Wellington, New Zealand | 5–6 May 2026
Following the recent announcement of speakers and strong early interest in Smart Cities Week NZ 2026, the Smart Cities Council (SCC) is pleased to confirm Creative HQ as a Lead Partner for this year’s programme.
Creative HQ is New Zealand’s leading startup hub, supporting the creation and growth of high-impact businesses locally and globally, and working with government and industry to apply startup principles to real-world challenges.
A Programme Focused on Delivery
Taking place in Wellington from 5–6 May 2026, Smart Cities Week NZ is designed as a working, outcome-focused programme—bringing together local government leaders, infrastructure and delivery partners, technology innovators and policymakers.
The week is focused on helping participants:
·improve delivery of smart city initiatives
- reduce duplication and reuse proven approaches
- strengthen coordination across councils and partners
- prioritise investment to scale impact
Creative HQ’s involvement strengthens the programme’s focus on implementation, capability-building and pathways to scale, ensuring innovation is not just discussed—but applied.
From Innovation to Implementation
As councils and partners across New Zealand navigate increasing complexity and constrained environments, Creative HQ brings a strong perspective on:
- embedding innovation into delivery environments
- testing and validating new approaches
- accelerating pathways from concept to implementation
This aligns directly with the programme’s intent to support practical, real-world outcomes across New Zealand communities.
Part of a Broader Week in Wellington
Smart Cities Week NZ forms part of a broader programme of activity in Wellington, alongside the 3rd Annual ANZ Digital Twin 2026 (7–8 May), delivered by Saifee Events with Smart Cities Council support.
The Smart Cities programme (5–6 May) provides the strategic and delivery-focused foundation, while the ANZ Digital Twin event (7–8 May) explores the enabling technologies and applications shaping infrastructure, planning and city systems.
Together, these events create a highly complementary week—offering participants the opportunity to connect strategy, implementation and technology in one place.
Explore ANZ Digital Twin 2026: https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/3rdANNUALANZDIGITALTWIN2026
Join the Programme
Smart Cities Week NZ 2026 is not a traditional conference—it is a working programme designed for those responsible for delivery.
Secure your place and access the 20% Early Bird offer (code: EARLYBIRD), now extended until 17 April 2026
Become a Partner
A limited number of partner opportunities remain for organisations looking to:
- contribute to programme discussions
- showcase capability and case studies
- engage directly with councils and delivery stakeholders
Contact the SCC team to explore partnership opportunities:
Contact Mark Thomas, Regional Lead - NZ mark.thomas@smartcitiescouncil.com
OR
Contact Karen Norden, Global Events Manager karen.norden@smartcitiescouncil.com
Looking Ahead
We’re delighted to be working with Creative HQ and look forward to their contribution to a week designed to support more connected, resilient and capable New Zealand communities.
About Smart Cities Council
Smart Cities Council is a global network of cities, governments, technology leaders, investors, and solution providers dedicated to enabling city and community transformation through governance, finance, technology, and partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes.
For more information on Smart Cities Council programs:
