Christchurch has won hosting rights to the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) Conference in 2026, the second time the event is being held in the Southern Hemisphere.
The 11th IAG conference will run for five days at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and is expected to attract 800 to 1,000 delegates from around the world, with 63 countries affiliated with the association.
ChristchurchNZ head of business events, Megan Crum, commented: “Not only do we have incredible new infrastructure capable of hosting such a large event, ease of access through our international airport, and a vibrant, compact and walkable city, we also have a location rich in diverse geography and geology.”
“Our South Island region is a particular hotspot for landscape investigation, making us a geomorphology knowledge and research hub. The local university, University of Canterbury, is home to one of the largest groups of geomorphology academics and their research topics will be of great interest to IAG delegates.”
The 2026 conference is being hosted by the Australia and New Zealand Geomorphology Group, the Australasian affiliate of the International Association of Geomorphologists, with support from the University of Canterbury, Tourism New Zealand, and ChristchurchNZ Business Events.
New Zealand academics championed the bid, led by Sam McColl from GNS Science, Ian Fuller of Massey University, and James Shulmeister of University of Canterbury.
“Hosting the conference gives us a unique opportunity to showcase our landscapes and our research first-hand. The conference will be accompanied by pre- and post-conference field trips led by researchers who have an intimate knowledge of processes and landscapes around the motu (country) and neighbouring Australia,” Fuller said.
