Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below a list of commonly asked questions about the Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025).
Further Information
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, or if you have any queries about the Conference arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Managers:
E-mail: af2025@adaptationfutures2025.com
Website: https://adaptationfutures2025.com/
Telephone: +64 9 360 1240
REGISTRATION AND ACCOMMODATION
What are the registration fees?
The fees are available to view on the registration page.
Am I eligible for the student registration rate?
These rates are subsidised to encourage attendance for students. You must be enrolled in a tertiary institution at the time of registration.
I want to cancel my registration. Can I get a refund?
All cancellations must be received in writing so please email af2025@adaptationfutures2025.com. Cancellation notice received prior to 31 August 2025 will be eligible for a refund, less a NZD100 administration fee. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable, however, you are able to transfer your registration to another person.
Can I attend the Conference virtually?
Yes, virtual attendance is available. This can be selected on the registration form, and viewed on the registration webpage.
What does a virtual registration include?
Virtual registrations include access to the selected live-streamed sessions during the conference as well as access to all session recordings after the event.
Will you waive the registration fee for speakers if I only plan on attending my presentation?
Unfortunately all speakers need to be registered (in-person and virtually) however the Science Committee have worked very hard to provide significantly lower registration rates for non-governmental organisations, students, LDCs and NGOs which can be viewed here.
How can I reserve a hotel room and what rates are available?
We are pleased to advise we have secured a number of accommodation options available to Conference attendees. You can book accommodation at delegate rates using this link.
My partner would like to come, but not to the Conference sessions. Is there a partner registration?
No there is no partner registration. However, you are able to purchase a ticket for them to attend the Conference Dinner.
I am an overseas participant and need a letter of invitation before I can receive my visa. What is the procedure?
Accepted presenters including authors of posters can request an invitation letter by emailing af2025@adaptationfutures2025.com. All other registrations can request Invitation letters upon full payment of the Conference registration fees. Unfortunately invitation letters can not be supplied to unpaid or unregistered participants, and we reserve the right to refuse to provide invitation letters for attendees. Please note that we do not give any further support or advice about the visa application process. Obtaining a visa remains the sole responsibility of the participant.
Will I get a refund on my registration if my visa is declined?
In the event that your visa is declined, you will be eligible to receive a refund, less the administration fees.
Is there funding to help with travel and registrations?
We have discounted registration rates for those from Not-For-Profit organisations or Low-Middle Income countries.
There will also be limited support grants available, and we will be advertising these to paper and session authors that are accepted for presentation. However, as there can be no guarantee we ask that people only apply if they intend to present virtually or in person.
Are day or partial registrations/scholarships available?
Unfortunately partial registrations/scholarships aren’t available, however the Science Committee have worked very hard to provide significantly lower registration rates for non-governmental organisations, students, LDCs and NGOs which can be viewed here. Please note LDC is based on country of residence, not citizenship.
Why can’t I apply for a scholarship if I’m not presenting?
Participation scholarships and travel grants are prioritised for those presenting at the conference. This ensures that we support individuals contributing to the conference programme directly.
Is the conference offering media passes?
Adaptation Futures 2025 welcomes media engagement in issues of climate adaptation from accredited journalists and media. To apply for media registration, please complete this form.
Are there volunteering opportunities?
Currently there are no volunteering opportunities however this will be reviewed closer to the time.
Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
Yes, a Certificate of Attendance can be requested after the Conference and will be emailed to you.
Can I attend the living labs or post workshops without purchasing a registration?
Unfortunately the living labs and post workshops are a benefit for conference delegates only and cant be purchased separately.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is the dress code?
The dress for all conference sessions and social functions is smart casual.
When will I get my name badge?
Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you always wear your badge, including when attending social functions.
Will my details be shared?
If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please tick the appropriate box on the registration form.
What if I have special requirements?
We encourage persons with disabilities to participate in the programme and social events. Please contact af2025@adaptationfutures2025.com to request services or other accommodations for any special needs or note these on your registration form. If you have dietary preferences, please be sure to describe those on the space provided on the registration form when you register.
What will the weather be like?
