Kia ora (Hello) and haeri mai (greetings),

On behalf of the Australasian Hydrographic Society (AHS), I invite you to join us at the 'Hydrospatial: Shaping the future of Marine Discovery' Conference & Trade Exhibition at the Shed 6 in the fitting location of Te Whanganui a Tara/ Wellington’s waterfront, from 23 to 26 March 2026.

The Conference theme 'Shaping the future of Marine Discovery' acknowledges the role of hydrography in understanding the marine environment and the future role it will have to play in that realm. Focusing on the future of hydrography, and emerging developments and techniques, Hydrospatial 2026 will bring together speakers from varying maritime fields including: specialist hydrographic streams, maritime transport, oceanography, research organisations, offshore exploration, environmental science, maritime heritage, defence, tourism, coastal development, ports and harbours, Law of the Sea, and government.  In further keeping with the theme we are also aiming to shape the future by encouraging student attendance to the conference. 

Hydrography serves as the foundational science that unlocks our understanding of the world's oceans, making it indispensable to shaping the future of marine discovery. By precisely mapping seafloor topography, measuring water depths, and charting underwater features, hydrography provides the critical baseline data that enables safe navigation, sustainable resource management, and groundbreaking oceanographic research. As we face unprecedented challenges from climate change, rising sea levels, and increasing maritime activity, accurate hydrographic surveys become essential for understanding ocean dynamics, protecting marine ecosystems, and supporting the blue economy. Modern hydrographic technologies including multibeam sonar, autonomous underwater vehicles and bathymetric lidar systems—are revolutionizing how we explore previously inaccessible ocean depths and reshape our knowledge of marine environments.  The conference and trade exhibition aims to create a networking opportunity for hydrospatial professionals to discuss these technologies and their use cases amongst other things.  It is also timely to consider how we set ourselves up for the future and encourage the next generation of hydrospatial professionals to be part of that conversation.

The venue and theme are fitting given the namesake of Te Whanganui a Tara which translates to “the great harbour of Tara”, a name said to come from Whatonga’s son Tara who was sent down from Mahia Peninsula by his father to explore southern lands for their people to settle.  In later years many would come to settle around the harbour and surrounding areas, utilising the water for trade and commerce.  A trend that continues to this very day.

Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital city, offers an exceptional backdrop for your conference experience. Nestled between rolling green hills and a stunning natural harbour, this compact yet cosmopolitan city seamlessly blends world-class cultural attractions with innovative dining, craft coffee culture, and a thriving creative scene. Known as the "coolest little capital in the world," Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington provides easy walkability between venues, abundant accommodation options, and convenient international connectivity. The city's renowned hospitality, temperate climate, and breathtaking scenery create an inspiring environment that encourages networking and collaboration. 

In addition to the trade exhibition, we plan on welcoming more than 150 delegates from both this region and overseas. With our focus on the Asia-Pacific region, many of us will find opportunities for cooperation and relationships and, of course, renewing acquaintanceships. The Australasian Hydrographic Society (http://www.ahs.asn.au) looks forward welcoming you and your colleagues to Hydrospatial 2026. And I look forward to giving you a warm Kiwi welcome.

As President of the Australasian Hydrographic Society (AHS), I am pleased to invite and welcome you to the HYDRO 2026 'Shaping the future of Marine Discovery' Conference being held at Shed 6, Wellington, New Zealand from 23  - 26 March 2026.

We return our bi-annual Hydro conference to Aotearoa (New Zealand). We were last here in 2003. Māori and other South Pacific peoples have been involved in trans island and trans ocean exploration and navigation for millions of years. Creating stick charts and understanding the environment using ocean swells, current and bird flight patterns, and they had their own form of hydrography. We return to discuss the latest forms of hydrographic methods and hydrographic platforms.

There will be as large amount of space for exhibitors and sponsors alike to show your organisation’s skills and products. The program design allows for time for participants to meet the exhibitors and sponsors and discuss their future plans and requirements for hydrography.

On behalf of the Australasian Hydrographic Society, I invite you to consider our sponsorship packages, and registration options for this interesting and exciting Hydrospatial Conference.