Te Pūkenga and Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa have secured the bid to host the International Council for Open and Distance Education’s (ICDE) 30th World Conference in 2025.
Dr. Mark Nichols, event Co-Chair, emphasized that hosting this international event would spotlight Te Pūkenga and Massey University’s innovative work in expanding access to tertiary education globally, aligning with the trend towards time-independent learning solutions.
The Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre will host the biennial event in November 2025, providing a central location with proximity to entertainment, restaurants, and accommodation.
The conference aims to bring over 800 international leaders in open and distance learning to New Zealand’s capital.
Business Events Wellington manager Irette Ferreira highlighted Wellington’s strength in the education sector and its alignment with the city’s Economic Wellbeing Strategy, focusing on lifelong and online learning for future workforce development.
Tourism New Zealand General Manager NZ & Business Events Bjoern Spreitzer says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for open education specialists from around the world to share their knowledge and to showcase our local expertise. We hope that visitors also take the time to seek out, explore and enjoy all New Zealand can offer.”
The conference bid received support from Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand and will be organized by Conference Innovators.