©WellingtonNZ_Phoebe MackenzieWellington is set to welcome a new wave of international medical conferences, following a significant regulatory change by the New Zealand government that lifts long-standing restrictions on the promotion of unapproved medicines at medical events.
Announced jointly by Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown, the reform modernises outdated legislation and brings New Zealand in line with global norms, making cities like Wellington viable destinations for international medical and pharmaceutical gatherings.
“This change puts Wellington firmly back on the radar for international medical congresses,” said David Perks, General Manager at WellingtonNZ. “With our close ties to national health agencies and central government, we’re uniquely placed to host these events and provide a platform for global medical innovation.”
At the centre of this opportunity is Tākina, Wellington’s premier conference and exhibition venue, now better positioned to attract high-calibre events from Australia, Asia, and further afield.
Simon Arcus, Chief Executive of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the development: “Medical conferences are a key opportunity to share knowledge, ideas and the latest science. They’re also a big economic opportunity, which New Zealand has missed out on—until now.”
The policy shift follows consistent advocacy from Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), BusinessNZ, and MedicinesNZ, who collectively argued that the previous regulations put New Zealand at a disadvantage.
Their efforts coincided with the government’s recent commitment of NZ$3 million from the International Visitor Levy to support bids for international conferences.