Join us for a unique experience this November! 

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:

• Manaakitanga: which means extending aroha (love and compassion) to others, encouraging one another or supporting new connections. 

• Kaitiakitanga: which means respecting and conserving the earth, being mindful of the impact of your behaviours, and giving back freely.

• Whanaungatanga: which means creating relationships, kinship and a sense of belonging through shared experiences and working together.

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: 

• Programme in English
• Programme in Español 
• Programme in Français

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.

Social learning is a powerful tool, and it will support and grow the impact of our global community of action for the future. Enjoy multiple opportunities for korero (conversation) in both the physical sense and in virtual rooms over the next few months, and especially during the event itself.

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COUCH CHATS  |  HE PAE KŌRERORERO

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.

• On Day 1, we will help you meet and connect with as many people as possible from all over the world, and we’ll give you the tools to reconnect with them again, often.

• You can deep dive into your favourite whetū (theme) on Day 2. We will help you find a couch that both inspires and challenges your thinking and sets you on a pathway toward launch.

• You’ll be finding couches of like-minded people or project groups by Day 3. We’ll support you to gather and make meaning of what you are seeing and hearing for use in your own context.

• On Day 4, as we collectively launch back into the world, you will leave with new friends and colleagues and a new community of action of your very to lean on and learn from in future.

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POP-UP PLAY  |  HE OHONGA TINANA

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:

• Wāiata (song) is incredibly important to the Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand. For centuries it was how learning and knowledge was passed from one generation to another. In a safe, fun environment, we will teach you the words and ways of our local indigenous peoples.

• Often used by wāhine Māori during Kapa Haka (traditional dancing), Poi are beautiful hand-made balls attached to flax strings swung rhythmically, often to music, to tell stories. Poi increases dexterity, concentration and agility and is proven to calm and improve the mind.

• The underlying foundation of the conference is based on the Māori storytelling traditions, represented through Rāranga (weaving). We will show you how to create your own personal weave, helping you put together the ideas you are developing into a pattern unique to you.

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TURN-UP DRINKS  |  HE WĀ WHAKAWHANAUNGA

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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LOCAL ADVENTURES  |  NGĀ MAHINGA MĀTĀTOA

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:

• A ferry ride and winery tour on beautiful Waiheke Island
• A hosted visit to a local Marae on the UNITEC Campus
• Snorkelling at our local Goat Island Marine Reserve
• Climbing up one of our many extinct Volcanic cones
• A tour of Eden Park, host to three Women’s World Cups
• A visit to world famous Piha beach, home to the Women’s Pro Surf
• A hosted bike tour along “The Bays” on Auckland waterfront
• A visit to the Parnell, Clevedon or Hobsonville Farmers Markets
• A cultural experience at the Auckland War Memorial Museum

Find out more about Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland here.

Two major initiatives to increase participation by First Nations / Indigenous women at the 8th IWG World Conference on Women & Sport:

• Indigenous scholarships for wāhine and kōhine Māori
• Indigenous-specific off-site to be hosted at Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Marae

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. 

The InspirePLUS pass gives you the ultimate conference experience, with access to every in person only, virtual only and hybrid session.

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. 

REGISTER NOW

You can join the virtual-only experience with the Inspire Pass or get the best of both worlds by attending in person and virtually with the InspirePLUS Pass.

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. 

REGISTER NOW

We are delighted to welcome participants of the 8th IWG World Conference on Women & Sport to the vibrant city of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland and the venue, The Aotea Centre | Te Pokapū

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

Our Conference Agency, The Conference Company, has secured block bookings at select hotels close to the venue, the Aotea Centre | Te Pokapū.

Special rates (GST inclusive) have been negotiated. Room rates do not include breakfast unless otherwise specified.

MAKING A RESERVATION

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.

CHANGING YOUR RESERVATION

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

EARLY ACCESS

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:

Auckland City Hotel

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:

• Contactless check-in/check out
• Vie Lounge & Eatery
• Room service 6am – 10pm
• Free access to the “Teps” Pools

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

The Cordis Hotel

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:

• 24 hour room service
• Eight Restaurant
• Lobby Lounge
• Health club, day spa, heated rooftop pool

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

Sudima Hotel Auckland

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:

• 24-hour and room service
• Restaurant and bar
• Gym access
• Dry cleaning and luggage storage

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