2026 Conference Program

We are looking forward to seeing you all the 2026 ACPA Conference! Below is an outline of the conference days.

TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2026
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch

05.30pm: ACPA Annual General Meeting (Drinks and Nibbles Provided)

WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch

08.30am: Registrations (Coffee/Tea on Arrival)
09.00am: Welcome and Opening Prayer: Kaumatua Russ Caldwell
09.30am: ACPA Member Introductions
10.00am: Session 1 | Charles Ropitini on the Venerable Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert
11.00am: Morning Tea
11.30am: Session 2 | Emeritus Cardinal John Dew on the 2025 Conclave and Pope Leo’s First Encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas
01.00pm: Lunch
02.00pm: Depart for Group Tour
06.00pm: Return to Hotel
06.30pm: Networking Drinks
07.00pm: Individual Dinner

THURSDAY 27 AUGUST
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch

08.30am: Coffee/Tea on Arrival
08.50am: Welcome and Opening Prayer
09.00am: Session 1 | James Bergin, Catholic Technologist and Digital Ministry Specialist
10.00am: Morning Tea
10.30am: Session 2 | Chelsea Houghton, Strategic Communications and Fundraising Specialist
11.30am: Session 3 | Panel Session
12.15pm: Lunch
01.15pm: Session 4 | Mena Antonio, CEO, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand; Vice-President Caritas Internationalis
02.15pm: Session 5 | ACPA Membership and 2027 Goals
02.45pm: Closing Prayer and Statement
03.00pm: Afternoon Tea
03.30pm: Free Time
05.15pm: Depart for Nazareth House for Conference Mass
05.45pm: Arrive at Church/Casual Tour
06.00pm: Conference Mass | Celebrant: Most Rev Michael Dooley, Bishop of Dunedin, NZ
07.15pm: Return to Crowne Plaza Hotel for Conference Dinner
07.30pm: Conference Dinner and 2026 ACPA Awards | Guest Speaker: Broadcaster Frank Ritchie

(Please note: Program is correct as at 14 August 2026 and may be subject to change.)