Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand - 2026 National Conference

May 15th 2026 - May 17th 2026 (Fri 5:00 pm to Sun 1:00 pm)

Christchurch, New Zealand

This event is hosted by the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱصْبِرُوا۟ وَصَابِرُوا۟ وَرَابِطُوا۟ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ سورة آل عمران - الآية 200

The highly anticipated 35th Annual Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand National Conference will take place from the evening of 15 May 2026 to 1:00pm on 17th of May 2026, bringing together Muslim women from across the country for three days of inspiration, connection and upliftment. The conference will begin with a warm and relaxed Friday evening programme designed to promote well-being and build sisterhood among attendees. On Saturday morning, the official opening ceremony will set the tone for a transformative weekend ahead Insha’Allah.

This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers – Women Leading with Faith and Purpose,” dives into the strength, perseverance, and leadership of Muslim women in every aspect of their lives. The programme will explore how faith serves as a powerful foundation, guiding women to navigate challenges with clarity, resilience, and spiritual grounding. It will also highlight the countless ways women break barriers both personally, professionally, and within wider society by demonstrating courage, determination, and unwavering belief in their values.

Throughout the weekend, attendees will experience a diverse range of uplifting workshops, thought-provoking talks, and engaging activities. The conference aims to inspire women to lead with intention, make meaningful contributions to their communities, and uplift others through their actions and example.

Open to all Muslim women aged 12 and above, the 35th National Conference offers a space to learn, connect, and rise together as women leading with faith and purpose.

Early Bird Registration Fees: (before January 31st 2026)

$65.00 General Entry*

Regular Registration Fees: (February 1st to March 10th)

$85.00 General Entry*

Late Registration opportunity (March 10th until April 10th)

$125 General Entry*

The last day to purchase your tickets will be April 10th, 2026. Strictly no exceptions to this.

This year, the Gala Night will have a separate cost and will feature a formal evening with a three-course dinner, a distinct address from the keynote speaker, an awards ceremony, and exciting entertainment. Join us for a night of elegance and celebration, with a focus on honouring achievements and enjoying great company.

The Gala Night Registration fee is - $65.00

Please note : You are only eligible to attend the Gala night if you have purchased a ticket to the conference.

*All general registration tickets include: Admission to the Conference, main meals throughout the conference and programming. Accommodation is not included as well as the activity options - if you wish to participate in the activity session on the Saturday afternoon, you MUST select an activity when registering (there are three activities without cost incurring, but they MUST be selected as spaces are limited). You are also welcome to take the afternoon to rest.

Transportation is also not included and will need to be bought separately. ( There are some travel scholarships being offered, however, these must be applied for separately. Those who are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by Febuary 6th.**)

Please Note: Once booked, there will be no refunds or exchanges unless the entire event is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.The non -refund policy is due to logistics and down-payment requirements of the service providers. Please note: IDs may be checked upon arrival, so please ensure compliance with the rules and confirm you are 12 years or older. If you are underage, you may be asked to leave the conference for health and safety reasons.

Accommodation Options:

Lodge/ Dorm style accommodation.Lodge accommodation is available to book for $55.00 per person. This will be shared bed spaces/ shared bathrooms. Please note there is a limited amount of beds available.The lodge consists of dormitory-style rooms, and there are no private individual rooms. You are welcome to put in a request to be in the same cabin, whilst we will do our best to accommodate your request we can not guarantee. Linen will be provided.

Note: We only have 80 beds available at the lodge, and these will be booked and paid for at the time of registration. Space will be allocated on a “first come - first served” basis.

All guests are expected to leave their dorm rooms in a clean and tidy condition, as they found it.

Self-Book Options:

The Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge - IWCNZ has also partnered with the racecourse hotel for a set discount of 15% when booking with this motel (it is near the conference venue - a 5 minute walk). However, please note the day rate changes for hotels and it is a 15% off their normal day rate. It is your responsibility to make the booking directly. Please contact the group booking department via phone,and let them know you are booking for the Islamic women's council of new zealand conference and they will provide you with the discounted rate.

