NEW ZEALAND CONSERVATORS OF CULTURAL MATERIALS PŪ MANAAKI KAHURANGI
40th ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE 2026:
Titiro Whakamuri: Retrospection and Change
23-25 September 2026
National Library Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, Te Whanganui-a-Tara
THEMES
Join us to celebrate 40 years since our beginnings as an incorporated society. Learn about the challenges conservators faced in setting up the first preservation facilities in Aotearoa and how the conservation profession rapidly forged its own identity and practice. Hear about recent challenges in the ways conservation is perceived and undertaken including broader training models, innovative treatment techniques and exciting new initiatives in collaborative conservation and collections care. Connect with colleagues, make vital new contacts and help decide how best to take the conservation profession into the future.
NZCCM Conference 2026 ticket type and price
| Ticket Type |
Price ($NZD) |
| Full Registration - NZCCM/AICCM Members |
$160 |
| Full Registration - Non members |
$240 |
| Student Registration |
$60 |
| Conference Dinner (Only 60 bookings) |
$79 |
We look forward to welcoming you to Te Whanganui-a-Tara and to enjoying a stimulating and challenging three-day programme of papers and events. Don’t delay, register NOW!
ABOUT THE VENUE
National Library Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, is located on the corner of Molesworth and Aitken Streets. The conference will take place in the Auditorium and adjacent spaces in the lower ground floor, access via Aitken St. All rooms and spaces are fully accessible.
WHAT DOES THE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INCLUDE?
● Welcome drinks in National Library foyer
● Attendance at 2 days of conference sessions on the 23rd and 24th of September
● Free tours of two cultural institutions on the 25th September (details below)
● Printed summary of abstracts
● Conference bag and contents
● Morning and afternoon teas for 2 days
CONFERENCE DINNER
● Conference dinner is not included in Registration fees and needs to be purchased separately.
Venue: Ernesto’s, Grey St, Thursday 24th September, 6.30pm.
A Pasifika-themed set menu with entrée and main costs $79 per person. Includes vegetarian, vegan and GF options. Limited to 60 places, first come first served.
TOURS
● Two free tours are offered on Friday 25th September:
9a.m: Guided tour of Ngā Mokopuna The Living Building, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.
Hailed as one of the world’s most environmentally responsible buildings, the complex has been designed and built to be self-sufficient to its site. After nearly 2 years of operation, the building’s sustainable performance can now be evaluated over real time.
This will stimulate discussion of the applicability of The Living Building model to the design, construction and maintenance of whare taonga throughout Aotearoa.
● Followed by: Tours of the spectacular new conservation facility shared by the National Library Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Archives NZ Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga, the Alexander Turnbull Library Te Wharepukapuka o Alexander Turnbull and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.
Come and see the best equipped conservation facility in the country, showcasing exciting collaborative ways of working and an unmatched harbour view.
PROGRAMME
The call for abstracts has now closed. The keynote speakers are confirmed:
Wednesday 23rd September:
- Dr Rangituatahi Te Kanawa, Conservator Textiles, Harakeke Research Developer
Thursday 24th September:
- Dean Whiting, CEO, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
For more details related to the Speaker's Programme: Conference Speakers Programme 2026 FINAL V3.pdf
For more details on the conference Schedule of Events: NZCCM Conference 2026_Schedule FINAL V3.pdf
KEY DATES
● Registration opens - 22 July 2026
● Conference dinner registration closes - 31 August 2026
● All registration closes - 11 September 2026
Any enquiries re conference or registration, please email NZCCM.conference@gmail.com