In October, Christchurch typically experiences moderate temperatures and moderate rainfall. Throughout the daytime, temperatures often hover are 17°C (62°F). However, as the sun sets and evening approaches, there is a noticeable cool-down with the temperature dropping to 10°C (50°F). Visitors are advised to bring a waterproof rain jacket and plan on layering clothes.
What is the currency and taxes in New Zealand?
The legal currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Banknotes are NZD5, NZD10, NZD20, NZD50 and NZD100. Coins are 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 dollars. Bank and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
The applicable tax is the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%.
Visa Information for In Person Registrations
Please allow significant time when applying for a NZ visa as it may take up to 3 months. Further information regarding Visa applications can be found here.
What time will the registration desk be open?
TE PAE
Sunday, 12 October 0830 - 1000 for those attending the pre-conference sessions and 1700 - 1900
Monday, 13 October 0730 - 1830
Tuesday, 14 October 0700 - 1800
Wednesday, 15 October 0700 - 1730
TOWN HALL
Thursday, 17 October 0730 – 1730
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Conference catering includes provision for vegetarian and gluten free options. If you have advised any other special dietary requirements when registering, arrangements will be made for your catering to be available from the Special Dietaries table. All food on the catering tables will be clearly labelled, however, if you have any questions regarding the ingredients of any items, please ask the wait staff.
What language is spoken in New Zealand?
English is the everyday language in New Zealand, with Māori and New Zealand Sign Language also official languages.
Are there any childcare options available?
There are no childcare services on offer, however we can provide some local options for you to arrange directly at your own cost. Please email af2025@adaptationfutures2025.com for more information.
Is New Zealand safe?
New Zealand is generally a very safe place to travel, with a relatively low crime rate. However, it is advisable to observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home. New Zealand is a democratic and politically stable country. The New Zealand government has some Health & Safety advice.
What type of electricity supply and plug/socket system is used in New Zealand?
240 V, 50 Hz, with Australian/New Zealand pattern three-pin sockets. Internationally known as a Type I plug.
What mobile phone coverage is available?
The major cellphone network operators in New Zealand are Spark, One NZ and 2degrees. Each offer eSIMs which can be purchased in advance and activated once you arrive in New Zealand. Some internationally-sold phones may not support bands that are commonly used by networks here - for example Spark recommends that your device should support at least 4G Band 3 and Band 28.
Smoke-Free Policies
In New Zealand it is illegal to smoke indoors. Many cafés, bars, restaurants, parks, playgrounds and sports grounds are smokefree and vapefree outside as well. Cigarettes cannot be sold to anyone under 18.
Visitor Information
i-SITE is New Zealand’s official visitor information centre network with more than 80 i-SITEs nationwide, including locations in Auckland. i-SITEs provide free expert local knowledge and services including itinerary planning and nationwide accommodation and activity bookings.
What if I need medical attention?
Public and private hospitals provide a high standard of treatment and care. Medical services are not free to visitors, so travel insurance that covers medical and health is recommended. New Zealand has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. New Zealand also has a no-fault scheme called ACC that covers injury treatment.
What are the Emergency Services numbers?
111 is the emergency phone number for police, fire and ambulance services.
105 is for reporting non-emergencies to police (things that have already happened and don’t need urgent police assistance).
*555 is for driving incidents such as minor crashes, breakdowns and reporting continuous poor driving.
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT
How can I get from Christchurch airport to the venue?
Christchurch Airport has direct flights to and from key Australian cities as well as Auckland, Wellington and other New Zealand centres.
The airport is located approximately 15-20 minutes' drive from Christchurch’s city centre.
Taxis and Ride-shares
A taxi fare from the airport to the central business district is approximately NZD60.00.
If you use a ride-share app like Uber, to meet your driver you must exit the terminal and follow the signs to the Rideshare (Uber) Pick-up and Drop-off Zone, located outside International Arrivals (Door 7).
Shuttles
Super Shuttle provides door to door service around Christchurch using multi-passenger vans. You can find the Super Shuttle rank outside International Arrivals (exit through Door 9). More information including a booking facility is available here.
Courtesy shuttles
The courtesy shuttles rank is outside Door 1 (Regional departures).
Buses
Buses depart from the northern end of International Arrivals, next to the Novotel Hotel (exit through Door 9). Customers can pay for a trip on the bus using cash or Metrocard (our local transit card).