Accommodation of your choice - There are a range of other motel and hotel accommodation available, within driving distance of the venue. You are welcome to select your own accommodation. Please note: you will be required to sort your own transportation to and from the conference venue.

Travel Support:

A limited number of Air Travel Scholarships for those with need.

For those facing financial barriers to participation due to travel costs, IWCNZ is offering a limited number of air travel scholarships from cities in the South Island and Lower North Island to make the event more accessible to all. We kindly request that only individuals with genuine financial needs apply for this support. If you can comfortably afford your travel, please book independently. We are only accepting travel scholarship applications from 2nd December to the 30 of December 2025. The link to apply for the travel scholarship is here. https://tinyurl.com/IWCNZ2026Conftravelsponsorship

Please note, IWCNZ also gratefully accepts contributions to sponsor another attendee's transport, helping to bring more of our community together, please contact the team at [email protected] if you would like to donate to support a sister’s travel and they will advise you on how to do so, or you can use the add on when purchasing the ticket.

Agenda of Conference:

Please note this is a tentative programme, and the full programme will be available March 15th, 2026.

The afternoon activity allows you to spend time with sisters who have similar interests. This year, you can decide how to spend your afternoon and we offer several to select from

Christchurch Gondola Experience: $10, to the base station; gondola ride tickets purchased directly. (You will need to purchase the Gondola tickets on the day)

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps with a visit to the Christchurch Gondola. Take a relaxing ride to the summit and explore the viewing decks, learn about the area’s history in the Time Tunnel exhibition, or simply take in the scenic beauty.

If you wish to enjoy the Gondola or spend time in the Christchurch Port Hills area, you can book your tickets online. The designated pick-up and drop-off point will be at the Gondola base station.

Painting workshop $35.00

Unleash your creativity, where you can enjoy a relaxed guided painting session. Create your own unique canvas artwork using vibrant colours and fun techniques. This experience is perfect for all skill levels — no art experience required! Whether you want to create a keepsake to take home or simply enjoy a fun, social afternoon, this workshop promises creativity, connection, and relaxation.

Mona Vale Gardens Walk

Price - Free

A beautiful riverside garden walk featuring rose gardens, bridges, lawns, and heritage buildings. You can do a loop through the gardens and follow the Avon River path to create a full 1-hour walk. Gentle, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Islamic Workshop

Price - Free

A more in depth two-hour Islamic workshop, this afternoon session is designed to focus on the conference theme, and to provide attendees with additional knowledge about our deen and the sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

High tea and gardens photoshoot - $45.00

Enjoy a lovely high tea at the beautifully restored Riccarton Park Racecourse Tea House, an elegant Edwardian building originally built in 1903 on a landscaped island surrounded by a former moat. The Tea House has been carefully refurbished, preserving its heritage charm while offering a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Savour freshly baked scones, pastries, savouries, and a selection of teas as you relax and enjoy this unique historic venue. There will also be a photographer available.

Quake City: $25.00

Discover Christchurch’s resilience through an engaging and interactive visit to Quake City, a special exhibition by Canterbury Museum. This experience shares the stories of the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes, featuring powerful artefacts, personal accounts, and hands-on displays that explain the science behind earthquakes and the city’s recovery.

It’s an informative and moving afternoon option for sisters interested in history, community resilience, and understanding Christchurch’s unique journey.

Christchurch City Experience: Price - Free

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Christchurch City at your own pace. Sisters can spend time in the vibrant Riverside Market, a lively indoor marketplace filled with local food stalls, boutique shops, fresh produce, and artisan treats.

You are free to continue exploring the central city — including the Riverside precinct, the Avon River walkway, the Christchurch Cathedral area, or nearby shops and cafés. It’s a flexible, easy-going option for anyone who wants to enjoy the charm and creativity of Christchurch’s CBD.

All main meals and beverages provided will be Halal. There will be a station available for coffee and tea throughout meal times.

