The countdown has kicked off for Wellington‘s new convention centre, Tākina which has already locked in 70 bookings a year out from its mid-2023 opening. 

The building exterior of the purpose-built convention and exhibition centre is now complete, with the façade featuring around 1,300 glass panels installed across the curved profile which have been designed to reduce the amount of heat entering the building and therefore reducing the amount of energy needed for cooling.

While 50 of the more than 70 conference bookings made are for the first 12 months, the interest since the reopening of New Zealand’s borders has become more international with longer lead-times, with bookings being confirmed as far out as 2026.

Sitting across two levels and ideal for plenaries up to 1,600 delegates, to date conference sizes range from 300 to up to 1,500 delegates, with the very first conference, Festival for The Future, taking place in June 2023.

Wellington City Council general manger of commercial development for Tākina, David Perks said Tākina is quickly becoming a recognised and exciting new landmark in Wellington.

“Conference organisers are finding that the spaces in Tākina are versatile which, combined with being in the heart of the city, will deliver the conference experience they are seeking for their delegates,” Perks said.

The convention centre will be operated by Tākina Events who operate the same services at conference venue and national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa. This arrangement will enable business events planners to access and book the spaces and services of two of Wellington’s premium conference venues together.

Situated right across the road from each other in the heart of the vibrant, cultural capital, it’s also ideal for delegates with accommodation nearby and the airport only 15minutes away.