NZGS-IAG Conference 2026
7-10 December, Palmerston North
Photo Credit: He Ara Kotahi at night by Alexander Robertson, for PNCC
Welcome
On behalf of the New Zealand Geographical Society and the Institute of Australian Geographers, we warmly welcome you to the 2026 Joint Conference in Palmerston North. We gather under the theme Hopeful Spaces to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and envision geographies of creativity, regeneration, and possibility. This year, the joint conference is hosted by the Manawatū Branch of the New Zealand Geographical Society, aiming for a lower-key, wellbeing-led conference. Please join us in Palmerston North, in the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, for in-person early summer collaborative engagement including keynotes, plenary panels and fieldtrips.
Kelly Dombroski, President New Zealand Geographical Society
Brian Cook, President Institute of Australian geographers
The theme is "Hopeful Spaces"
In the evolving omni-shambles of the mid-twenty-first century we need reasons to remain hopeful. Join us as we explore how geographies of creativity, regeneration, and possibility are continuing to shape our world. Scholars, practitioners, teachers, and students from across the disciplines are invited to contribute to conversations about place, justice, and hope.
Key dates
Specific dates will be announced closer to the time.
Early March 2025 - Call for sessions and proposals for pre-conference events opens;
Late April - Call for sessions and pre-conference events closes;
Mid-May - Call for abstracts opens;
Mid July - Call for abstracts closes;
Late July - Abstract approval;
Late May - Registration opens;
Late August - Early bird registration closes & Draft programme online; and
Late October - Registration closes.
Photo credit: Manungāro, permission from NZTA
New Zealand Geographical Society
General: admin@nzgs.co.nz
Membership: membership@nzgs.co.nz
