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Registration FAQs

How can I pay for my registration?

When you register by clicking on the Register Now tab, you will be advised on the options available to pay.

Can I request an invoice to process my payment?

Invoice payments are only available to groups 10+ with payment to be made within 30 days of invoice date.

Can I register for more than one person?

Yes. You can register more than one person at the time of registration.

When do registrations close?

All registration dates and information can be found by clicking on the Key Dates tab.

Do you sponsor international attendees?

WIPCE 2025 are unable to provide sponsorship for international visitors.

Visiting Aotearoa FAQs

WIPCE 2025 will be held on the shores of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa(New Zealand). Please see below for answers to common questions people attending the conference from overseas might have.

Can you tell me about Tāmaki Makaurau?

Tāmaki Makaurau is the largest city in Aotearoa. It is a vibrant urban centre with a population of around 1.7 million people. Known for its rich cultural diversity, Tāmaki Makaurau is home to a significant mix of ethnic groups, including Europeans, Māori, Pacific Islanders, and a rapidly-growing Asian community. This diversity is evident in the city's festivals, cuisine, and neighbourhoods. As a major tourism hub, Tāmaki Makaurau offers a blend of natural beauty and urban attractions, including its stunning harbour, the iconic Sky Tower, and nearby islands like Waiheke and Rangitoto. The city's dynamic cultural scene and diverse experiences make it a must-visit destination.

Aotearoa has a commitment to caring for the environment, including conservative efforts to preserve the native wildlife.

Do I need a visa to enter the country?

We highly recommend you visit New Zealand Immigration to check all travel conditions.

Do I need to declare cultural attire or items?

Customs require certain items to be declared to protect the environment. Please visit New Zealand Customs to find out more information. This site will also have information on the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) which can be completed online 24 hours before travelling.

How do I exchange currency?

Aotearoa’s unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, and airports. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and all major credit cards are accepted at most establishments.

What is Goods and Services Tax (GST)?

All goods and services are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) which is included in retail prices.

Do tourists have to pay GST?

Yes, tourists are subject to GST on goods and services they purchase in Aotearoa. You cannot get GST refunds on items you have purchased in the country.

Is tipping customary?

Tipping is not customary or expected in Aotearoa. It is not a standard practice in restaurants, cafes, hotels, or other service industries.

Do I need an international driver's licence to rent a car?

You can drive in Aotearoa without a New Zealand drivers' licence if you have a current and valid overseas licence or driving permit, this licence or permit must be in English or have an accurate translation. Please visit the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for full requirements.

What side of the road do people drive on?

In Aotearoa, people drive on the left side of the road. This means the steering wheel will be on the right side of the car. Consider this when renting a car or crossing streets as a pedestrian.

What transport options are there within Auckland?

Here are some options to consider:

• Public transportation: Travelling by train, buses and ferries is accessible using an Auckland Transport Hop card. Please visit Auckland Transport for information on how to purchase one.
• Uber: The ride-hailing app is widely-used.
• Taxi: Taxis are also a great form of transport.
• E-bikes: E-bike rentals are a great way of getting around the inner city.

What transport options are there in the country?

Aotearoa has a network of national buses and trains that connect major cities and towns. Air New Zealand and Jetstar are the two domestic airlines.

How do I use my mobile phone in Aotearoa?

There are several ways to get your mobile connected when visiting Aotearoa. You can purchase domestic SIM cards with a local plan including calls and data. SIM cards can be purchased from local mobile phone operators including Spark, Skinny, 2degrees and One.

If you would like to access affordable data, international eSIMs can be purchased online by researching eSIMs online.

How do I contact emergency services?

In case of emergency, dial 111 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Save this number in your phone and familiarise yourself with the country’s emergency services.

What is the weather typically like in November?

In November, Tāmaki Makaurau experiences spring weather characterized by mild temperatures, occasional showers, and increasing sunshine. Days are generally pleasant, with temperatures gradually warming up as the month progresses.

Temperatures will usually be between 16°C - 19°C (61-66°F). Wearing sunscreen is highly recommended.

Can I plug my devices and phone charger into a power socket?

Aotearoa uses Type I electrical plugs for wall sockets and the voltage is 230/240 volts (50Hz). You may need to purchase a plug adaptor.

Can I drink the tap water?

The water in Aotearoa is safe to drink from the tap.

What is Tāmaki Makaurau known for?

The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. It's often referred to as the "City of Sails" due to its beautiful harbours and sailing culture.

How many beaches are there in Tāmaki Makaurau?

Auckland boasts more than 20 regional parks and more than 50 stunning beaches along its coastline, offering a diverse range of settings and experiences for beachgoers.

Some of the most popular beaches in Auckland include Piha Beach, Mission Bay, Takapuna Beach, Te Henga (Bethells Beach), Omaha Beach, and Karekare Beach, each offering its unique charm and amenity.

