2026 ANZCA ASM sustainability
Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand)

ANZCA is committed to minimising the health impact of climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Building on the strong outcomes from the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Cairns, we continue to take meaningful steps to reduce the environmental footprint of our ASMs.

The 2026 ANZCA ASM will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland, a venue built with sustainability at its heart. The NZICC is designed to meet a LEED environmental rating, featuring energy-efficient systems, natural ventilation, and sustainable construction materials that reflect a long-term commitment to kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment).

Learn more about ANZCA’s broader sustainability initiatives here.

Our 2026 theme: “Herenga waka, herenga tāngata: From home to home”

Our 2026 meeting theme embodies the spirit of connection, care, and shared responsibility.

As designer Chloē Reweti (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Porou) and cultural advisor Tui Blair (Ngāti Whātua) explain:

“A herenga waka is a physical place where waka are anchored at a safe harbour or resting point. The herenga waka reflects a space of connection and safety for voyaging waka. The hospital is a welcoming space where individuals come and go as needed. Patients arrive seeking care and healing, families offer love and support, and healthcare professionals dedicate themselves to guiding others through their journeys. This ebb and flow reflects the dynamic nature of a herenga waka, symbolising the continuity of life and the interconnectedness of those who pass through its doors.”

In this same spirit, our sustainability journey acknowledges our connection to place – to whenua, wai, and sky – and our shared responsibility to protect them for future generations.

Zero waste and carbon reduction

What we’re doing to reduce our carbon footprint at the 2026 ANZCA ASM

• Continuing the sustainability legacy established in Cairns, we are aiming to avoid using single-use plastics – instead using glasses at all water stations, reusable cups for barista coffee, and reusable crockery throughout.
• Working in partnership with the NZICC, a leader in sustainable design and operation, committed to minimising waste, conserving energy, and sourcing local, seasonal produce.
• Supporting NZICC to work towards zero waste to landfill by 2050.
• All printed materials such as registration brochures, handbooks, and pocket programs have been permanently replaced with digital platforms – including the ANZCA ASM mobile app and ANZCA ASM onDemand.
• Digital signage and reusable or recyclable materials are used throughout the venue.
• Lanyards are made from renewable, biodegradable bamboo; recycling stations are conveniently located throughout the NZICC.
• Filtered water will be available in the exhibition hall to encourage the use of reusable bottles.
• ANZCA will partner with local New Zealand carbon offset organisation Trees for Survival to offset the event’s emissions.
• All prepared but unserved food will be donated to key partners helping to reduce waste and support local communities.
• The sponsorship manager, who has completed the Sustainable Event Certificate Programme, will oversee all sustainability initiatives and reporting.
• Commencing consultation regarding a “green tick” recognition program for future meetings, whereby exhibitors will be able to demonstrate sustainable practices such as reusable builds, zero consumables, and certified offsetting.

What you can do to reduce your footprint at the ASM

• Choose to offset your attendance when registering – in 2025, 30 per cent of delegates participated; let’s aim to exceed 50 per cent in 2026.
• Offset your flight emissions (most airlines provide this option at booking).
• Bring your reusable water bottle. Refill stations will be available throughout the NZICC.
• Recycle your lanyard and name badge at the designated stations before leaving.
• Choose to reuse hotel towels and linen to conserve water.
• Walk, cycle, share rides, or use public transport – Auckland’s city centre is well connected to the venue by foot and transit.

Working with our venues and partners for better outcomes

The New Zealand International Convention Centre is built to the highest standards of sustainability, with:

• A design with LEED Certification for environmental excellence.
• Natural light and ventilation systems to reduce energy use.
• Water-efficient fittings.
• Comprehensive waste separation and diversion systems.
• Local and seasonal menus that reduce food miles and support regional producers.
• Partnerships with social enterprises to redistribute surplus food and materials.
• Adherence to external sustainability certifications including Earth Check, Toitu, Qualmark, the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

We also continue to:

• Partner with booth builders using modular, reusable systems and recyclable graphics.
• Avoid single-use signage and encourage sustainable build incentives for exhibitors.
• Use only reusable catering serviceware.
• Collaborate with suppliers who share our values of kaitiakitanga and responsible resource use.

Carbon offsetting – why your contribution matters

Delegates will again have the opportunity to purchase carbon offsets during registration to help make the 2026 ASM a near-zero carbon event.

Where does your offset go?

In 2026, ANZCA will partner with Trees for Survival, a New Zealand carbon offset organisation, to ensure the funds generated are invested in renewable projects in New Zealand.

“Trees for Survival is a national environmental education program in New Zealand that encourages students to grow and plant native trees to restore natural, biodiverse habitats. The program aims to help landowners revegetate erosion-prone land, improve stream flow and water quality, and increase biodiversity. Schools across New Zealand participate in the program, nurturing and planting native seedlings to protect and restore the environment. The initiative is supported by the Rotary Clubs of New Zealand and involves a collaborative effort between schools, landowners, and corporate partners to plant native plants in areas they are needed most. The program has set a target to plant one million more trees and shrubs by 2030, with ongoing support from businesses, the public, and landowners.”

Find out more at the Trees for Survival website.

Offset options at registration

• Contribute $8 to offset your attendance at the meeting.

Let’s reach 50 per cent participation!

Towards a net zero future

The ANZCA ASM aims to be a leader in sustainable conferencing within the medical field.

Our 2026 goals include:

• Publishing an annual ASM sustainability report to measure year-on-year progress.
• Working with the NZICC to collect and report verified waste, energy and carbon data.
• Reducing per-attendee waste to below 0.8 kg per day.
• Increasing delegate carbon offset participation to 50 per cent or more.
• Commencing consultation on the “green tick” recognition system for sustainable exhibitors.
• Working towards a target of zero waste to landfill by 2030.
• Strengthening local food donation partnerships in Auckland.

Join us in leading the change

In the spirit of “Herenga waka, herenga tāngata”, this meeting is not just about connection between people, but also our shared connection to the environment that sustains us all.

Every action, from refilling your water bottle to offsetting your travel, contributes to a more sustainable ASM and a healthier planet. Together, we can continue to lead by example, from home to home.