CoNZealand Accommodation Information

Ellen BoucherNews

CoNZealand members will be able to book selected Wellington accommodation at special rates from 3 December 2019, 9am (NZ time, UTC+13).

“We have negotiated special rates or discounts for members at 16 hotels/apartment blocks in Wellington in close proximity of our venues,” say CoNZealand Co-Chairs Kelly Buehler and Norman Cates.

“To help members plan their accommodation bookings, we have published details on hotels and rates now at www.conzealand.nz/hotels; however, booking links and discount codes will only be provided from 3 December on the CoNZealand website.

“Members need to be aware that the process for booking accommodation for CoNZealand is different from other Worldcons.

“Wellington doesn’t have a housing bureau or any other central booking agency. That means individuals will need to book their own rooms, and these will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

“Members should also keep in mind that the convention will use two main locations, which are  approximately 600 metres (about 4/10 of a mile) apart: the TSB Arena, Shed 6 and the Intercontinental Hotel will be used mostly for panels, workshops, dealers and exhibits during the day, and the Michael Fowler Centre and West Plaza will host large events like the Masquerade, Hugo Ceremony, major speeches, dances, parties, and the World Science Fiction Society business meeting. 

We encourage members to select a hotel close to the centre they expect to spend the most time at. More information about our facilities is available on the CoNZealand website.

Most hotels will need a credit card to guarantee the reservation, and some may place a charge on the card at the time of booking. Hotels also have different cancellation policies, meaning that after a certain date it will be expensive to change plans. 

The individual conditions for each hotel are noted on the CoNZealand website.

“While we’re pleased we’re able to offer members special rates, we also note that visitors’ choice is not limited to the options listed on our website.

“Wellington boasts a large range of accommodation options, including backpackers and AirBnBs, and visitors are welcome to shop around for housing best suited to their needs and budgets.

“We look forward to seeing you all here!” Buehler and Cates say.

Bookings for people with accessibility needs opened on November 5, with information emailed directly to those who had indicated they had accessibility requirements in their membership registration.

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Download the full press release here.

Urgent vacancy for Design Area Head

Ellen BoucherNews
We have an urgent vacancy to fill for a Design Area Head.
We are looking for a designer with both creative and account admin experience. You will be involved with the “Big Picture” overview and design direction of CoNZealand, looking after projects and giving design support. There is an established house brand for collateral, and lots of space to create bespoke products.
You will need your own subscription for Adobe CC.
As with all CoNZealand crew roles, this is a volunteer position, and we are unable to offer any remuneration.
If you’re interested and would like more details, please email design@conzealand.nz

Let us know if you have accessible accommodation needs

Kate RichardsNews

Do you have disability or accessibility requests for your accommodation in Wellington? We are busy confirming hotel information to share with our members later this year, and need to know your current accessibility requests as part of this planning by 15 October 2019.

If you have hotel accessibility needs, please email access-hotels@conzealand.nz with details of your hotel accessibility requests and an indication of the number of nights you think you will be staying as well.

Please also make sure that your registration information indicates that you will require accessibility services. Check and update your registration in the members area by signing in with the email address you used when you registered – go to ‘Review memberships’ and click ‘review or update details’, then scroll down to the Additional Options of your registration information, and tick the box by “I would like information on disability or accessibility services at CoNZealand”.

If you have any issues accessing your registration information, please contact us at registration@conzealand.nz.

CoNZealand to host 1945 Retro Hugos

Kate RichardsNews, Press Release

CoNZealand will present the Retro Hugo Awards for 1945, to acknowledge notable works published in 1944, CoNZealand co-chairs, Norman Cates and Kelly Buehler announced.

The Hugos are the most prestigious award in the science fiction and fantasy genres. First presented in 1953, they honour literature, media and fan activities and have become the key event held during the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon).

Since 1996, Worldcon committees also have had the option of presenting Retrospective (Retro) awards to honour works published in the earlier years of Worldcon, which were established in 1939, when no Hugos were awarded.

The 2019 Irish Worldcon, held in Dublin last month, presented the 1944 Retro Hugos for the 1943 calendar year. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Ray Bradbury were amongst the winners.

“Some of the works created during the World War II years have become classics and it is a great opportunity to be able to formally celebrate them,” said Cates and Buehler.

Nominations for the 1945 Retro Hugos will open at the same time as the 2020 Hugo Award nominations.

In addition to the Hugos and Retro Hugos, CoNZealand will host the Sir Julius Vogel Awards that recognise excellence in science fiction, fantasy, or horror works created by New Zealanders and New Zealand residents.

Ends.

