Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand

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Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
20th retina international
                 world congress 2018
              Auckland, New zealand

Auckland
in sight
Hosted by
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
Executive
summary
Auckland has so
much to offer as your
host city – world-
class infrastructure,
outstanding venues
and accommodation,
warm hospitality
and an unbeatable
combination of big city
style and breathtaking
natural beauty.
Your conference hosts, Retina
New Zealand and the University of
Auckland, will provide an exciting
and accessible programme of
emerging scientific and medical
knowledge and patient engagement.
Delegates will benefit from this
unique collaboration between
a first-rate patient organisation
and one of the largest ophthalmic
research institutions in the Southern
Hemisphere.
Beyond the programme, experience
the incredible diversity of activities
and adventures in Auckland and
throughout New Zealand, from
sailing and dolphin spotting to
superb shopping, dining and wine.
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
Contents

Executive summary                          2     Your conference host                       19
                                                 Retina NZ                                  20
Letters of support                         4     University of Auckland
                                                 Ophthalmology Department                   20
University of Auckland
Ophthalmology Department                   4     Local organising committee                 22
The Royal Australian and New Zealand             Benefits of hosting Retina International
College of Ophthalmologists                5     World Congress in New Zealand              24
Blind Foundation                           6     Conference organisation                    26
Retina Australia                           7     Venues for social events                   27
Mayor of Auckland                          8     Sponsorship plan                           29
Minister of Health                         9
Conference support                         11    Venue and accommodation                    31
                                                 Proposed venue: Owen G. Glenn Building 33
Destination Auckland                      13     Accommodation in Auckland                  34
Aotearoa, New Zealand                     14
The Pacific meeting place                 16     Beyond the official programme              39
Auckland – right on your doorstep         17     Experience Auckland                        41
                                                 Beyond the programme                       42
                                                 Useful information                         47

                                       With support from
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
4 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

Letter of
support
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
Letters of support | 5

Letter of
support
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
6 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

Letter of
support

                           22nd April 2014

                           General Assembly 2014
                           Retina International
                           Ausstellungsstrasse 36
                           CH-8005 Zürich
                           Switzerland

                           Dear Governing Members

                           It is with great pleasure that I write to you on behalf of the Blind Foundation of New
                           Zealand to support Retina NZ in their bid to hold the 2018 Retina International World
                           Congress.

                           We see this as a great opportunity to strengthen ties, to form partnerships and help
                           educate people with retinal degenerative dystrophies, their family members and
                           friends. As well it is a great opportunity for scientists and ophthalmologists to share
                           their knowledge about the disease and progress of research with a view to find a
                           cure to these conditions. Furthermore the conference would help to build up mutual
                           support of affected persons and strengthen the relationships between affected
                           persons and scientists.

                           We hope that you will consider Retina NZ application as it would be an honour to
                           show case our country to the rest of the world as we are aware it has not been held
                           in our region for over 30 years.

                           Yours sincerely

                           Sandra Budd
                           Chief Executive
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
Letters of support | 7

Letter of
support

                                                        RETINA AUSTRALIA
                                                                                           Member of Retina International
                                                                           Associate Member of AMD Alliance International
            ACN 059 846 829
            Patron: Ian Healy                                                              49 Brentwick Drive
                                                                                           Greensborough VIC 3088
            Mr Fraser Alexander
            President
            Retina New Zealand Inc.

            RE: Bid for 2018 Retinal International Congress

            Dear Fraser,
            Retina Australia was pleased to learn that Retina New Zealand is in the process of
            preparing an application to Retina International seeking agreement by that body that its
            2018 Congress, and related activities, be held in Auckland - possibly mid to late
            February, 2018.

            I am pleased to advise that Retina Australian Directors were advised of the RNZ proposal
            at a recent meeting of the Board. During the discussion thereon it was agreed that Retina
            Australia supports the concept and would do all it can to encourage Australian
            researchers and Retina Australia members across all States and Territories of Australia
            to attend in an effort to ensure that the venture is successful.

            If the application to Retina International is successful, and once more details are known,
            Retina Australian undertakes to promote the Congress to and through its contacts with
            Australian researchers and research organisations as well as to RA members through its
            respective State bodies.

            Retina Australia believes that this bid from Retina New Zealand to host the 2018 Retina
            International Congress brings about significant opportunities for Australian and New
            Zealand researchers to share their work and to learn from researchers worldwide. This
            event would also assist the members of the New Zealand and Australian communities to
            receive first-hand knowledge of the most recent research information surrounding
            inherited retinal disease.

            We wish you all the best in your endeavour.

