Following consultation with members, industry stakeholders, conference leadership and our host partners, the ACA Board has decided to transition the planned 2026 Christchurch Corrosion & Prevention Conference into a series of targeted in-country technical symposiums, while working toward a future New Zealand-hosted Corrosion & Prevention Conference in 2028 or 2029.

This approach reflects recent global events leading to the current challenging operating environment and uncertainty for our countries and our industry, while ensuring ACA continues to deliver strong technical engagement, networking and industry connection opportunities across the region.

In place of the large-format conference, ACA will deliver a dedicated NZ/AU Technical Symposium and Expo across all major cities in New Zealand in 2026. The program is intended to provide a more accessible, regionally focused and cost-effective format that encourages strong local participation while minimising travel and costs, while maintaining strong technical and industry engagement.

In addition, ACA is planning a dedicated two-day technical event in Melbourne in November 2026, further expanding opportunities for technical exchange and industry collaboration across Australasia.

Importantly, the technical paper submission process will continue as planned. All submitted papers will proceed through the ACA peer review process, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality technical content and published proceedings. Authors will have the opportunity to propose participation in any or all of the New Zealand and Australian events as part of the expanded technical roadshow format.

The Technical Symposium and Expo is planned to include:

1. A Christchurch technical symposium during the original conference week in 2026
2. Technical symposiums in Auckland and Wellington tailored to address local context
3. Industry exhibition opportunities in each location
4. A networking dinner event in Auckland for delegates, sponsors and industry partners, along with additional networking opportunities in Christchurch and Wellington
5. A Technical symposium and Expo in Melbourne in November

The events will feature technical presentations, industry discussion, networking opportunities and engagement with corrosion professionals across multiple sectors and regions.

Further details, including a sponsor and exhibitor prospectus, dates, venues and program information, will be released over the coming weeks.

We are enthusiastic about this format and the opportunities it creates to strengthen engagement with the New Zealand corrosion community and stakeholders while continuing to build momentum toward a future full Corrosion & Prevention Conference in New Zealand.

In line with the existing conference rotation, the 2027 Corrosion & Prevention Conference will proceed in Adelaide, South Australia.

We thank our members, sponsors, partners and volunteers for their ongoing support and look forward to sharing further updates shortly.