General Information

At the Congress

Your Congress pack will be available for collection from the Registration Desk located in foyer of the Aotea Centre. The registration desk will be open at the following times:

Catering

All refreshment breaks and lunches will be served in the foyer area.

Climate

February is high summer in New Zealand. The climate in Auckland is a maritime one and in February the average daytime temperature is 24 degrees celsius (77 degrees F) dropping to 16 degrees celsius (62 degrees F) overnight.

Currency/Banking

There are many banks situated close to the Congress venue which offer currency exchange facilities. Banking hours are commonly 0900-1630hrs, Monday to Friday.

Disclosure of Registration Information

In the past the Congress organisers have released details of the registrants to sponsors and exhibitors to facilitate communications between delegates. If you do not wish your details to be released in this way, please tick the appropriate box on the registration form.

Dress

Dress Code for all Congress sessions and social functions is smart casual.

Electricity The standard voltage of supply in New Zealand is 230 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 100 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

Goods and Services

Tax Goods and services sold in New Zealand are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST). Retail suppliers are required to show the GST inclusive price on goods and services, and must clearly state if the tax is not included in the advertised price.

GST cannot be claimed back on purchases when leaving New Zealand. However, depending on the retailer, some goods can be purchased on a GST exclusive basis at the point of purchase, where it can be demonstrated that the items are leaving the country. The retailer is required to courier the items to the airport for you to collect on departure.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Congress/Conference/Meeting and book your travel, you take out an insurance policy of your choice to cover any and every eventuality. The Congress Managers cannot take responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance.

Language

English is the common language of New Zealand. Maori, an official language of growing importance, is spoken mainly in the Maori community.

Laptops

You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.

Name Badges

Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you wear your badge at all times, including social functions. Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.

Parking

An all day parking pass (multiple entries) for the Civic Car Park (beneath the Aotea Centre) is available at a cost of $15 per day.

Population

New Zealand’s multicultural population of about 3.8 million is predominantly New Zealand-European. Sixteen percent of the people are indigenous Maori, while Pacific Island and Asian ethnic groups make up 4% each.

Special Requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance, or catering please give details required when registering.

Time

New Zealand time is 12 hours ahead of GMT: www.timeanddate.com.

Tipping

While tipping is not expected it is welcomed if good service is provided.