            Yours sincerely

            Graeme Banks
            President
            14 April 2014
             _______________________________________________________________________________________
             TELEPHONE:                  EMAIL:                              WEBSITE:
             1800 999 870                admin1@retinaaustralia.com.au       www.retinaaustralia.com.au
             _______________________________________________________________________________________

               Promoting the development of treatments and cures for Retinitis Pigmentosa and other retinal diseases.
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
8 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

Letter of
support
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
Letters of support | 9

Letter of
support
Auckland in sight - 20th retina international world congress 2018 auckland, new zealand
Letter of
support

Ferry Building,
Auckland CBD
Letters of support | 11

Conference support
Auckland Convention Bureau                                       Tourism New Zealand
Auckland Convention Bureau is part of ATEED (Auckland            Tourism New Zealand will help to make your next conference
Tourism, Events and Economic Development) – Auckland’s           a unique, fresh and unforgettable experience in New
economic growth agency and an Auckland Council-                  Zealand. We’ve proudly earned a reputation as exceptional
controlled organisation. One of ATEED’s responsibilities         hosts with world-class facilities. Matched by the spectacular
is to support and enhance Auckland’s ability to compete          scenery and diversity around every corner, any visit to New
internationally.                                                 Zealand leaves a life-long impression. The ‘can do’ attitude
                                                                 of our people gets things done too, which means your
Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) is here to help you create
                                                                 event here is easy to arrange and will be a smooth-running
an unforgettable event from start to finish, with information,
                                                                 success.
assistance and recommendations for everything from
venues and local suppliers to transport and promotion. ACB
                                                                 Tourism New Zealand is proud to provide government
is responsible for marketing Auckland as a destination for
                                                                 support to the bid through
conventions, meetings and all business events and offers
planners a wide range of support.                                • Funding of a full financial feasibility study to ensure the
                                                                   event is a financial success.
Conference support                                               • Financial assistance to local organising committee.
                                                                 • Marketing assistance help boost delegate numbers and
• We offer free, impartial advice on venues,
                                                                   attract the best international speakers.
  accommodation, activities and service providers to best
                                                                 • Full access to our image library and promotional DVDs
  suit your conference requirements.
                                                                   for use on your website, ensuring a professional and
• We facilitate site inspections to familiarise you with the
                                                                   informative tool for your delegates.
  infrastructure Auckland has to offer.
                                                                 • Local knowledge for pre and post touring ideas across
• We supply marketing materials such as brochures,
                                                                   New Zealand.
  imagery and DVDs to help drive delegate numbers.
• We provide online access to professional photographs for
  use in conference marketing materials.
• Link your conference website to aucklandnz.com and let
  your delegates explore what’s on offer in Auckland.
• We provide an onsite activities and information desk
  for delegates. We can set up a free mobile i-SITE visitor
  centre desk onsite so that delegates can discover and
  book things to do and places to go during and after the
  conference.
Mt Eden,
Maungawhau
Destination
 Auckland
Muriwai beach,
                                         West Auckland

       No reira, nau mai
     haere mai ki Aotearoa
We look forward to welcoming you to Aotearoa,
       the land of the long white cloud
Destination Auckland | 15

Aotearoa, New Zealand
The last major land mass in the world to be discovered and occupied,
ours is a young country of awesome beauty.
From majestic fiords and alps in the         Beautiful sub-tropical beaches are to          Zealand produces an extraordinary
South Island to the native forests and       be found everywhere—even within 10             number of achievers in many areas.
sandy bays of the north, New Zealand is      minutes of downtown Auckland.
                                                                                            There is a rich indigenous Māori culture
full of stunning landscapes, unique flora
                                             New Zealand offers a modern and                entwined with many cultures from
and fauna and unspoiled countryside.
                                             sophisticated urban lifestyle combined         around the world. New Zealanders are
The overwhelming impression of the
                                             with a natural and unspoiled rural             friendly, independent, free-spirited and
land is pure and green, with fresh air
                                             heritage that sets it apart from the rest      welcoming. There is nothing we enjoy
and clean waters.
                                             of the world. We have a stable political       more than showing overseas visitors
Cities and towns are spaced the length       environment and have led the world in          ‘our place’ in the South Pacific.
of the country, with miles of green fields   many areas of social policy, scientific
interspersed with forests of native trees    achievements and sporting triumphs.
and bush or commercial forests of pine.      For a nation of 4.5 million people, New

AOTEAroa,
New Zealand

                                                                                                           Auckland

                                                                                         North Island

                                                                      South Island
The hongi is
                                                                                                      a traditional
                                                                                                    Māori welcome

