The Congress invites you to relax with your fellow delegates and enjoy the Auckland social scene via the following official Congress functions. We recommend that you book your social functions when you register. Last minute registrations for these events will not be possible due to catering requirements.

6.00pm to 8.00pm, Tuesday 4th December– Welcome Reception – Waipapa Marae, University of Auckland

  
Waipapa Marae, University of Auckland

This special event will take place from 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday 4th December. You will experience a unique Maori Cultural Welcoming Ceremony (Powhiri) before engaging with congress organisers, sponsors and other participants to enjoy our genuine Kiwi hospitality with an interactive Maori cultural exchange. New Zealand and Maori Cuisine will be provided along with refreshments. 

Dress code: Smart casual/Business attire, or your national cultural dress if you desire!

Cost: NZ$ 50pp incl GST.

Instructions on how to get there: University of Auckland Campus, 16 Wynyard Street off Alten Road end.

The Marae is located within the University Campus grounds, east of the Business School’s Owen Glenn Building (where the Congress proper will be held between 5–7 December). Entry to the Marae will be via the Alten Road entrance only. The formal welcome takes place from 6–6:30 p.m. so it is essential all guests arrive by 5.45 p.m. at the latest.

Timetable:

• 5:30 p.m.: Registrations desk opens (will operate until 8 p.m.)
• 5:30 to 5:45 p.m.: All Welcome Reception attendees are to assembly outside the Marae gates to await official call of welcome.
• 5:45 p.m.: A brief overview of the traditional Maori welcome (Powhiri) process will be provided by Ceillhe Sperath of TIME Unlimited Ltd.
• 6 p.m.: Powhiri will begin with a Maori Warrior approaching the group in the form of a challenge (wero) who will place a peace offering for one of our male guests (manuhiri) to accept.
• All guests will then proceed onto marae and will be seated in the Carved Meeting House (Wharenui) for brief formal speeches of welcome An exchange of welcome speeches from the hosts (Tangata Whenua) and all the event attendees/guests (manuhiri) will take place. At the conclusion of the speeches, the traditional Maori greeting will take place (the hongi) to symbolize the coming together of the hosts and guests to form one collective. This will conclude the formalities and we will move through to the Dining Area (Wharekai) to commence the networking and entertainment.
• Please note shoes will be need to be removed before going into the Wharenui. We also ask that no guests take photos or video footage as a mark of respect. Once the formal ceremony is complete then photography and video is permitted. Photos will be provided via the congress website for anyone who wishes to download images.
• 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Welcome Reception event continues with food, refreshments, entertainment, networking, and registrations.

7:30 p.m. to 9:30pm, Wednesday 5th December. (Food served from 8 p.m.) – New Zealand Heritage and Networking Evening – Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Harbour Viaduct

At the end of a busy first day of the Congress, unwind in the “City of Sails” at the Maritime Museum on the popular Auckland Harbour Waterfront. Enjoy a casual Kiwi-inspired evening meal and celebrate the best of New Zealand — its heritage, culture, environment and its great people. Entertainment and networking activities will be featured throughout the evening. A cash bar will be available.

Dress code: Come dressed in New Zealand’s national colour — black! Or dress up as one of our many Kiwi icons! Smart casual dress is also acceptable.

Cost: NZ$ 80pp incl GST.

Instructions on how to get there: The Maritime Museum, Quay Street, Auckland. The entrance to the Maritime Museum is located on the Waterfront.

Timetable:

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: A shuttle bus service will depart from the Grafton Road, Level 1 entrance of University of Auckland Business School in 15 minute intervals.
• If you are interested in availing of this service please sign up at the Information/Travel desk at the start of Congress.
• 7 p.m.: Doors to the Maritime Room upstairs open. There will be live music playing throughout the evening and networking activities on offer. A cash bar will remain open for the entire evening.
• 8 p.m.: Food will be serviced continuously from this time and will allow you to network looking out over the Auckland Waterfront.
• 9:30 p.m.: Event concludes but The Waterfront Bar downstairs has been named as the official Congress Auckland Bar and will be open for those wishing to continue networking and enjoying Auckland’s nightlife.

Maritime-Museum

       
Eden Park where the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup in 2011

As the signature event of the Congress, this event will be an evening to celebrate the exceptional success of people and organisations that have excelled in “business capability” on the national and world stage. This event is being hosted in the most fitting of venues—Eden Park, where our iconic All Blacks rugby team became Rugby World Champions in 2011. The evening will commence with pre-dinner drinks from 7 p.m. followed by dinner at 8 p.m. Dress code: Black tie or Business attire. (Formal coat with tails are not required). Cost: NZ$ 125pp incl GST.

Sponsored by Gallagher The evening will include the presentation of a number of Business Awards: New Zealand Organisation for Quality (NZOQ) presents the Tait Quality Award and Beca Quality Award, along with several Special Service awards. The New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation (NZBEF) Awards. The inaugural presentation of the New Zealand Best Practice Competition Awards The Best Congress Paper Award and Q special awards.

Dinner will be served in the ASB Lounge overlooking Eden Park

Instructions on how to get there: Eden Park is centrally located on Walters Road in Kingsland—only three kilometres from the CBD. It is easily accessed by a range of public transport options, including the train. Parking is available outside on Walters Road, around the Park, or within the grounds accessed from entry A and B.
Entrance to ASB Lounge is from Gate B, accessible from Walters Road. This is the closest gate to the Kingsland Train station off Sandringham Road at the end of Walters Road.

Timetable:

• 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.: A shuttle bus service will depart from the Grafton Road, Level 1 entrance of University of Auckland Business School in 15 minute intervals.
• If you are interested in availing of this service please sign up at the Information/Travel desk at the start of Congress.
• 7 p.m.: Pre-dinner drinks in ASB Lounge overlooking Eden Park main field.
• 7:30 to 11 p.m.: Awards evening commences with a three-course New Zealand-inspired menu and Kiwi wines/beers.