At a time when the world is searching for answers to climate change, urban pressures, and social resilience, Wellington has just secured something more than a conference – it has secured a moment.

The New Zealand capital will host the 62nd International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) World Planning Congress in 2027, drawing around 500 of the world’s leading planners, policymakers, and urban thinkers to Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre. Far from a routine gathering, the selection signals a deliberate shift in where the future of cities is being imagined, and who gets to shape it.

Wellington’s win stands out when we think about perspective. As ISOCARP President Elisabeth Belpaire points out, New Zealand offers a rare, “globally significant vantage point” where the realities of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social equity aren’t theoretical – they’re lived. This gives the congress an urgency and authenticity that larger, more traditional host cities simply can’t replicate.

Even more distinctive is the integration of Te Ao Māori into planning and governance. This commitment to indigenous knowledge offers a powerful counterpoint to conventional urban models, placing community, sustainability, and long-term thinking at the centre of decision-making. The worldview grounded in interconnectedness, stewardship, and respect for people and place is a point of difference that positions Wellington not just as a host, but as a teacher, making it an especially compelling host for a forward-looking global congress.

Proudly, Te Whanganui a Tara, the city itself becomes part of the programme. Compact, connected, and collaborative, Wellington offers a different perspective to previous host cities like Riyadh and Toronto. Described as a “living laboratory” where global ideas can meet real-world experimentation, the proximity between communities and decision-makers enables something rare, conversations that translate into action.

Hosting ISOCARP will be a major boost to New Zealand’s capital both reputationally and economically and cements Wellington’s standing as a forward-thinking hub for urban innovation, sustainability, and liveability. 

In 2027, the world’s planners won’t just visit Wellington, they’ll learn from it. For more information visit WellingtonNZ.com/meet