Media Release
September 4, 2019
Contact: press@conzealand.nz

Watch CoNZealand’s Dublin 2019 Closing Ceremony Video

Kate RichardsNew Zealand, News

Check out CoNZealand’s promotional video from the Dublin 2019 closing ceremony, featuring our Author Guests of Honour, Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon, our NZ Artist Guest of Honour, Greg Broadmore, and special guests, Tania Taylor, Sir Richard Taylor, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern.

Thanks also to our Chairs, Kelly Buehler and Norman Cates, and special thanks to the Kapiti College Kapa Haka Group.

CoNZealand takes over from Dublin 2019 as Worldcon

Kate RichardsNews, Press Release, Urgent Issues

As Dublin 2019 – An Irish Worldcon ended its five-day run, Wellington took the reins as host of the next World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon).

CoNZealand will be the 78th Worldcon and will take place from Wednesday, 29 July to Sunday, 2 August 2020. Guests of Honour are the authors Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon, New Zealand artist Greg Broadmore, and fandom star Rose Mitchell. George R.R. Martin, a longtime friend of Worldcon, will be Toastmaster.

New Zealand is the second southern hemisphere country ever to host a Worldcon, following Australia, where four Worldcons have taken place in Melbourne. New Zealand’s own National Science Fiction Convention has been running since 1979, and the country has attracted significant fan tourism since the release of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, which were filmed and produced in New Zealand.

“We’re excited to be able to bring one of the world’s most important science fiction conventions to New Zealand fans, and bring the international science fiction community to Middle Earth,” said CoNZealand Co-Chairs Norman Cates and Kelly Buehler.

Dublin 2019 sold out, with more than 5,800 members attending and more than 7,380 memberships sold in total including supporters. In addition, more than 500 day passes were sold.

“It has been a thrill to welcome fans to Ireland and I want to thank everyone who contributed to the experience,” said Dublin 2019 chairman James Bacon. “That includes programme participants, volunteers, and all the members, as well as venue staff. We wish CoNZealand every success with New Zealand’s debut Worldcon.”

The press list from Dublin 2019 will not be passed to CoNZealand because of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation.

Press who wish to receive news from CoNZealand can email press@conzealand.nz.

CoNZealand attending membership fees to increase in October 2019

Kate RichardsNews, Past Issues, Press Release

CoNZealand has announced that the cost of Adult Attending Memberships will increase from NZ$400 to NZ$425, as at 11:59PM (NZT), 4:59AM, 7:59AM (EDT), 12:59PM (GMT) October 1, 2019.

The costs of other types of memberships will remain the same:

  • Young Adult Attending (born in or after 2000) will remain at NZ$250
  • Unwaged Attending (NZ Residents only) will remain at NZ$225
  • Child Attending (born in or after 2005) will remain at NZ$105
  • Kid in Tow (born in or after 2015) will remain free of cost
  • Supporting Membership rate will remain at NZ$75

CoNZealand Co-chairs, Norman Cates and Kelly Buehler, said, “We’re thrilled to host one of the world’s most prestigious science fiction conventions and the legendary Hugo Awards, here in Aotearoa.

“We expect more than 2000 people to attend from all over the world, making it one of the largest conventions ever held in Wellington.”

CoNZealand (and all WorldCons) is different from other large conventions in that it is not-for-profit and run entirely by volunteers. The convention has a strong focus on participation and sharing of knowledge.

There are no tickets or gate-sales for CoNZealand. Everyone taking part — fans, authors, publishers, artists, dealers, panellists, and everyone else — buys a membership.

Attending memberships provide access to all five days of CoNZealand, and many events that will take place over that time, including the Masquerade and the Hugo Awards ceremony, as well as panels, talks and workshops.

All members can nominate and vote in the 2020 Hugos, nominate works for the 2021 Hugos, and vote on the site selection of the 2022 WorldCon.

Full information is available here.

Memberships are available for immediate purchase from the same link.

“We also have an instalment plan that allows you to pay your membership fee over time. The price is locked based on when you first purchase or upgrade your membership type. So registering before the increase means you can take advantage of the cheaper price, even if you pay in instalments.

“With a myriad of programme items to choose from, you wouldn’t want to miss it for the world!” Cates and Buehler said.

ENDS.

New entrance requirements for New Zealand from 1 October

Kate RichardsKnown Issues, News

Entrance requirements to New Zealand (NZ) are changing on 1 October 2019. Please read these instructions carefully, even if you have travelled to NZ before.

The key change is that New Zealand is introducing a pre-travel electronic authorisation process, called an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). This authorisation must be obtained in advance of travel, and will apply to many citizens of countries included in the Visa Waiver programme, including the United States of America, the UK and most European countries (full list here).

Once an NZeTA has been obtained, most citizens of Visa Waiver programme countries will be able to travel to NZ as a tourist without a visa for up to 9 months in an 18-month period if they meet certain requirements.

