Maritime mecca the Bay of Islands will host GeoHab 2027, the international conference for Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping.

The event, taking place in Paihia in 2027, will welcome around 200 scientists, industry and technical experts working in marine mapping to support sustainable ocean management and planning.

The conference bid was led by Dr Sally Watson, marine geophysicist at Earth Sciences New Zealand and the University of Auckland, with support from Tourism New Zealand Business Events.

“Marine mapping informs the way we use ocean resources, and ways to protect them,” Watson says. “Things are moving so quickly in terms of climate change and its impact on our marine ecosystems. If we don’t know what’s there, we cannot manage it. In New Zealand we are so heavily reliant on the ocean for a range of activities and livelihoods. It makes sense to host an international conference focusing on the marine zone here, right on the doorstep of the Bay of Islands.”

GeoHab president Dr Mary Young from Deakin University, Australia, says: “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to bring our international community to a region of such cultural and ecological richness. New Zealand has long been a hub for innovation in marine geological and habitat mapping and hosting the conference in New Zealand will strengthen collaborations across the Asia-Pacific. It’s an ideal setting to highlight the value of marine mapping in supporting sustainable ocean management, and to inspire the next generation of researchers working to learn about and protect our oceans.”

The win comes as part of Tourism New Zealand’s partnership with the Geoscience Society of New Zealand to encourage more earth science events to our country.

“New Zealand is home to world-class marine environments and does leading research in this field. New Zealand is a natural laboratory for geologists. We have almost every geological setting available. It is super unique,” Watson says.

Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events Penelope Ryan adds: “Paihia’s beautiful marine environment offers incredible experiential opportunities for this conference – both for learning and for leisure. This dual appeal makes New Zealand an ideal choice for geoscience conference organisers and helps attract delegates.”

The GeoHab conference often takes place in the Northern Hemisphere and Watson hopes that hosting it in New Zealand will encourage greater attendance from Asia and the Pacific – people and nations who really rely on the oceans.

“The conference has a strong focus on early career and student participation and can showcase what New Zealand has to offer in terms of research. Plus, there’s the benefit of having incredible global expertise come to New Zealand, and the opportunity to exchange ideas and forge links with international collaborators. You really get an understanding of the different challenges and how we can work together to solve them.”

Beyond the education sessions, Watson plans opportunities to explore the region, which is renowned for its boating, diving, and fishing. “The Bay of Islands is home to so much of New Zealand that is epic, getting out on the water, the location of the signing of our founding document at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the kauri forests, and cultural activities. We want to give people a taste of our special features.”

Photo Sally Watson deploying a water sampling and sensor unit off RV Ikatere (Photo credit Stuart Mackay)