The Pacific                 Auckland’s first-rate conference venues,
                            accommodation and infrastructure
                                                                        Auckland such an exciting diversity of
                                                                        cuisine, art, music, cultural experiences

meeting place
                            are complemented by world-class             and events for you to experience any
                            shopping, superb food and wine, and         time of year.
                            buzzing waterfront precincts. And right
                                                                        Auckland is New Zealand’s largest
                            on the doorstep are endless adventures
                                                                        city, with a population of nearly 1.5
                            for your group, from island retreats and
With an unbeatable          wine tours to skydiving and sailing. The
                                                                        million, and is home to one in three
                                                                        New Zealanders. It is also the country’s
combination of big city     modern city centre is surrounded by
                                                                        biggest urban centre, its financial and
                            sparkling harbours, native rainforest,
style and a stunning        beautiful beaches and scenic wine
                                                                        economic powerhouse, and the gateway
                                                                        to New Zealand.
natural setting, Auckland   regions, offering a huge range of
                            activities.
has everything you          With strong Māori and European roots,
need to make your next      Auckland is also the largest Polynesian
business event one to be    city in the world, and a true melting pot
                            of cultures from around the globe. This
remembered.                 cosmopolitan character is what gives
Destination Auckland | 17

Auckland – right on
your doorstep

     prox TIME
   Ap

     23                                                                                                                            Ap
                                                                                                                                     prox TIME
      HRS
                                                                                                                                     11
                                                                                                                                      HRS
                                                 prox TIME
      Europe                                   Ap                                                                      Vancouver
                           Ap
                             prox TIME
                                                 10                                                                                                           New York
            Istanbul         18                  HRS         Beijing          Seoul   Tokyo                                        San Francisco
                                HRS
                                                                                                                                    Los Angeles
                                                   Shanghai
                                Dubai           Hong Kong                                                   Honolulu
                                                                                              Ap
                                                                                                prox TIME                                        Mexico
                                                               Bangkok                           4
                                                                                                 HRS
                                         Kuala Lumpur
                                            Singapore                                                                                                           prox TIME
                                                                                                                                                              Ap

                       Dar es Salaam                                   Ap
                                                                         prox TIME             Fiji                                                             10
                                                                          3
                                                                          HRS
                                                                                                                                                                 HRS

                                                             Perth                                                                                            Santiago
                 Johannesburg                                        Adelaide    Sydney
                                                                       Melbourne

                                                                                          18
            70%
                                                                                International airlines
                                                                                fly direct to Auckland

   Auckland Airport
handles over 70% of all
                                                                                 from 32 destinations
                                                                                   around the world                                20km
                                                                                                                                   The central business
 international arrivals
                                                                                                                                   district is just 20km

                                                                              1 20+
   into New Zealand
                                                                                                                                    (40 minutes) from
                                                                                                                                     Auckland Airport

            336+
Weekly flights connecting
                                                                                International arrivals
                                                                                      every day
                                                                                                                                                 #2
 Auckland to the world                                                                                                             Airport in Australasia
*Flight figures correct as at January 2014
                                                                                                                                       after Sydney
The Owen
G. Glenn
Building at the
University of
Auckland
Your
conference hosts
     Retina New Zealand
 The University of Auckland’s
Department of Ophthalmology
20 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

                                                     Your conference hosts
                                                     Retina New Zealand                        sight impaired people the resources
                                                     Retina New Zealand Inc (Retina NZ)        and opportunities they need to
                                                     is a charity that supports people with    improve their quality of life.
                                                     retinal disorders leading to sight-loss
                                                     or blindness.                             The University of Auckland’s
                                                     Run by volunteers, the society helps      Department of
                                                     people with retinal disorders and         Ophthalmology
                                                     their families, and promotes the need     Auckland University’s Department
                                                     for research into retinal disorders.      of Ophthalmology has more than
                                                                                               50 staff, including three endowed
                                                     Membership is open to anyone with         professorial Chairs, seven research
                                                     a retinal condition and their family      fellows, five post-doctoral fellows
                                                     and friends, as well as those with a      and 14 PhD/MD students.
                                                     professional interest. Research and
                                                     medical information is distributed        The research undertaken by the
                                                     to members through a newsletter,          department covers the external,
                                                     websites and specific publications.       anterior and posterior parts of
                                                                                               the eye, as well as pharmacology,
                                                     Retina NZ also works closely              genetics and neuro-ophthalmology.
                                                     with social agencies and other
                                                     organisations that offer blind and
Your conference host | 21