Are the beaches safe for swimming?

Generally, the beaches around Tāmaki Makaurau are safe for swimming, but it's essential to observe safety signs and guidelines, particularly regarding water conditions, rips, and currents – please check the Safe Swim website before swimming. Lifeguards patrol many of the popular beaches during the summer months (December – February).

We highly recommend only swimming on lifeguard patrolled beaches and between the flags.

Are there Māori living in Tāmaki Makaurau?

Māori living in Tāmaki Makaurau are mana whenua (Indigenous people who have historic and territorial rights over the land) or mataawaka (Māori who live in Tāmaki Makaurau but are mana whenua elsewhere in Aotearoa). In the 2023 census, people of Māori descent made up 19.6 percent of the total population (4,993,923), of that 227,898 were living in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Mana whenua in Tāmaki Makaurau are represented by the 19 iwi (tribes) or hapū (sub-tribes) that are recognised to have territorial affiliations to the area. You can find out more here.

What are some tourist attractions and locations in the city?

As a major tourism hub, Tāmaki Makaurau offers a blend of natural beauty and urban attractions, including its stunning harbour, iconic Sky Tower, and nearby islands like Waiheke and Rangitoto. The city's dynamic cultural scene and diverse experiences make it a must-visit destination. You can find a list of tourist attractions here.

Pre-arrival guide to the traditional welcome at WIPCE 2025.

Whether you are visiting Aotearoa (New Zealand) for the first time or returning to our shores, we warmly welcome you and eagerly anticipate greeting you in person soon. In the meantime, we've prepared these guidelines, so you are across our traditional customs and protocols.

Pōwhiri (traditional welcoming ceremony)

In Māori culture, it is customary to honour new manuhiri (visitors) with a traditional and formal welcome to our whenua (land). The process we use is called a pōwhiri, which connects us spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. The pōwhiri acknowledges our deities, our homelands, our histories, and our significant landmarks. It honours our ancestors, our familial ties, our loved ones who have recently passed, and future descendants yet to be born.

As part of the pōwhiri process, a male visitor will be asked to accept the honour of speaking and reply on behalf of the group. This may include words of acknowledgment, gratitude, and respect. The speaker will introduce himself and his place of origin. It's important for the chosen speaker to understand that he represents the entire visiting group, so his words should reflect the respect and honour given to him. The speaker is encouraged to use his own language so that we, as Indigenous peoples, can hear and appreciate its beauty.

Although speaking in English during a pōwhiri is not common practice, we may make allowances for the speaker to do so. However, we would be delighted if the speaker uses his traditional language, allowing us to hear the language of his ancestors and share in the similarities and differences of our collective languages. After your representative speaks, the group will be required to stand and collectively sing a song to support the speaker. You may be given a brief time to practice, if possible, choose a well-known song that complements the speaker’s words and is easy for everyone to sing. The host speaker will always speak first and will generally communicate in te reo Māori (the Māori language), and his group will also sing a song of welcome.

We encourage you to wear traditional cultural attire for the pōwhiri if you are comfortable doing so.

Koha protocol and guidelines

Koha, which can be loosely translated as a gift, donation, or offering, reflects deep-rooted reciprocity in Māori tradition. This practice is often observed through the exchange of gifts between manuhiri (visitors) and tangata whenua (hosts of the marae). Historically focused on food offerings, koha now includes taonga (treasured possessions) and monetary contributions.

Koha symbolises the mana (prestige or authority) of both the giver and the recipient, demonstrating the respect held for the recipient and reinforcing relationships. This practice is held in high regard, and misunderstandings can potentially cause offence.

Today, koha remains an important tradition in Māori settings across Aotearoa. At hui (gatherings), monetary contributions help cover expenses. Although some venues may suggest a specific amount, koha is always a voluntary gesture and not a fee for services.

During the pōwhiri (traditional welcoming ceremony), there will be an opportunity to engage in the customary practice of giving koha. Your group will be assigned a guide to help you navigate the koha protocol and process.

A full breakdown of the pōwhiri is below:

Te pōwhiri ki Aotearoa (welcoming you to Aotearoa)

A pōwhiri symbolises the unification of two significant groups—in this instance, Māori and you, our relatives attending WIPCE—who are separated not only by physical distance but also by spiritual realms. It is an acknowledgment of our shared origins and a heartfelt desire to forge meaningful connections with one another.

Te wāhi o te pōwhiri (the venue of the welcome)

The ātea (courtyard) where the pōwhiri will take place is a tapu (sacred) space, meaning no food or water should be brought into this area.

