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Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will host the 21st Asia-Pacific Intelligent Transport Systems Forum (AP ITS) in 2027, a three-day event focused on advancing the future of intelligent transport solutions.
The forum will take place from May 5-7, 2027, at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, bringing more than 1000 delegates and an estimated $1.27 million in economic benefit to the region.
The bid was led by Intelligent Transport Systems New Zealand with support from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Auckland Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand Business Events. It received high-level endorsement from New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon; Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown; and New Zealand Transport Agency Chair Simon Bridges.
“We are very pleased to secure the hosting rights for this important international forum in 2027,” says ITSNZ chair and president Armin Guttke.
“The forum will showcase how the right policy and technology can address New Zealand’s transport challenges – making the system safer, more equitable, sustainable and productive. The forum will also create opportunities for local innovators, attract international investment and deliver significant economic benefits.”
With the theme Navigating Tomorrow: Advancing Intelligent Transport Together, the event will spotlight key technology-enabled developments in Auckland’s transport network – including AI-powered network optimisation for roads and public transport, the City Rail Link, new electric ferries and Australasia’s largest all-electric bus depot.
Technical tours and demonstrations will include the University of Auckland Transportation Research Centre, a leader in dynamic wireless inductive charging, and ERoad, developers of New Zealand’s nationwide electronic Road User Charges System.
“This win supports our vision of Auckland as a global innovation hub,” says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited head of business events Ken Pereira, the region’s cultural agency which attracts business events to the region on behalf of Auckland Council.
“It shows we are open to international expertise and investment to grow our transport future, while also showcasing our homegrown technology and talent.”
The conference is expected to generate more than 3000 visitor nights in Auckland, supporting local hotels, retailers and the wider hospitality and tourism sector.
“Delegates will not only be able to enhance their learning experience outside the conference venue through the city’s new innovation and infrastructure; they’ll also be able to enjoy the amazing activities, dining and culture of Auckland,” says Tourism New Zealand global manager business events Penelope Ryan.
“Our team is excited to welcome global experts in intelligent transport to NZICC in 2027, and with key infrastructure like the City Rail Link at our doorstep, we are well positioned for delegates to easily experience this transformative transport project,” says NZICC general manager Prue Daly.
“We look forward to hosting this valuable knowledge exchange within NZICC, while also ensuring our international visitors enjoy our manaakitanga and an authentic Aotearoa New Zealand experience.”