 Research specific to the retina includes   National Eye Centre (NZ-NEC), a
the genetics of retinal disease and         collaborative research centre between
ocular pharmacology, including novel        Auckland University’s Department
therapeutics for the treatment of retinal   of Ophthalmology, Department of
diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic         Optometry and Vision Science, and
retinopathy and AMD, ocular trauma          the Molecular Vision Laboratory. The
and stem cells.                             NZ-NEC has over 120 members involved
                                            in eye research.
In addition to this research, the
department established the Buchannan
Ocular Therapeutics Unit in 2013, to        The University of Auckland’s
further enable translation of laboratory    Department of Ophthalmology
science to clinical application.            team
In the last 15 years, the department        The department has been headed by
has received more than $25,000,000 in       Professor Charles McGhee for more than
competitive research funding and has        15 years, and he has built a strong team
published more than 600 peer reviewed       of clinical scientists and scientists. The
research papers and book chapters .         team has developed a world ranked
                                            ophthalmology research facility with a
It maintains close relationships with       focus on translational research, which
Auckland District Health Board, the         attracts international staff who undertake
Fred Hollows Foundation, Retina New         ophthalmology fellowships and PhD’s.
Zealand, Macular Degeneration New
Zealand, and the New Zealand National       Professor McGhee is an internationally
Eye Centre (NZ-NEC). Staff work             recognised expert in corneal disease
collaboratively with ophthalmology          and the treatment modalities for
experts around the world, and               it. He is a scientific referee of 16
are regularly invited to speak at           ophthalmic and visual science
international meetings. They have           journals and is a member of many
received more than 150 invitations from     professional international ophthalmic
overseas and delivered 35 keynote           bodies, including the British Society
lectures in the last 5 years.               for Refractive Surgery; the Journal
                                            of Cataract and Refractive Surgery;
The department has successfully             the Society of German Ophthalmic
hosted and helped to organise               Surgeons; the State Key Laboratory in
conferences for up to 1000 participants.    Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University,
These have included the Royal               China; the Asia Pacific Professors of
Australia and New Zealand College of        Ophthalmology Society; and the NZ
Ophthalmologists’ annual NZ Branch          Ministry of Health’s Health Work Force
meeting and College meeting, the Save       New Zealand Committee.
Sight Society of New Zealand’s Corneal
and Eye Bank Annual conference, and         In 2010 Professor McGhee was one
an open day for the NZ-NEC.                 of ten finalists in the “New Zealander
                                            of the Year” awards, chosen from
In the last five years, Professor           approximately 500 nominations made
Charles McGhee, who has headed the          by the New Zealand public.
department for 15 years, has been the
Scientific Chair or Co-Chair for several    The team also includes Professor Colin
major international conferences. These      Green - a pre-eminent cell biologist
have included APAO/RANZCO Sydney            with significant research translation
(2011) which was attended by more           experience; Professor Helen Danesh-
than 4000 delegates, and APAO Beijing       Meyer - an international expert in neuro-
(2013), attended by more than 11,000        ophthalmology; and Dr Andrea Vincent
delegates. He is symposia organiser         who is recognised in the international
for this year’s World Ophthalmology         ophthalmic community for her research
Congress in Tokyo, which is expecting       into the genetics of eye disease.
over 19,000 delegates.
The Department is also the principle
member of the New Zealand
22 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

Local organising committee
Fraser Alexander                                     Professor Charles McGhee                   Zoë Hill
                                                     Charles McGhee graduated from the
                                                     University of Glasgow with a Bachelor
                                                     of Science in 1981, before completing
                                                     his medical degree at the University of
                                                     Glasgow in 1983. He went on to obtain
                                                     a Fellowship of the Royal College of
                                                     Physicians and Surgeons (FRCS) in
                                                     Ophthalmology in 1988, an FRCOphth
                                                     in 1989, and a PhD in Philosophy from
                                                     the University of Dundee in 1989. He
                                                     was awarded the FRANZCO in 1999,
                                                     and became a Doctor of Science
                                                     by Thesis (DSc) at the University of
                                                     Auckland in 2014.
                                                     Professor McGhee has wide-ranging
                                                     research interests with a focus on
Fraser Alexander has been a member                   clinical or translational research. He     Zoë Hill joined the Retina NZ Executive
of the Retina NZ Executive Committee                 is a leading expert in Corneal Disease     Committee in 2013 and is the editor of
since 1998, has been president of                    and the treatment modalities for it. He    the committee’s quarterly newsletter.
Retina NZ since 2007 and has served on               has received more than $16,200,000         She has a Bachelor’s degree in English
the Retina International Management                  in research funding and has published      Literary Theory and German from the
Committee since 2006. Fraser holds                   more than 250 full paper and chapter       University of Canterbury, and has a
a BSc in Pharmacology and Chemistry                  publications, including three textbooks.   passion for web accessibility standards,
from the University of Auckland and a                He has been invited to give more than      especially for the sight impaired. Zoë
Masters Degree in Business from the                  100 lectures to learned societies, and     keeps a close watch on emerging
Auckland University of Technology.                   has provided more than 100                 technologies, scientific breakthroughs
His current role involves working                    free papers.                               and the arts and culture world to bring
with people who have included the                                                               the latest news to Retina NZ members.
University of Auckland in their will, by                                                        Zoe has Retinitis Pigmentosa and works
helping to form mutually-beneficial                                                             full time with museum and art gallery
relationships between the bequestor                                                             databases; focusing on design, testing
and the University.                                                                             and documentation. She also trains
Your conference host | 23