Points to note:

  • Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA.
  • Allow up to 72 hours for processing, although it could take as little as 10 minutes.
  • You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL costs NZD $35 and is paid at the same time as the NZeTA.
  • From 1 October 2019, even if you are from a visa waiver country, you must hold an NZeTA before you travel.
  • A NZeTA request costs NZD $9 on the free app, or NZD $12 if completed online.
  • Check that your passport will not expire within 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.

For more information about the NZ Electronic Travel Authority, visit the NZ Immigration website.

CoNZealand to host the 41st NZ national science fiction convention

Kate RichardsPast Issues, Press Release1 Comment on %s

Media Release 3
Date: June 12, 2019
CoNZealand, the 78th World Science Fiction Convention, Wellington, New Zealand
July 29 – August 2, 2020
Contact: press@conzealand.nz

CoNZealand, the 78th World Science Fiction Convention, being held in Wellington from 29 July – 2 August 2020, is pleased to announce it will also host the 41st New Zealand national science fiction convention (natcon), including the Sir Julius Vogel (SJV) Awards.

Co-chair of CoNZealand Norman Cates said this is a fantastic opportunity to jointly celebrate local and international science fiction: “By hosting the natcon alongside CoNZealand, we can showcase work by New Zealanders not just to our local members, but also to the wider international fannish community.”

CoNZealand is committed to hosting the SJV Awards, which recognise excellence in science fiction, fantasy, or horror works created by New Zealanders and New Zealand residents. All SJV finalists will be able to attend the SJV Award Ceremony at no cost, regardless of whether they are members of CoNZealand.

The main difference for the SJV Awards is that voting will take place before CoNZealand, due to practicalities of administration.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand’s (SFFANZ) annual general meeting, the SFFANZ business session and the bidding session for future national NZ conventions will also be held at CoNZealand. All SFFANZ members will be able to attend these SFFANZ events at no cost.

Mr Cates said, “We acknowledge that attending CoNZealand is more expensive than attending a regular natcon. We are therefore committed to ensuring the important natcon events are accessible to all those who wish to attend.”

“We’re happy to be able to offer SFFANZ members and the New Zealand fan community an opportunity to attend events that are regular fixtures at our natcons,” said Mr Cates.

The vote for hosting rights occurred at Geysercon, the 40th NZ natcon, held at Queen’s Birthday Weekend in Rotorua. CoNZealand was the only bidder. Before the vote, a number of sessions were held over the weekend to discuss how CoNZealand might meet its responsibilities should it be selected.

For more information, see www.conzealand.nz.

[ENDS]

Press Release: CoNZealand attending membership fees to increase in June

Norman CatesKnown Issues, Press Release1 Comment on %s

Media Release 2

Date: May 20, 2019

CoNZealand, the 78th World Science Fiction Convention, Wellington, New Zealand

July 29 – August 2, 2020

press@conzealand.nz

CoNZealand has announced the following changes in attending membership prices to take effect after 11:59PM (NZT), 4:59AM,  7:59AM (EDT), 12:59PM (GMT) 16th June, 2019:

  • Adult Attending Membership rate will increase from NZ$370 to NZ$400
  • Young Adult Attending (born in or after 2000) will increase from NZ$225 to NZ$250
  • Unwaged Attending (NZ Residents only) will remain at NZ$225
  • Child Attending (born in or after 2005) will remain at NZ$105
  • Kid in Tow (born in or after 2015) rate will remain free of cost
  • Supporting Membership rate will remain at NZ$75

We currently have an installment plan that allows you to pay your membership fee over time. The price is locked based on when you first purchase or upgrade your membership type. So we encourage you to take out a membership before the price increase takes effect.

All classes of CoNZealand membership are available for immediate purchase through the website at https://conzealand.nz. Full information on membership classes and terms can be found at https://conzealand.nz/registrations/

CoNZealand Co-chairs, Norman Cates and Kelly Buehler, said, “We are delighted to be able to host the Worldcon in our home city of Wellington, New Zealand. Joining the Worldcon gives science fiction fans access to every part of this unique event, including a choice of hundreds of programme items, attending the Hugo Award Ceremony, attending the Masquerade, exploring the Art Show or adding to your collection in our Dealers’ Room. Joining now offers you the cheapest rate for attending the event and we can plan more precisely, with better knowledge of our income. It’s a win-win!” ENDS

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The World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) is a five-day event that has been held annually since 1939 (apart from a four-year break during the Second World War). CoNZealand is the Worldcon’s first visit to Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information, see www.conzealand.nz

“World Science Fiction Society”, “WSFS”, “World Science Fiction Convention”, “Worldcon”, “NASFiC” “Hugo Award”, the Hugo Award Logo, and the distinctive design of the Hugo Award Trophy Rocket are service marks of the World Science Fiction Society, an unincorporated literary society.