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The 2028 Asian-Australasian Congress of Neurological Surgeons is expected to draw 1,000 specialists to the newly opened ākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre. Photo Credit: Phoebe Mackenzie
Wellington has been named the host city for the 2028 Asian-Australasian Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AACNS), marking a significant win for New Zealand’s medical and business events sectors.
The successful bid, led by local members of Aotearoa Neurosurgeons New Zealand and supported by Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events, will bring up to 1,000 delegates to Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, which is expected to deliver an estimated NZ$3.39 million (US$2 million) in economic impact.
The 2028 event is expected to elevate conversations around improving neurosurgical access and capability across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, addressing regional disparities and infrastructure challenges.
Kelvin Woon and Agadha Wickremesekera, co-conveners of the congress., said: “This event presents a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and address common challenges in the global neurosurgical community.”
New Zealand’s robust history in neurosurgery, the world-class infrastructure of the newly opened Tākina Convention Centre, and the country’s strategic funding support were key to winning the bid over competing cities Perth and Singapore.
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The congress will also help highlight workforce challenges. New Zealand currently has just 0.49 neurosurgeons per 100,000 people, compared to approximately one per 100,000 in countries like the US and Australia. The event will spotlight how to build capacity, improve access, and attract more professionals to the sector.
Business Events Wellington manager Irette Ferreira said: “Attracting this congress to New Zealand’s capital city, where there is the potential to engage with policymakers and key decisionmakers to address some of the challenges facing this sector, was a huge motivator in making this bid. We’re very proud we successfully secured this event for Wellington.”
Penelope Ryan, global manager business events at Tourism New Zealand, added: “This is a great win for Wellington and New Zealand, enabled by the recent funding boost for business events. Hosting this congress will increase international visitors, while leaving a longer-term legacy for the benefit of New Zealanders and our Pacific neighbours.”