museum and gallery staff and has        1993. He obtained his DSc in 1997          administrative support to the Head
organised workshops and large scale     and a Personal Chair in Anatomy            of Department of Ophthalmology
meetings in Australia, the UK and NZ.   with Radiology at The University of        and senior academic staff at the
                                        Auckland in 2004. In 2005 he became        University of Auckland. She has a
Dr Andrea Vincent MBChB,                the inaugural W & B Hadden Chair of        Bachelor of Commerce degree and has
FRANZCO                                 Ophthalmology and Translational Vision     been working in the ophthalmology
                                        Research. He has published over 140        department since 2004. She has been
Dr Vincent is a Consultant
                                        research articles with two papers in       involved in coordinating and organising
Ophthalmologist at Greenlane Eye
                                        Nature and one in Science. In 2004 he      national and international scientific
Clinic, and a Senior Lecturer in the
                                        co-founded CoDaTherapeutics (NZ)           conferences and research seminars.
Department of Ophthalmology at
                                        Ltd where he remains Chairman. In
the University of Auckland. She
has established an Ocular Genetic
                                        2006 he went on to co-found CoDa           Sue Raynel
                                        Therapeutics, Inc. San Diego, where he     Sue Raynel is currently the department’s
laboratory facility with research
                                        was on the board of directors until July   Research and Development Manager,
underway into the genetics of retinal
                                        2012. During his time on the board the     and manager of NZ-NEC. She holds a
and corneal dystrophies, keratoconus,
                                        company raised $60 Million to translate    nursing qualification as well as an MA.
glaucoma and lid abnormalities.
                                        Colin’s gap junction channel modulation    She has more than 20 years’ experience
Dr Vincent is involved in teaching
                                        work into clinical application. Colin’s    in ophthalmic practice, encompassing
Optometry Undergraduates for the
                                        focus is on gap junction channel           a wide range of roles in the hospital
Ocular Therapeutics course, is an
                                        modulation for the treatment of chronic    setting prior to taking up her current
examiner for the Royal Australia
                                        and inflammatory disease conditions        position at the University. Sue has
and New Zealand College of
                                        in the eye and central nervous system,     been involved in the organisation of
Ophthalmologists, Section Editor
                                        and the development of a new approach      several large nursing conferences in
for Clinical and Experimental
                                        to cancer therapy. Colin has over 100      conjunction with the RANZCO meetings.
Ophthalmology and on the Board of
                                        patients.
the Ophthalmic Research Institute of
Australia.
                                        Hutokshi Chinoy
Professor Colin R Green                 Hutokshi Chinoy is the Chief
                                        Administrator of the New Zealand
Cell biologist Colin Green obtained
                                        National Eye Centre, which
his PhD at the University of Auckland
                                        encompasses more than 120
in 1980, then worked for 12 years in
                                        ophthalmologists, vision scientists,
England, France and the United States
                                        optometrists and research staff.
before returning to New Zealand in
                                        She also provides secretarial and
24 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

Benefits of hosting Retina
International in New Zealand
Increasing awareness of Retina International in the Asia-Pacific region
Retina New Zealand is located in the                 disease, cell to cell communication,           professionals will become more
fast-growing Asia-Pacific region. It has a           retinal detachments and therapeutics           aware and educated in retina issues
25-year track record of achievements as              for AMD.                                       through local lectures.
a small patient-focussed organisation,                                                          •   Awareness of retina issues and topics
                                                     The Department has six clinical
giving it the experience and foundations                                                            will increase across all of Australasia.
                                                     research fellows, two in surgical/
necessary to host the 2018 Retina                                                               •   Persons affected by retinal
                                                     vitro-retina and medical retina, who
International world Congress.                                                                       degenerative dystrophies, their family
                                                     are undertaking a number of projects,
                                                                                                    and friends will have the opportunity
The last Retina International World                  including the current ‘Auckland
                                                                                                    to learn and discuss topics.
Congress held in the Asia-Pacific region             Aflibercept in Wet AMD study’.
                                                                                                •   Scientists and ophthalmologists will
was in Melbourne, Australia, in 1988.
                                                     Higher degrees completed in the                learn more about the disease and
Retina New Zealand believes the 30 year
                                                     last three years include a PhD                 about the progress of research that
interval between Australasian venues
                                                     entitled ‘Anatomical and Functional            aims to find a cure.
will encourage delegates to attend the
                                                     Characterisation of the Normal and         •   Support for affected persons will
Congress in Auckland. Retina NZ’s long-
                                                     Detached Human Retina’, and two MD             strengthen, as will the relationships
standing full member status of Retina
                                                     theses completed in 2014 under the title       between affected persons and
International, and its securing of a high-
                                                     ‘Genetic Pathologies in Mitochondrial          scientists.
achieving ophthalmology department
                                                     Ocular Disease, Their Clinical Diagnosis   •   Industry, government, and health
as co-host will also encourage
                                                     and Implications’.                             organisations will receive current and up
international and regional delegates to
                                                                                                    to date information on local and global
attend.                                              The department provides teaching               issues.
                                                     for medical students, optometry            •   The Congress will provide a positive
Delegates will experience world-class
                                                     students and nurses. There are                 learning environment for the
scientific and clinical presentations,
                                                     also opportunities for aspiring                exchange of ideas.
Auckland’s warm hospitality and world-
                                                     researchers to undertake ten-week
class attractions, while having access to
                                                     summer research studentships. These
high-quality conference services.
                                                     studentships are offered annually, and
                                                     recent retinal topics have included
The benefits to                                      ‘Characterising the genetic basis for
international delegates                              inherited retinal disease in a Maori and
The University of Auckland’s                         Polynesian population’, and ‘Correlation
Department of Ophthalmology                          of Clinical and Genetic Findings in
is one of the largest ophthalmic                     New Zealand patients with Stargardt
research institutions in the Southern                Disease’.
Hemisphere, and international
delegates will benefit from the                      The expected local benefits
department’s substantial expertise. The              There are many expected benefits
department is the founding member of                 for local and national ophthalmology
the New Zealand National Eye Centre                  practitioners and patients, and for
(NZ-NEC). It has more than 50 staff and              Auckland’s reputation as a centre of
the NZ-NEC has over 120 staff. There                 excellence for ophthalmology. These
are also 55 honorary staff across the                include:
department and the NZ-NEC.
                                                     • New Zealand patients, practitioners
Retinal research is undertaken by a                    and scientists at all levels will, for
number of staff in the department,                     the first time, have an opportunity to
including Professor Colin Green,                       attend an international conference.
Associate Professor Philip Polkinghorne,             • International retina expertise will be
Dr Andrea Vincent and Dr Ilva                          brought to New Zealand, allowing NZ
Rupenthal. Research projects cover a                   academics to meet and discuss retina
wide range of interests from genetics,                 topics with international guests.
the registry for inherited retinal                   • The local public and medical
26 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