Eftpos and credit cards are not accepted. Cash tickets can be purchased directly from the driver.
A trip on a Metro bus costs only NZD2 when you pay with a Metrocard, no matter how far you are travelling. Cash fares cost more no matter where you are travelling within Greater Christchurch, so paying using a Metrocard saves you valuable cash that’s better spent on enjoying your visit.
Customers should avoid paying with $20 notes or higher.
For fares and other information, please visit the Metro website or call +64 3 366 8855.
How can I get around Christchurch?
Getting around Christchurch is easy, and most facilities are within walking or cycling distance of the central city.
Car Rental
Avis Rent a Car is offering its corporate rates to Conference delegates. Please call your local Avis office and request a quote giving the booking reference number AWD: Z994400.
Driving
Drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand. All drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. Delegates will only be able to drive the same type of vehicles they are licensed to drive in their home country. See the Guide to Driving in New Zealand from the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Parking
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre does not have an on-site parking facility, but there are more than 2,000 car parks in close vicinity. Wilsons Car Park on the corner of Armagh and Colombo Street (opposite Victoria Square) is the closest car park. There are mobility carparks on Colombo Street. Electric vehicle charging bays are available at the carpark at 33 Lichfield St.
Drop off and pick up zones
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has three set down points located within 30 metres of the relevant closest entrance. These are large enough to accommodate buses, vans, and taxis.
- Armagh Street adjacent to the Armagh Street Entrance
- Colombo Street adjacent to the Cathedral Square Entrance
- Oxford Terrace adjacent to the main entrance to the Centre.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters
There are 1600 e-scooters and 400 e-bikes available for public use in Christchurch, provided by Lime and Ario. These can be ridden on the footpath, shared paths and roadways. Be sure to review the cycling code and look at some tips here.
For access, you must download the app. Download Lime or Ario here.
Bikes
There are bike hoops located on Oxford Terrace outside Te Pae.
Buses
Christchurch’s Metro service runs bus routes around the city. More information can be found here. Most local and some long-distance services depart from the inner-city bus interchange, located just 10 minutes’ walk from Te Pae. The Manchester Street Super Stop is a four minute walk away. For more information please visit www.metroinfo.co.nz.
PROPOSALS
When is the Proposal submission deadline?
Submissions closed on 1st March 2025.
Do you accept late breaking Proposals?
No, there is no late breaking Proposal submission facility.
In which language should the proposal be submitted?
English.
Is there a template to submit my application?
Yes, these can be accessed in the submission’s portal.
When will I know if my proposal has been accepted?
Authors will be advised by the end of April via email.
I missed the call for proposals. Can I still attend the conference or participate in some way?
Yes, while the call for proposals is now closed and was highly competitive, we would still be delighted to welcome you as a participant. There may also be opportunities to support or facilitate a session. Please note, however, that travel grants are only available to those with accepted proposals.
My proposal has been accepted but I cannot attend, what do I do?
The presentation can be delivered by another named author. This author must have been included on the original proposal submission. Please email af2025@adaptationfutures2025.com to advise of any change of presenter.
I submitted a proposal but the data has changed or is not available, what do I do?
Please email af2025@adaptationfutures2025.com to advise you will need to withdraw or update your proposal.
When will the proposals be published?
Proposals will be made available via the Conference app and published after the Conference.
How do I provide my presentation aids?
A link to a portal to upload your presentation will be provided several weeks prior to the Conference. If you have not uploaded your presentation prior to your arrival at the Conference, you can do so in the Speaker Preparation Room at least 4 hours before you present. The location and opening times for this room will be advised closer to the time of the Conference.
Where are the guidelines for my poster or oral presentation?
You can find all the information regarding your poster or oral presentation by clicking here.
When will the Speaker Preparation Room be open onsite?
The Speaker Preparation Room will be open at the following times.
TE PAE
Sunday, 12 October 1700 - 1900
Monday, 13 October 0730 - 1800
Tuesday, 14 October 0700 - 1800
Wednesday, 15 October 0700 - 1730
TOWN HALL
Thursday, 17 October 0730 – 1700