The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has been awarded the EarthCheck Silver Certification for 2026, completing its independent audit against the EarthCheck Company Standard 4.1 with zero non-conformities.
The result marks a New Zealand first, with NZICC becoming the first convention centre in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to achieve EarthCheck Silver Certification and the only local venue to reach Silver on its first EarthCheck assessment. This achievement reflects the strongest possible start within EarthCheck’s certification pathway, where higher levels are earned through sustained performance and measurable progress over time.
EarthCheck is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism, built on more than 30 years of science-based research. Its certification program benchmarks performance across key areas including energy, water, carbon emissions, waste, chemicals, paper use, community impact and employee engagement.
“Achieving EarthCheck Silver with zero non-conformities is an exceptional result. NZICC came to the audit fully prepared, with every system documented, every data point in order and no gaps identified across its evidence or procedures,” EarthCheck founder and CEO Stewart Moore said.
“What sets NZICC apart is that sustainability here isn’t a retrofit; it is foundational. The operational performance and cultural integrity we assessed speak for themselves, and that is exactly what the global events market is looking for.”
For NZICC, that foundation has been built decision by decision. Guided by manaakitanga and its relationship with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, NZICC’s approach shapes the everyday operations of the venue, from how it sources food and reduces waste to how it manages energy, engages its people and considers its responsibility to the whenua and communities around it.
“This is a major milestone and one we are incredibly proud of,” NZICC director of CX & marketing Tracey Ha said.
“Completing the audit with zero non-conformities is a powerful acknowledgement of the standards set across the venue, and of the care, rigour and commitment behind them. It reflects a sustainability approach that has been built carefully, carried consistently and will continue to guide how we operate.
“This certification reinforces the role NZICC was built to play for Auckland and for Aotearoa. It gives our clients, partners and guests confidence that they are choosing a venue that operates to an internationally recognised sustainability standard, while still reflecting the values, culture and ambition of New Zealand.”
The achievement strengthens NZICC’s position as a leading destination for international and national events, offering clients, partners, delegates and guests the assurance of a venue operating to a globally recognised sustainability standard.