Conference organisation
Proposed dates                                       Proposed programme 2018
9 - 11 February 2018
It is proposed that the Congress is held
from 9 - 11 February 2018, to maximize               Date                Time            Event
attendance and to ensure full access to              Wednesday 7         9am - 5pm       Retina International
all university facilities during the summer                                              Management Committee
break. February would provide warm
weather and great opportunities for                                      6pm - 8pm       Welcome cocktails
delegates to enjoy New Zealand’s world
renowned natural environment.                        Thursday 8          9am - 6pm       Retina International General
Auckland’s temperatures range between                                                    Assembly
24C and 27C in February.
                                                     Friday 9            9am - 5pm       Continuous Education
                                                                                         Programme
Suggested fees
Retina New Zealand and the Department                                    7pm             Speaker’s Dinner
of Ophthalmology are committed to
doing everything possible to maximise                Saturday 10         9am - 5.30pm    20th Retina International
access to the conference programme                                                       World Congress - Day 1
for patients and their families, as well
as important stakeholders in blindness,                                  7.30pm - 12am   Gala Dinner
disability, medical, scientific adaptive             Sunday 11           9am - 4.30pm    20th Retina International
technology and other groups. To this end
                                                                                         World Congress - Day 2
the registration fees will be set to balance
maximum accessibility with financial
feasibility. Registration fees will be set           Monday 12           9am - 4pm       Meeting of the incoming Retina
according to current Retina International                                                International Management
World Conference fees and with approval                                                  Committee
from Retina International.
Your conference host | 27

Venues for social events
Auckland offers many options for the welcome ceremony, speaker’s dinner and
gala dinner. We have profiled three venues that are within walking distance of the
conference venue.

                                                                 The Fale Pasifika -
                                                                 The University of Auckland
                                                                 Located next to the
                                                                 OGGB, the Fale Pasifika
                                                                 is an iconic building on
                                                                 the university campus
                                                                 and plays an important
                                                                 role as the touch point
                                                                 between the university
                                                                 and Pacific communities.
                                                                 Opened in October 2004,
                                                                 the Fale Pasifika is a
                                                                 traditional Pacific Island
                                                                 meeting house. It is the
                                                                 second-largest in the
                                                                 Southern Hemisphere and
                                                                 stands 12 metres high.
                                                                 The timber framework is
                                                                 made from New Zealand
                                                                 radiata pine, some of
                                                                 which was laminated to
                                                                 produce the traditional
                                                                 roof. Both traditional and
                                                                 contemporary Pacific
                                                                 artworks feature in the
                                                                 interior. It is an ideal
                                                                 place for hosting cocktail
                                                                 functions and seated
                                                                 dinners. Prepare to be
                                                                 immersed in Pacific culture.
Auckland Museum
The copper dome on
the roof of Auckland
Museum has 360 views
over Auckland, making it
a truly spectacular venue.
Guests can make the most
of everything the Museum
has to offer with a private
tour of the galleries or
a performance from the
Museum’s resident Maori
cultural group.

