Meet in Auckland’s cultural heart at Aotea – Te Pokapū

Located in Auckland’s bustling Aotea Arts Quarter, alongside the Civic Theatre and Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Centre is much more than just a convention facility. It is part of the city’s cultural heartbeat, designed to host not only performing arts but also international conferences, gala dinners, exhibitions, product launches and award ceremonies.

For Australian event planners, this proximity to the arts, dining and hospitality makes it easy to build a rich delegate experience. Everything is walkable in Auckland’s compact city centre, with hotels, restaurants and entertainment just steps from the venue. Nearby accommodation includes over 2000 4–5-star hotel rooms all within easy walking distance - Four Points by Sheraton, Airedale, Crowne Plaza, Grand Millennium, Horizon Hotel and Sudima. Delegates can move seamlessly from plenary sessions to social functions, or even explore the harbourfront – all within minutes.

Spaces that work for every event

At the core of Aotea Centre is the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest tiered auditoriums with a seating capacity of 2139 across three levels. Designed with excellent sightlines and acoustics, it’s ideal for plenaries, keynote addresses and live entertainment.

For plenary, breakout sessions or gala dinners, the Hunua Rooms can accommodate 528 guests' theatre style or 580 people for dinner, while the Waitākere and Limelight Rooms offer flexible options for breakout sessions. Recent refurbishments have enhanced these spaces, with foyers redesigned to feel open, light and contemporary, and natural daylight introduced into spaces such as the Hunua Rooms – making them more inviting for long event days.

Networking is central to any successful business event, and the upgraded bar and function areas within Aotea Centre encourage connection. Planners can also take advantage of stylish pre-function spaces, perfect for cocktails, product showcases or sponsor activations.

Technology and hybrid capability

Hybrid-ready facilities, advanced audio-visual systems and data-linked rooms ensure Aotea Centre is well equipped for today’s events. Whether live-streaming a keynote to remote delegates or delivering a complex, multi-room programme, organisers can rely on seamless technical support and modern infrastructure.

Major events and case studies

Over the years, the venue has hosted a number of prestigious gatherings, reinforcing its capability on the global stage. Recent highlights include:

World Conference on Women and Sport (2022) 1500 attendees
World Avocado Congress (2023) 1000 attendees
Microsoft Conference (2024) 450 attendees
Anaesthesia ASM Gala Dinner (2024) 400 attendees
World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (coming in November 2025) estimated 3300 attendees

The Microsoft AI Tour in December 2024 held a one-day conference at Aotea Centre, bringing together hundreds of delegates for plenary sessions, networking, and roundtable discussions. Alicia Beachley, CEO and Founder of organising company April5 noted, “Aotea Centre proved to be an outstanding multi-purpose venue for our high-profile flagship event. The venue’s facilities and the support from its staff contributed greatly to the success of our event. I look forward to working with the team again.”

Maqbool Barwelkan, VP Operations & HR at Zak Exhibitions & Conferences Ltd said, “Zak Exhibitions & Conferences successfully hosted the 172nd edition of the ‘Zak World of Façades’ conference at the Hunua Rooms, Aotea Centre, with an audience of 300 attendees. The venue’s central location and accessibility via public transport make it an ideal choice for corporate events.”

A cultural welcome

What sets Aotea Centre apart is the integration of New Zealand’s cultural identity into the visitor experience. A notable highlight is Ihi, a powerful digital artwork by Lisa Reihana, which animates the Māori creation story across two floor-to-ceiling screens in the main foyer. Spanning 65 square metres, it offers delegates a visually striking and memorable welcome that connects them instantly to New Zealand’s cultural narrative.

Beyond Ihi, the centre and surrounding Aotea Square are home to one of the most significant collections of New Zealand artworks commissioned in the late 1980s. For international visitors, this adds depth and authenticity to the venue experience, blending business with art and culture.

History and evolution

Though it officially opened in 1990 with a performance by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – after whom the main theatre is named – Aotea Centre’s story stretches further back. Originally designed in the 1970s, the project took more than a decade to bring to life, underscoring the city’s commitment to creating a space that would endure for generations.

Its continuing evolution demonstrates that same commitment. The 2013 and 2018 refurbishments brought modern functionality and design to the venue, ensuring it meets the expectations of today’s international conference market while retaining its cultural significance.

Why it works for Australian planners

For Australian organisers, Aotea Centre represents an attractive combination:

Ease of access: Auckland is just a three-to-four-hour flight from major Australian cities, with regular services across multiple carriers.
Delegate experience: A compact, walkable city centre allows delegates to enjoy a stress-free programme, with easy access to hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Versatility: From intimate gatherings of 20 to plenary sessions of over 2000, the venue can scale up or down without losing impact.
Destination appeal: Combining world-class event infrastructure with the vibrancy of Auckland’s arts precinct offers organisers a point of difference that enhances delegate engagement.
Part of a broader portfolio – Aotea Centre is one of 13 unique venues across the region managed by Auckland Conventions Venues and Events, offering organisers flexible solutions from a single point of contact.

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