International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment

General Information

At the Congress

Your Congress pack will be available for collection from the Registration Desk located in the Level 5 of the SkyCity Convention Centre. The desk will be open at the following times:

Sunday 5 September 07:00 – 15:00hrs
Monday 6 September 07:00 – 17:30hrs
Tuesday 7 September 07:30 – 17:30hrs
Wednesday 8 September 07:00 – 10:00hrs
Thursday 9 September 07:30 – 17:30hrs
Friday 10 September 07:30 – 17:30hrs

Catering

All refreshment breaks and lunches will be served in the exhibition area.

Climate

Spring (September - November) Temperatures range from: 16ºC during the day, dropping to 7ºC at night. The weather can be unpredictable in Spring. It can be warm and sunny, the next minute showery and windy. Snow can still fall at the ski resorts and the locals know that spring often brings the best skiing.

Currency/Banking

An EFTPOS machine is located in the main foyer and on level 3 of the SkyCity complex. There is also a branch of Bank of New Zealand in the main SkyCity foyer. Branches of most major New Zealand banks are situated very near to the Congress venue on Queen Street.

Dress

Smart casual dress for all Congress sessions and social functions.

Electricity

The standard voltage of supply in New Zealand is 230 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 100 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

Getting There

Auckland is located within 10 to 13 hours by air of Tokyo, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Buenos Aires. New Zealand is a land of contrasts, a unique and exciting destination. We encourage delegates from further a-field to take the opportunity to stay and explore more of New Zealand via one of our pre or post Congress tours.Goods and Services Tax

Goods and Services Tax

Goods and services sold in New Zealand are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Retail suppliers are required to show the GST inclusive price on goods and services, and must clearly state if the tax is not included in the advertised price.

GST cannot be claimed back on purchases when leaving New Zealand. However, depending on the retailer, some goods can be purchased on a GST exclusive basis at the point of purchase, where it can be demonstrated that the items are leaving the country. The retailer is required to courier the items to the airport for you to collect on departure.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Congress and book your travel, you take out an insurance policy of your choice to cover any and every eventuality. The Congress Managers cannot take responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance.

Language

English is the common language of New Zealand. Maori, an offi cial language of growing importance, is spoken mainly in the Maori community.

Laptops

You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a fl at, angled two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.

Name Badges

Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you wear your badge at all times, including social functions. Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.

Passport and Visas

A current passport is required for entry to New Zealand.

Details of visa requirements can be obtained from your travel agent, airline or the New Zealand diplomatic and consular offi ces or New Zealand Immigration Services offi ces in New Zealand or the New Zealand Immigration Service web site: www.immigration.govt.nz

Rental Cars

Avis Rent a Car offers its corporate rates to Congress delegates. Just call the local Avis offi ce in your country and request a quote giving the booking reference number: AWD Z994400.

However, it is also recommended that you request a quote for leisure/normal rate as there may be special deals at the time of booking.

Special Requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specifi c assistance, or catering please give details required when registering.

Time

New Zealand time is 12 hours ahead of GMT: www.timeanddate.com.

Tipping

While tipping is not expected it is welcomed if good service is provided.