Event Gallery
The International Coral Reef Symposium chose Aotearoa New Zealand’s harbour city, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, as the meeting place to highlight the issues affecting the world's coral reefs and collaborate on solutions.
At a glance
Event: 16th International Coral Reef Symposium
Key event facts
|
2115 |
6 days |
First in Oceania |
| delegates | of knowledge exchange | regional hosting milestone |
Date: 19 to 24 July 2026
Key venues: New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)
Sector impact: Strengthened global collaboration in coral reef science while elevating Pacific perspectives on marine conservation and reef management.
A Pacific home for global reef conservation
In July 2026, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland hosted the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium. This important forum brought together 2115 experts in marine ecology to discuss the future of the world’s coral reefs. The symposium explored the challenges facing reef ecosystems and shared research and management approaches that can inform conservation efforts around the world.
The event marked the first time the symposium had been hosted in Oceania. According to Simon Davy, Professor of Marine Biology, Victoria University of Wellington and Chair of the local organising committee, Tāmaki Makaurau was a natural choice.
“Auckland is a hub for the Pacific region. The Pacific Ocean covers around one-third of the Earth's surface and contains more than 25 per cent of the world's coral reef area, supporting a wide variety of unique and endemic species – from fish and plant life to microscopic bacteria.”
Beyond its geography, Tāmaki Makaurau also offered a unique cultural connection.
“Tāmaki Makaurau has strong connections to its Pacific Island neighbours, and with the world’s largest Polynesian population, Auckland provides an unparalleled opportunity to feature Pacific peoples’ knowledge and traditions for reef management. When looking for a conference destination, we wanted a location that was well connected and welcoming of diverse voices, to find solutions to the threats facing coral reefs,” says Davy.
Where science met manaakitanga
Held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium showcased Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's ability to host world-class business events. As New Zealand's largest purpose-built convention centre, the NZICC provided a modern, flexible venue with 33 meeting rooms, capacity for up to 4500 guests, and more than 8000 hotel rooms within easy walking distance.
Outside the venue, delegates benefited from Auckland's compact city centre, making it easy to move between accommodation, dining, cultural attractions and the waterfront. Combined with strong international connectivity and a collaborative local business events sector, the destination offered a seamless experience for visitors travelling from around the world.
Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, home to Auckland Convention Bureau, says the symposium demonstrated the unique combination of infrastructure, accessibility and manaakitanga – hospitality, generosity, and openness of spirit – that sets Tāmaki Makaurau apart.
"International conferences thrive when delegates can focus on sharing knowledge and building relationships. Auckland offers the world-class facilities and connectivity organisers expect, together with genuine manaakitanga that makes people feel welcome from the moment they arrive. That combination creates memorable experiences and encourages delegates to engage more deeply with both the event and our region."
Creating lasting impact
One of the greatest legacies of the symposium was the exchange of ideas between scientists, researchers and practitioners working to protect one of the world's most important ecosystems. Discussions explored threats such as global warming and ocean acidification, as well as more localised threats such as agricultural run-off, poor fishing practices and coastal development.
“Hosting the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium in Auckland created a unique opportunity for experts from around the world to identify solutions to these challenges and provide guidance that can help governments, non-government organisations and industry make informed decisions to protect coral reefs and the communities that depend on them.
“Importantly, the symposium highlighted the commitment of New Zealand's marine science community to improving environmental, economic and community outcomes through collaboration. It also reinforced the importance of working together to help secure the future of the Pacific's coral reefs,” says Davy.
For Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the symposium reinforced the region's reputation as a leading destination for international business events. Beyond showcasing Auckland's ability to host complex global conferences, it demonstrated how business events can bring together the world's brightest minds to address shared challenges, foster international collaboration and create lasting benefits for both the host destination and the global community.