea Centre. Special rates (GST inclusive) have been negotiated. Room rates do not include breakfast unless otherwise specified.
Learn more about the Accommodation options here.
Read Accommodation Terms and Conditions
Alternatively, you can individually source accommodation for your stay via popular booking sites such as Booking.com or Airbnb.
As of August 2019, it is mandatory for all visitors to New Zealand to obtain an electronic Travel Authority (eTA). Visit the New Zealand Immigration website for more information and to complete the online application form.
When you arrive, you’ll need to ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa.
You do not need a visa to visit Aotearoa New Zealand if you are:
If you don’t meet the criteria above, then you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa.
PLEASE NOTE: This may change due to COVID-19. Please check this page and official New Zealand Government advice prior to booking your travel.
TRANSIT VISA
If your travel itinerary includes a transit stop in another country you may need a Transit Visa e.g. Australia. Please visit the immigration website of the country you are transiting through for further information and how to apply.
Aotearoa New Zealand is a land of immense and diverse landscapes. You’ll experience natural wonders and unique culture here that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
We look forward to seeing you in Aotearoa New Zealand soon!
Explore the North Island:
Experience vibrant cities, serene beaches, geothermal hotspots and our awe-inspiring Māori culture in New Zealand’s North Island.
Explore the South Island:
Venture to the South Island and you will be met by lofty mountains, stunning lakes, fiords and glaciers – the landscapes here are famous the world over.
Explore Stewart Island:
More than 85% of Stewart Island is National Park.
i-SITE is Aotearoa New Zealand’s official visitor information network. There are currently 80 i-SITE locations found throughout Aotearoa New Zealand where you can speak to a travel expert for local knowledge and bookings throughout New Zealand. Find out more here.
Whether you are looking for places to stay, things to do or ways to get around, Qualmark – New Zealand Tourism’s official quality assurance organisation – provides a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. When you see the Qualmark, it means that those businesses have been independently assessed against a set of national quality standards. Find out more about Qualmark here.
The free Essential New Zealand travel app from Tourism New Zealand is available from the App Store and Google Play. Access up-to-date information about hundreds of selected travel experiences while you're in Aotearoa New Zealand without the need for an internet connection. Find out more here.
Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Find out more here.
New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts and uses angled two or three-pin plugs (the same as Australia and parts of Asia).
Staying connected in Aotearoa New Zealand is easy with a little forward planning. Find out more here.
The currency used is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Find out more here.
The weather varies throughout Aotearoa New Zealand by region and by season. Find out more here.
In order to protect Aotearoa New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry, or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment. You may risk a fine if you fail to comply.
Find out more here.