The Pullman Hotel –
Top of the Town
Located on the top floor of
the main tower, Top of the
Town offers unsurpassed
views of Auckland’s
harbour, city and parks.
This venue is ideal for
luxury functions such as
welcome receptions and
speaker dinners, holding a
maximum of 140 people.
The chic, newly refurbished
décor and unique outlook
are guaranteed to impress.
Your conference host | 29

Sponsorship plan
The local organising committee aims to work closely with Retina International
to develop local and international sponsorship plans.
The local organising committee            • Blindness charities (MDNZ, Save        $25,000 by July 2015, in order to reach
has made initial approaches to              Sight Society, vision 2020 NZ, Sight   a minimum target of $75,000 on 30
potential local sponsors, but would         Loss Services, PVI NZ).                June 2017.
prefer to wait for the outcome of the     • Disability organisations (Be.
                                                                                   Given the strong local support,
selection process for the 2018 Retina       Institute, Barrier Free NZ Trust,
                                                                                   the local organising committee is
International World Congress before         Disabled Persons Assembly, NZORD).
                                                                                   confident it will raise sufficient local
fully engaging with potential sponsors.   • Philanthropists and individual
                                                                                   sponsorship to successfully host
                                            supporters (trusts and foundations,
It is anticipated that some financial                                              the 2018 Retina International World
                                            the Retina NZ friends and networks,
support will be given by both                                                      Congress.
                                            ophthalmology clinics, media-
host organisations, and the Blind
                                            generated support).
Foundation has responded positively
                                          • Associated corporate
to our preliminary request of financial
                                            organisations (adaptive technology
support.
                                            suppliers, optometry suppliers,
                                            pharmaceutical companies, cause-
The following organisations will            related marketing opportunities).
also be approached:
                                          The organising committee will
• Professional organisations in eye
                                          commence the fundraising campaign
  care (RANZCO, NZAO, RNZCGP,
                                          in July 2014 with a view to raising
  ONNZ).
Give
                    take
                                                 Experience
                                    Auckland’s incredible
                                         diversity. Find the
                                       city’s hot spots and

your taste buds
                                            discover hidden
                                             gems. Immerse
                                        yourself in our rich

         a treat
                                          Māori and Pacific
                                           culture and take
                                          a journey into the
                                         past. Step into the

                   in the culture     future, with modern
                                        convention centres
                                           and world-class
                                        infrastructure. Our
                                           accommodation
                                             and venues are
                                           just as varied as
                                        our activities, from
                                       luxury 5-star hotels
                                     to boutique lodges –
                                    many offering venues
                                                     on site.
Venue and
accommodation
32 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018
Venues and Accommodation | 33

Proposed venue:
The Owen G. Glenn Building
Opened in 2008, the Owen G. Glenn Building (OGGB)
at the University of Auckland is one of the city’s most
architecturally striking buildings.
Situated in the heart of the city         Lecture theatre technology
campus, the OGGB is just minutes          The OGGB lecture theatres are
from downtown Auckland and has a          equipped with the following:
myriad of café and accommodation
providers at its doorstep. Equipped       •   Dual screens
with the latest digital technology and    •   Dual projectors
teaching facilities, the OGGB also        •   Lecture computer
offers sweeping views of the Auckland     •   Guest input
Domain and Rangitoto Island, making it    •   RCA connections for VHS, DVD,
a unique location for learning.               and audio
                                          •   DOC camera
Building facilities                       •   VHS/DVD player
The OGGB offers a range of purpose-       •   Touch AMX controller system for
built teaching facilities ideal for the       control of MIC lights and data
conference plenary and sessions:              projectors
                                          •   Lapel microphone
•   Two 569-seat lecture theatres         •   Lecture microphone
•   Two 290-seat lecture theatres
•   One 142-seat lecture theatre          The case rooms have a similar set-up,
•   Four 70-seat case rooms               with a single screen and single data
•   16 seminar/meeting rooms of various   projector.
    sizes up to a maximum of 50 seats

Owen G. GlenN building
Level 1, Level 2
34 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

                         Accommodation in Auckland
                         With over 6,000 rooms available  from five-star                                                                                                                                                                                         Key

                         international hotels to budget-friendly backpackers                                                                                                                                                                                            Conference venue

                         Auckland has options to suit everyone.                                                                                                                                                                                                          5 star hotel
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         4+ star hotel
                         The following is just a small selection of key hotels within close walking distance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         4 star hotel
                         to the proposed conference venue.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         3+ hotel
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         4+ star backpacker
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Halls of Residence

                         Auckland central                                                                                                                                                                                                                         See table on the following page
n                        business district                                                                                                                                                                                                                        for individual hotel details.
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Venue and accommodation | 35

Retina International world congress 2018 room rates
The table below provides an overview of room rates sourced for Retina International World Congress 2018.

