New Zealand Agriculture & Climate Change Conference 2026

About the Conference

The 2026 New Zealand Agriculture & Climate Change Conference is on 29-30 April 2026 and will be held at Tākina Events in Wellington, New Zealand.

Unlocking Our Low Emissions Advantage

Global food markets are evolving. Low-emissions production is emerging not just as a sustainability requirement, but as a defining marker of quality, resilience, and long-term value.

The 2026 Agriculture and Climate Change Conference is brought to you by the Ag Emissions Centre in partnership with AgriZero and MPI. The event brings together international market leaders, policymakers, rural professionals, scientists, and farmers to examine what these changes mean for New Zealand and how the country can respond strategically.

Over two focused days, the programme is facilitated by journalist Eloise Gibson, connecting global market signals with practical on-farm action. Delegates will explore export trends, investment shifts, methane mitigation, technology, genetics, artificial intelligence, and real-world case studies, moving from international perspectives to tangible local progress.

Delegates will hear an aspirational address from adventurer Alexander Hillary and the conference networking dinner features entrepreneur Oliver Hunt of Medsalv, facilitated by Sue Bidrose.

This is not a theoretical conversation. It is where science, sector leadership, and strategy converge to ensure New Zealand agriculture not only competes but leads in a low-emissions future.

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Day One 8:30am-5pm:

Global Signals and What They Mean for New Zealand

The Economic Environment

We begin with a global lens, examining how food markets are shifting and why low-emissions production is becoming a marker of quality, resilience and value. You’ll hear perspectives from leaders representing:

• The OECD and FAO
• Chatham House
• Rabobank
• Nestlé
• The New Zealand Government, including the Hon. Todd McClay
• Leading New Zealand economic and policy voices

Together, they unpack global investment trends, climate commitments and what durable market shifts mean for our primary sector.

Global Market Signals & Customer Expectations

Senior representatives from China, the United States and Australia share how demand for low-emissions animal agriculture is evolving across key export markets and what it means for New Zealand producers.

What It Means for New Zealand Producers

Global signals are translated into practical implications for producers, with insights from:

• Rabobank
• Fonterra
• Zespri

Topics include procurement shifts, capital flows, traceability expectations and the emerging commercial advantage of managing Scope 3 emissions.

International & New Zealand Farm Leadership

Case studies from Ireland, Australia and Denmark showcase on-farm innovation and lessons learned in implementing low-emissions systems.

New Zealand collaboration is highlighted through the Emissions and Profitability Project, involving:

• Fonterra
• LIC
• DairyNZ

The day also features New Zealand dairy, sheep & beef and Māori agribusiness leaders demonstrating that low-emissions and high-performance farming can go hand in hand.

Optional Networking Dinner: 7-10pm

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Day Two 8:30am-3pm:

Tools, Technology and the Pathway Ahead

Science, Investment and Innovation

Day Two focuses on the systems, science and investment required to unlock New Zealand’s advantage.

Contributors include representatives from:

• The Global Methane Hub
• AgriTech New Zealand
• The Ag Emissions Centre
• AgriZeroNZ

Sessions cover methane and nitrous oxide mitigation progress, AI and on-farm technology, and accelerating tools from research to market.

Technology in Action

Delegates will hear directly from innovators advancing genetics, inhibitors, probiotics, forage systems and manure management solutions, including key technology updates such as:

• The CH4IEF Trial (NZ)
• Zoetis (NZ)
• Nbryo Genetics (Australia)
• Bovotica Probiotic(Australia)
• Reducing nitrous oxide emissions from ruminant agriculture with forages (NZ)
• EcoPond Manure Management deep dive
• Ruminant Biotech (RBT) update

Concluded by The Pathway to Low Emissions farming, a Leadership Conversation.

 
Additional Conference Features

• All plenary sessions will be live-streamed, with recordings available to online and in-person delegates
• Networking and Q&A opportunities built into the programme
• Optional conference dinner celebrating innovation in low-emissions agriculture.

Who Should Attend

• Farmers and rural professionals
• Agricultural and climate-smart researchers
• Agri-tech companies and innovators
• Industry groups and private sector organisations
• Government and policy representatives
• NGOs, students and early-career professionals.

Registration 

• Dinner is included with the two-day in-person + dinner ticket. 
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is included for in-person delegates.
• Access to the Conference App.

Please note that accommodation is not included in the registration fee; however, discounted accommodation rates for NZACCC 2026 are listed below. Please also be aware that visa support letters are not available for international delegates.

If you have any questions, please email conference enquiries at enquiry@ag-emissions.nz

Accommodation 

Delegates can choose from a selection of nearby hotels, all within easy walking distance of Tākina Events, offering convenience, comfort, and exclusive rates for attendees. If you require accommodation simply: 

1. Click on the link for your preferred hotel to book your stay.

2. For Oaks Wellington and QT Wellington, please enter the provided discount code during booking to receive the special rate.

3. Complete your booking directly with the hotel.

🏨 Microtel by Wyndham Wellington | 25 Vivian Street

Walking distance: 11mins (800m)
Book accommodation at Microtel today

🏨 Oaks Wellington | 89 Courtenay Place

Walking distance: 6mins (400m)
Website: Hotels in Wellington New Zealand | Oaks Wellington Hotel Official Site
Discount Code: EVENT15

🏨Ramada by Wyndham Wellington | 123 Taranaki Street

Walking distance: 11mins (700m)
Book accommodation at Ramada today

🏨TRYP by Wyndham Wellington | 15 Tory Street

Walking distance: 4mins (280m) 
Book accommodation at TRYP today

🏨 QT Wellington, Museum Apartment | 90 Cable Street

Walking distance: 2mins (170m)
Website: QT Hotels & Resorts | Luxury Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Discount Code: NZACC26