Social programme
Welcome function
Sponsored by Waitt Foundation
Sunday 19 July | 5.30 - 7.30pm
Ariki Halls | NZICC
Join us at the Welcome function to mark the official start of the International Coral Reef Symposium. Set against a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, this is the perfect opportunity to collect your name badge, enjoy light local food and beverages, and begin connecting with fellow delegates from around the world. This gathering offers a chance to meet new faces, reconnect with colleagues, and start building the conversations and connections that will shape your symposium experience.
One ticket included in all full registrations
Additional ticket | NZD$60 per person
Banquet
Sponsored by AIMS
Thursday 23 July | 7.00pm - 11.00pm
Te Paepae Theatre | NZICC
Come together for The Banquet, a lively evening of celebration, connection, and fun during the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium. Enjoy the chance to unwind with colleagues, old and new, over a delicious menu showcasing local Aotearoa New Zealand kai (food), a selection of beverages, and a great atmosphere. The Banquet is all about relaxing, socialising, and sharing a few laughs in the spirit of ICRS.
Standard ticket | NZD$120 per person
Student ticket | NZD$75 per person
Please note: Banquet tickets are limited to 1,000 delegates and has now reached maximum capacity. If you would like to join the waitlist, please email teawa@conference.nz.
A Banquet Alternative
Hosted by ACRS
Thursday 23 July | 6.00 - 11.00pm
Lula Inn, Auckland
ACRS is thrilled to be collaborating with ICRS to provide an additional social event during ICRS 2026 on the Thursday evening - a relaxed mixer (“a banquet alternative”) designed to give delegates a space to connect, unwind, and enjoy the conference community.
To view more details and register, please follow the link here.
Film Evenings
Wealth Untold Film Screening + Live Panel Discussion
Monday 20 July | 6.00 - 8.00pm
Te Paepae Theatre | Level 5 | NZICC
Join us for an evening focused on the powerful story of multigenerational women leaders defending Belize’s iconic barrier reef and the future of coastal communities.
Amid rising environmental threats, courageous Belizean women fight to protect their reef and way of life. Can they safeguard a vital marine ecosystem while balancing economic prosperity? Witness an inspiring call to action with lessons for coastal communities worldwide.
Following the screening, we will have a Q&A discussion with featured panellists Melanie McField (Healthy Reefs) Kris-An Hinds (Fragments of Hope) and Hilda Lionata (The Nature Conservancy) with moderator Julie Robinson.
There will be light refreshments available for purchase.
Super Reefs Film Screening + Live Panel Discussion
Wednesday 22 July | 6.30 - 8.15pm
Te Paepae Theatre | Level 5 | NZICC
Join us for an evening focused on reef resilience. We will be screening a film from the Pristine Seas expedition to the Line Islands, where researchers were dazzled by remarkable reef recovery from the third global coral bleaching event between 2014-2017.
Following the screening, we will have a panel discussion about how resilient reefs are being identified, managed and monitored around the world, with featured panelists Joeli Veitayaki (Blue Prosperity Fiji), Jenn Caselle (UC Santa Barbara), Kyle Zawada (Macquarie University) and Rita Bento (New York University Abu Dhabi) and Yimnang Golbuu (The Nature Conservancy - Micronesia & Polynesia) with moderator Stacy Jupiter (Wildlife Conservation Society).
There will be light refreshments available for purchase.
Symposium hosted by
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