Te reo karanga (the call of welcome)

The pōwhiri ceremony begins with a woman's karanga (call of welcome). Manuhiri (visitors) should gather at the waharoa (entrance) of the venue and wait for the call from the kaikaranga (host caller). As waewae tapu (first-time visitors), you will enter onto the ātea. It is customary for the karanga to be answered by a skilled woman among the visitors who can reply appropriately, as this act is deeply spiritual.

During the karanga, the manuhiri advance slowly toward the whare (house/venue). Before reaching the wharenui, the manuhiri pause briefly to pay respects to those who have passed away. Inside the venue, speeches will take place.

Upon entering the venue, we symbolically leave the dust of Tūmatauenga (god or guardian of war) outside and enter the domain of Rongo (god or guardian of peace). Manuhiri sit on the right-hand side, with men and those who identify as male seated in the front rows, and women and those who identify as gender non-binary can sit where they most feel comfortable. The hosts will sit to the left of the house/venue.

Whaikōrero (formal speech)

The whaikōrero (formal speech) is a complex oration that acknowledges many Māori concepts, themes, beliefs, and symbols. It references the elements, the land and sky, oceans and waterways, people, narratives, and the purpose of the gathering. The tangata whenua (hosts) will begin the whaikōrero and, once finished, will invite the manuhiri to respond through their chosen male speaker.

Each whaikōrero is followed by a waiata (song), which serves as an act of support for the orator and his words. The waiata demonstrates unified strength. It is advisable to practice a song beforehand; while Māori songs are traditionally sung, any good song will suffice.

Hongi me te Harirū (pressing of noses and handshake greeting)

Once the pōwhiri has concluded, manuhiri are invited to come forward and form a line to harirū (shake hands) and hongi (press noses). This ritual encounter symbolises the giving of life to the first human and expresses peace and hope. Through the harirū and hongi, Māori believe that a shared life force is permanently established.

However, due to COVID-19 we have since adapted the customary practice of hongi and hariru for everyone’s safety. While shaking hands will be an option, it is not compulsory, and hand sanitisers will be available throughout the welcome ceremony. Until further notice, the traditional hongi will not be practiced.

Kai (light refreshments and food)

Finally, the manuhiri are invited to share kai (light refreshments and food) with the tangata whenua. This act lifts the tapu (sacred restrictions) and concludes the formal ceremony. Visitors can then participate in the activities planned for WIPCE 2025.

Useful Links

Here are some useful links if you wish to learn more about Māori culture before your arrival:

NewZealand.com

Nau Mai NZ

Culture and Heritage

Te Ara

Glossary

Aotearoa

Land of the long cloud: Aotearoa is the traditional or pre-colonial Māori name for New Zealand. It translates to "land of the long cloud," referring to the long white clouds often seen in the sky over the islands.

Ātea

Courtyard where the traditional ritual of encounter occurs: Ātea is a Māori term referring to a courtyard where traditional rituals, including encounters and ceremonies, take place. It is a space with cultural significance.

Harirū

Handshake: Harirū is the Māori term for a handshake, a common gesture of greeting and connection.

Hongi

Pressing of noses: Hongi is a traditional Māori greeting where two individuals press their noses and foreheads together. It symbolises the exchange of the breath of life and signifies unity and connection.

Kai

Food, meal: Kai is a term used for food or a meal in the Māori language.

Karanga

Call of welcome: Karanga is a ceremonial call of welcome, often performed by women, to acknowledge and greet visitors or guests.

Manuhiri

New visitors: Manuhiri refers to new visitors or guests. It is a term used to describe those who are not from the local community.

Pōwhiri

Welcome ceremony, ritual of encounter: Pōwhiri is a traditional Māori welcome ceremony and ritual of encounter. It involves a series of formalities and symbolic gestures to acknowledge and welcome guests.

Rongo

God or guardian of peace: Rongo is a deity or guardian in Māori mythology associated with peace and agriculture.

Tapu

Cultural restriction: Tapu refers to a cultural restriction or sacredness in Māori culture. Objects, places, or individuals may be considered tapu, and there are specific protocols for interacting with them.

Tangata whenua

People of the land: Tangata whenua refers to the Māori people as Indigenous or "people of the land."

Tēnā koe

Greetings (to one person/you the reader): Tēnā koe is a greeting in the Māori language used when addressing one person or the reader. It is a form of acknowledgment and respect.

Te reo Māori

the Māori language: Te reo Māori simply means the Māori language.

Tūmatauenga

God or guardian of War: Tūmatauenga is a deity or guardian in Māori mythology associated with war and the skills of a warrior.

Waiata

Song: Waiata is a Māori term for a song or chant. It plays a significant role in Māori culture and ceremonies.

Whanaunga

Relative, kin: Whanaunga refers to relatives or kin in Māori culture.

Whenua

Land: Whenua is the Māori term for land. It holds great significance in Māori culture as a source of identity, connection, and spirituality.