New Zealand International Convention Centre Public Open Day

Ever wanted to see inside the brand-new New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)? Haere mai, this is your moment! But get in quick, limited spots available.
After 10 years in the making, SkyCity is thrilled to be opening the doors of the NZICC to the public. This is your chance for a first look inside our beautiful tohu whenua (landmark) building before we begin welcoming thousands of international and local guests for an exciting line up of events.
Join us for the Public Open Day and be among the first to explore the spaces and experience the sheer scale of the venue that will help shape the future of events, business, culture, and tourism in Aotearoa.
What to expect: Take a relaxed walk around NZICC, check out the artwork, the country’s largest seated theatre, and soak up the incredible views across the Waitākere Ranges and Waitematā Harbour.
Hear directly from the minds behind NZICC - from the architects and creators who brought the vision to life, to the artists who shaped its look and feel, and the department leaders who will power the events within. Each session features a different speaker, offering a unique perspective on the building’s journey and future; choose the session that speaks to you. The speakers will begin 10 minutes after your session start time, you can then wander the building after the talk.
Interested in hosting an event at NZICC?
We’ll also be offering 30 spots per session for a guided tour with one of our sales team members. When booking your tickets, pick your session time then select Guided Tour. Please meet at the NZICC registration desk 5 minutes after your session start time.
Whether you’re curious, proud, or just love seeing something new - this is an event you’ll want to be part of.
This is a free event, open to all - registration is required. The day will run across six self-guided public sessions, with one session starting each hour.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 21 February 2026

Self-Guided Tour Sessions: 10 - 11am | 11 - 12pm | 12 - 1pm | 1 - 2pm | 2 - 3pm | 3 - 4pm

Location: New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central. Entry via Hobson Street Revolving doors.

Entry: Free (registration required)

Speaker Sessions:

• 10:10am | The Venue and Our Journey
  Speaker: Prue Daly (NZICC General Manager)
• 11:10am | Constructing the building from the ground up
  Speakers: Simon Jamieson (Group GM) and Sarah Ballantyne (Project Director)
• 12:10pm | The Artists of NZICC
  Speakers: Sara Hughes and Paeta Larkin
• 1:10pm | The Designers of the Masterpiece
  Speaker: Ilona Haghshenas (NZICC Architect)
• 2:10pm | The Technology That Makes It All Work
  Speakers: Stephen Ward (Vega Global) and Ryan Gollner (NZICC Technology Services Manager)
• 2:10pm | NZICC Food Philosophy – Telling The Stories of Aotearoa Through Kai
  Speaker: Rob Cullen (NZICC Executive Chef)
• 3:10pm | The Team Bringing Your Events To Life
  Speaker: Ian Love (NZICC Operations Manager)

NZICC Sales Team Guided Tours: 10.05 - 11am | 11.05 - 12pm | 12.05 - 1pm | 1.05 - 2pm | 2.05 - 3pm | 3.05 - 4pm

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The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is owned and operated by SkyCity Entertainment Group in partnership with the New Zealand government.
*Please note that the public open day will not include access to BOH areas.

*By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge and agree to the venue’s terms and conditions and privacy policy which are available on our website. https://nzicc.co.nz/

*By submitting your RSVP, you agree to be photographed for use in NZICC advertising and promotional material, and that we reserve the right to make changes to the schedule should it be required.

Info: Hear from the NZICC's General Manager Prue Daly.

Info: Hear from the people who helped build the NZICC - Simon Jamieson (Group GM) and Sarah Ballantyne (Project Director).

Info: Hear from the artists who shaped the artistic identity of NZICC - Sara Hughes and Paeta Larkin.

Info: Hear from one of the architects behind the NZICC build - Ilona Haghshenas.

Info: Hear from the NZICC Technology team - Stephen Ward (Vega Global) and Ryan Gollner (NZICC Technology Services Manager).

Info: Telling The Stories of Aotearoa Through Kai with Rob Cullen (NZICC Executive Chef).

Info: Behind-the-scenes insights from the NZICC Operations Manager, Ian Love.

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Host or Publisher New Zealand International Convention Centre