The 32,500 sqm venue hosted an opening ceremony on 11 February. Photo Credit: NZICC
After more than a decade in the works, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland has finally opened its doors in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Reflecting a design that’s uniquely Aotearoa, the 32,500 sqm venue offers 33 meeting spaces, a 2,850-seat theatre, and the capacity to host more than 4,000 delegates.
The NZ$750 million (US$447 million) venue marked its ceremonial opening at first light on 11 February 2026, with mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei leading proceedings that acknowledged the connection between people, place and purpose. The formal opening included a ribbon-cutting led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
A celebration event followed on 12 February, welcoming NZICC’s first guests – 650 leaders, dignitaries and industry partners – for the venue’s inaugural large-scale activation. Designed to showcase the centre’s scale and atmosphere, the evening combined light, art and live performance to bring the building to life.
Guests entering NZICC were greeted by a mammoth six-metre illuminated sculpture of the sun titled Helios, by British artist, Luke Jerram. Another locally inspired piece is a stained-glass installation by artist Sara Hughes, inspired by Tāne Mahuta and the forests of Aotearoa.
The second floor Te Paepae Theatre hosted its first performances with a variety of local acts, including Māori performers, the Auckland Youth Choir and kapa haka group Te Whare Karioi.
NZICC has over 120 events secured for the 2026 calendar and is forecasted to attract 33,000 international visitors and generate an annual economic impact of over NZ$90 million each year.