The International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) has made public the complete schedule of its International No-Dig Auckland 2026 conference. It runs from 27 to 29 October 2026 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland.
Technical programme
Thirty-nine technical papers will be delivered over two days, split between three parallel tracks: rehabilitation, new installation and other subjects. A panel discussion on where New Zealand's water industry is heading is also on the schedule.
Keynote speeches by Declan Downey and Samuel Ariaratnam open the first day. The second day focuses on New Zealand: David Hermans (MCERT) will cover the policy framework that supports the country's growth, and Lorraine Kendrick (Water New Zealand) will discuss what reform means for the water sector. The panel, under the heading "The Road Ahead: Trenchless Technology in New Zealand's Water Future", brings in Mark Crowle (Watercare), Dietmar Londer (Auckland Council), Dave Neru (Veolia) and Alex Cabrera (Selwyn Water).
Speakers and side events
Papers come from Asia (Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore), Europe (Germany, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom), the United States, Australia and New Zealand. ISTT says this shows how widely its 27 affiliated societies are spread.
Beyond the papers, delegates can attend a welcome reception with the exhibition opening, an evening of networking at Auckland Town Hall, and the closing ISTT Gala Awards Dinner at the Aotea Centre. The 27 October slot is set aside for training workshops held before the conference and for the welcome event, with the sessions themselves running 28-29 October.
ISTT notes that no earlier International No-Dig has been staged in New Zealand, and that this edition matches the organisation's 40th anniversary. Registration and the full schedule are on the event website, no-dignz.com.
