RANZCO ends 10-year NZ congress drought

Excitement is building in Auckland over the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in February 2026. For the first time in more than a decade, both the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists will hold conferences in New Zealand next year.

RANZCO’s Annual Scientific Congress will take place 6–9 November 2026 and is expected to attract 1,800 delegates and contribute more than $2 million in economic activity, according to NZICC.

“RANZCO is delighted to be welcomed to Auckland for our 57th Congress and we’re excited to experience all the vibrancy Auckland has to offer," said CEO Mark Carmichael.

NZICC director of sales and planning Alana Bicknell said securing two such prestigious conferences in NZICC’s first year of opening is a major boost. “We can’t wait to extend our manaakitanga to the delegates of both conferences. We’re confident the NZICC will absolutely wow them.”

The bids securing these events were led by the NZICC with the support of the Auckland Convention Bureau, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.

“We appreciate the support from our industry partners to help bring these events to New Zealand and also the government for their recent announcement regarding changes to the law around the advertising of medicines that have previously been a barrier to international medical conferences coming here,” Bicknell said.

More information to follow on RANZCO’s Congress website, https://www.ranzco2026.com/