Programme

We are delighted to welcome our delegates to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, from the 19-21 October at Tākina Convention Centre.

This year, the Hui has special significance, as an Association, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary.  In as much as it is a time for reflection and celebration, it serves as a call to action for our sector, as we look ahead and build a network that is ‘future fit’.

The programme will evolve over the coming months.  Be sure to check back in shortly to see updates.

Tākina

Sunday 18 October

Exhibition Hall – Pack-In Afternoon

Sunday 18th October, 12:00pm – 6:00pm

Tākina Conference Center

Pack in and set up of the exhibiton space.

For all trade stand queries, please contact:

Malcolm Blakey
malcolm@pacificevents.co.nz

Women in Airports & Infrastructure

Sunday 18 October, 4:00pm – 6:30pm

Lead, Connect, Collaborate: Women in Airports & Infrastructure

In the complex world of airports and infrastructure, women are driving innovation, resilience and operational excellence that define our sector. Moving the sector forward requires more than individual effort; it requires a powerful, supportive network.

Join us at Tākina from 4:00pm – 6:00pm on 18 October for a dedicated session for women across the sector and their key supporters. This pre-event gathering is a collaborative space to build professional bonds and champion the voices shaping our airports of the future.

Why this session is essential:

• A Supportive Head-Start: Establish meaningful connections with peers and industry leaders before the main programme begins.
• The Power of Allyship: We welcome the mentors and supporters who understand that inclusive leadership is an industry-wide priority.
• Shared Expertise: From regulatory challenges to large-scale project delivery, engage in a conversation that turns individual experiences into collective sector wisdom.

Don’t just attend the Hui – be part of the community driving it. Join us at Tākina for an afternoon of genuine connection and strategic collaboration.

Exhibitor & Early Arrivals Welcome

Sunday 18th October, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

We warmly invite exhibitors and early arrivals to Wellington to join us for hospitality.  Ease into the Hui in this relaxed waterfront venue and reconnect with colleagues or meet new faces before the formal programme begins the next day.

This gathering is also a special thank you to our exhibitors for the time, care and effort they put into preparing the exhibition space.  Their support helps set the scene for a strong start to the Hui.  We look forward to celebrating the beginning of the event with you.

Monday 19 October

The Trade & Display exhibition displays and coffee carts will be open.  Arrive in plenty of time to connect with the exhibitors from across the airport, aviation and infrastructure sectors.

Welcome to the NZ Airports Hui 2026

Join us for the opening of the Hui and set the stage for three days of connection, ideas and action shaping the future of airports and aviation in Aotearoa.

Morning Tea

Keynote Address: Cam Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Qantas International & Freight

With a growing fleet and a renewed commitment to New Zealand, understanding Qantas’ view of our country and the world matters more than ever. Project Sunrise – the airline’s plan to operate the world’s longest commercial flights – is reshaping what’s possible in aviation, and putting Australasia at the centre of a redrawn global network map.

Few people are better placed to speak to New Zealand’s aviation future than Cam Wallace. With an extensive background in aviation and business in New Zealand, and today as head of Qantas’ International and Freight, Cam brings a combination of global strategic perspective and deep personal connection to this country.

In this session, Cam will reflect on Qantas’ global growth strategy and what it means for Australasia, the opportunities he sees as an aviation leader, and his personal read on the politics and pressures shaping our connections to the world.

Plenary 

Lunch

Breakout Sessions

Check back soon for more details on the options across the two breakout streams.  Each stream will offer multiple sessions, presentations and panel discussions.

NZ Airports Annual General Meeting

The AGM is for NZ Airports members only and includes the approval of the Associations annual report, rule changes, and voting for vacant seats on the Executive Committee. We encourage all airport members to attend.

Plenary concludes

Networking Evening 

Tuesday 20 October

Exhibition space open. Take this opportunity to browse the trade displays and connect with key suppliers. Ask your questions, view demonstrations and get insights on the latest innovations and developments.

Welcome to Day 2 

Learn what to expect from the second day of the Hui and any housekeeping you need to know. 

Keynote & Plenary Discussions

Morning Tea

Lunch

Breakout Sessions

Check back soon for more details on the options across the two breakout streams.  Each stream will offer multiple sessions, presentations and panel discussions.

Day Two concludes

NZ Airports Awards Gala Dinner

Wednesday 21st October

The Wake-up Wrap & Buffet Breakfast

Start your final day at a relaxed pace with a buffet breakfast at Te Papa, directly across from Tākina.  We’ll celebrate the highlights of the Hui followed by Masterclass sessions. 

•  Morning Keynote: fuel your thinking with a high-impact guest speaker (to be announced)
• The Rewind: relive the best moments and big wins from the NZ Airports Awards
• Exhibitor Prize Draws: be in the room for your chance to win as our exhibitors give away their final Hui prizes.

Masterclass Series 2026 | Collaborate. Connect. Solve.

The best industry solutions happen when we work together.  In 2026, our Masterclasses move beyond the plenary to create a collaborative hub.

These interactive workshops, small group discussions or site visits are your space to roll up your sleeves with experts and industry mentors.

• Peer to Peer Learning: Share ‘lessons learned’ with colleagues from across the aviation system.
• Actionable ROI: Leave with practical frameworks tailored for airport professionals.
• Fully Inclusive: Open to all delegates, from local council leads to technical practitioners.  Masterclasses are included in your Hui registration.

Whether you’re looking for fresh professional development or a deep-dive discussion with your peers, there’s a seat for you at the table.

Note: Further information for the 2026 masterclass choices and specific topics will be released over the coming months.

Farewells & Departures
Final goodbyes and departures as we sign off from another sucessful Hui.