You are most welcome to bring your own additional snacks. We highly recommend you bring a water bottle with you for the activity period.

If you have any specific dietary requirements please ensure you let us know of these details in the registration form.

Friday 15th of May

A light dinner will be provided on Friday evening.

• To ensure adequate catering, please indicate your attendance for the Friday night sessions on the registration form. Please note that we are unable to adjust numbers on the day, so advance notice is required.

Saturday 16th of May

On Saturday morning tea will be provided to all attendees. For lunch, a packed lunch will be prepared for you to take away for your activity. In the evening, a seated formal dinner will be served for all attendees to enjoy, If you are attending the Gala night

Sunday 17th of May

On Sunday, following the AGM, morning tea will be provided.

For questions and inquiries please contact our Community Development Team on:

Jazakum Allah Khair

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a females-only event?

• Yes, this conference is designed for female muslim women across New Zealand and is female only.

Is there any age limit to attend this event?

• This event is open to all Muslim females ages 12 and over.

What is included in my registration fee?

• Admission to the conference
• Access to all keynote speeches, presentations, and panel discussions
• Conference materials such as a programme booklet, name badge and conference swag bag
• Food and beverages such as morning teas, lunches, coffee breaks, and/or receptions
• Networking opportunities with other attendees, speakers, and sponsors

Does the registration fee include travel costs to the conference?

• The registration fee does NOT include travel costs

What if I have to cancel? Do I get a refund?

• Unfortunately, no refunds will be available for this conference due to down payments that have to be made.

Is there a dress code?

• The dress code for the conference is business casual or semi-formal, which means that attendees should dress professionally but not necessarily in full formal attire. Please note that there will be a Gala night on the Saturday evening of the conference in which more details for the dress code will be sent in the registration package.

What should I bring to the conference?

• There are a few key items that you should consider bringing along to ensure that you are prepared and comfortable throughout the event. Firstly, it's important to have a notepad and pen or laptop to take notes during presentations and workshops. Bringing a refillable water bottle is also a good idea to stay hydrated throughout the day. Finally, be sure to bring any necessary identification or documentation for check-in and registration.

Where is the conference venue located, and why can I not find it online?

• The conference venue will be shared with all attendees via email in the registration package; the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand usually does not share the exact location of events online or on social media due to security reasons. If this is something that is keeping you from registering to the conference, please call us on 09-220 8800 and the Community Development Team will be able to assist you.

Will there be any free parking available on-site?

• There is some free parking available

I’m having difficulty booking a ticket, is there any assistance available?

• Yes, please email us on [email protected] or call us on 09-2208800 and the community development team will be happy to assist you.

I do not use online transactions, is there any other way I can pay for my registration ticket?

• Yes, we have a bank transfer option available, please contact us and we will assist you.

What does it mean by choosing an activity in the add-ons section?

• On the Saturday of the conference, there will be a block of time where attendees are able to participate in an activity of their choice, which must be pre-booked. Please note that choosing an activity for this section of the conference is not required, and should you wish, you are welcome to return to your accommodation and have some time to rest before attending the Gala night in the evening.

Can I stay in the same room as my friend at the Lodge Accomodation

• Yes, we are open to trying our best to accommodate everyone in who they would like to stay with; however, we are not able to guarantee the spaces. We will get in touch with you closer to the date of the conference in regards to this.

Are there any volunteer opportunities available, and how can I sign up to volunteer?

• Yes, we would really appreciate it if we had helpers to make this conference a success. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in volunteering by emailing us on [email protected]

Is the youth stream in the conference exclusive?

• Yes, access to the youth stream would only be given to attendees between the age of 12-30 and this will be added to their name tag.

Are children allowed?

While children are generally not permitted at the conference, we welcome breastfeeding mothers to bring their babies along. However, please keep in mind that you will be responsible for your baby's care and comfort, and if your baby becomes disruptive, we kindly ask that you step out of the main hall so as not to disturb other attendees.

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