NZGS-IAG Conference 2026

8-10 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 conference will commence with pre conference events and study group sessions on Monday 7 December and conference sessions will run from 8 – 10 December.

This is an 'in person' conference.

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.

Photo credit: Manungāro, permission from NZTA

Conference organizers may be contacted via: conference@nzgs.co.nz

Key dates

Specific dates will be announced closer to the time.

16 March 2026 - Call for sessions and proposals for pre-conference events opens;

30 April 2026 - Call for sessions and pre-conference events closes;

18 May 2026 - Call for abstracts opens;

17 July 2026 - Call for abstracts closes;

Early August - Abstract approvals notified;

Late May - Registration opens;

Late August - Early bird registration closes & Draft programme online; and

Late October - Registration closes.

Conference Poster

Summary of Sessions - Call for Abstracts

Submit your abstract via this form

Registration Fees

Fees are in New Zealand dollars (incl. GST) and include: Conference sessions, morning teas and lunches and the Mix and Mingle Awards evening. The conference dinner and field trips are optional and can be added at a later date (remember your registration password).

Registration Type

Registration	Early Bird	Standard
Full Member*	$690	$790
Non-member	$790	$810
Concessionary member**	$300	$350
Concessionary non-member	$400	$450
Teacher	$350	$350
Day Registration		$400
Optional Conference Dinner	Coming soon
Optional Field Trips	Coming soon

*NZGS/ IAG Membership number required during the registration process for proof of membership to receive reduced registration. Information on how to find your NZGS membership number is located in the Membership FAQs.
**Concessionary includes students, people on temporary or precarious contracts, and unemployed/unwaged or retired. Please contact the conference organiser if you are unsure which fee category you belong to.