Paihia, New Zealand will host GeoHab 2027, an international marine
geological and biological habitat mapping conference, drawing around 200
scientists, industry professionals, and technical experts to Bay of
Islands in the North Island.
The announcement marks a strategic win for New Zealand’s
earth sciences community and reinforces the country’s position as a hub for
marine mapping innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.
“New Zealand has long been a hub for innovation in marine
geological and habitat mapping,” said GeoHab president Dr Mary Young of Deakin
University, Australia. “Hosting the conference here will strengthen
collaborations across the Asia-Pacific. It’s an ideal setting to highlight the
value of marine mapping in supporting sustainable ocean management, and to
inspire the next generation of researchers.”
The successful bid was led by marine geophysicist Dr Sally Watson from Earth Sciences New Zealand and the University of Auckland, with support from Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
“New Zealand is home to world-class marine environments and
does leading research in this field. New Zealand is a natural laboratory for
geologists. We have almost every geological setting available. It is super
unique,” said Watson.
“Marine mapping informs the way we use ocean resources, and
ways to protect them. Things are moving so quickly in terms of
climate change and its impact on our marine ecosystems. If we don’t know what’s
there, we cannot manage it. In New Zealand we are so heavily reliant on the
ocean for a range of activities and livelihoods. It makes sense to host an
international conference focusing on the marine zone here, right on the
doorstep of the Bay of Islands.”
The GeoHab conference is usually held in the Northern Hemisphere, and Watson hopes a Southern Hemisphere location will increase participation from Asia-Pacific nations; regions that rely heavily on ocean resources. She also highlighted the conference’s commitment to student and early career participation, noting: “It’s a chance for New Zealand research to shine, while we forge international links and understand diverse challenges across the globe.”
Tourism New Zealand has partnered with the Geoscience
Society of New Zealand to attract more earth science events to the country.
Penelope Ryan, global manager business events at Tourism New Zealand, added:
“Paihia's beautiful marine environment offers incredible experiential
opportunities for this conference – both for learning and for leisure. This
dual appeal makes New Zealand an ideal choice for geoscience conference
organisers and helps attract delegates.”
Delegates will have the opportunity to explore the
surrounding Bay of Islands, renowned for its diving, boating, fishing, and
cultural landmarks including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and kauri forests.