                                                             Walking time Number
                                            Qualmark         to venue     of rooms/                                        Room rate commissionable
      Hotel                                 star rating      (minutes)    allocation          Room type                             and including gst

                                                                                                                                       NZD            USD
  1   Hilton Auckland                       5                25                60             Hilton Guest Room                         299             257

                                                                               71             Deluxe Harbour View                       364             313
  2   Pullman Auckland                      5                5                 100            Superior King Rooms                       280             241
  3   SKYCITY Grand Hotel                   5                15                150            Luxury Rooms                              279            240
  4   Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour 5                     25                20             Superior/Deluxe Rooms                     385             331
  5   Stamford Hotel Auckland               5                15                200            Superior                                  350             301
  6   The Langham, Auckland                 5                10                150            Classic Room                              280             241

                                                                               100            Executive Room                            330            284
  7   Crowne Plaza                          4+               15                100            Superior Room                             325            280
  8   CityLife Auckland                     4                15                20             Superior Room                             235            202

                                                                               20             Deluxe Suite                              260            224
  9   Heritage Auckland                     4+               15                20             Superior Room                             235            202

                                                                               10             Deluxe Suite                              260            224
 10 Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland         4+               10                100            Deluxe King/Twin Room                     330            284
 11 Copthorne Hotel Auckland City           4                7                 110            Superior, Double or Twin                  180             155
 12 SKYCITY Hotel                           4                15                150            Premium Rooms                             229             197
 13 Mercure Auckland                        3.5              10                50             Standard Guest Room                       229             197

                                                                               20             Deluxe Guest Room                         259             223
 14 O’Rorke Hall                            Halls of         2                 352            Single Room,                              100              86
                                            Residence                                         Incl. Breakfast
 15 University Hall                         Halls of         2                 400            Single Room,                              100              86
                                            Residence                                         Incl. Breakfast
 16 Nomads Auckland Backpapers              Backpacker 4+ 15                   50             Dorm                                        27             23
                                                                               150            Private                                   130             112
 17 YHA Auckland International              Backpacker 4+ 3                    23             Dorm                                        35             30
                                                                               20             Private                                   102              88

Note Rates are per room, per night and indicative of 2018. Price ranges are due to varying room types. Room allocations can be increased upon confirmation
of the event. Additional accommodation is available in Auckland and can be sourced.
36 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

                                                     andservices unparalleled in Auckland.      designed hotel is a true landmark
Hilton Auckland                                      There is no doubt this hotel can offer     destination. All luxuriously appointed
                                                     a superior experience, with a range of     bedrooms and suites have private
hilton.co.nz                                         lead-in luxury rooms, 17 standard suites   balconies, floor to ceiling windows
                                                     and three grand presidential suites,       and feature oversized bathrooms with
One of New Zealand’s most stylish                    along with a 10-room day spa, fully-       separate rain showers and deep soaking
destinations, Hilton Auckland has a                  equipped gymnasium and 25 metre lap        bathtubs.
unique waterfront location near the                  pool, limousine service, 24-hour room
central business district and the vibrant            service, and four restaurants onsite
Viaduct Harbour precinct. This 165 room              within the hotel (three with award-
hotel has stunning harbour views and                 winning chefs - Peter Gordon, Al Brown     The Langham, Auckland
flexible conference and event spaces.                and Sean Connelly - at the helm).
Guests will enjoy the contemporary                                                              langhamhotels.co.nz
design, effortless functionality and
impeccable business-focused service.                                                            Distinguished among Auckland hotels,
                                                     Stamford Plaza                             this 5-star hotel embodies enchanting
                                                                                                hospitality and elegance in the heart of
                                                     stamford.com.au/spak                       this vibrant city.
                                                                                                The seasoned traveller will appreciate
                                                     Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD,
                                                                                                the variety of rooms and facilities
                                                     the Hotel is only a few minutes walk
                                                                                                The Langham, Auckland has to offer,
                                                     from the popular Viaduct and Wynyard
                                                                                                including a complimentary city shuttle
                                                     quarter areas, high street shopping,
                                                                                                and luxury limousine service.
                                                     and water front.
                                                     All 286 (including 15 suites) air-
                                                     conditioned rooms include satellite TV,
                                                     a minibar and tea and coffee making        Crowne Plaza Auckland
Pullman Auckland                                     facilities.                                crowneplaza.co.nz
pullmanhotels.com                                    Guests can relax in the sauna, or enjoy
                                                     swimming in the heated indoor pool.        Conveniently located in the heart of
                                                     Stamford Plaza Auckland also offers a      Auckland’s central business district,
Pullman Auckland enjoys stunning                                                                above the Atrium on Elliott shopping
                                                     24-hour front desk and dry cleaning.
views of the Auckland harbour’s and                                                             complex, Crowne Plaza Auckland is
parks. The hotel is located just a few                                                          the ideal base for visiting delegates.
minutes’ walk from the city centre and                                                          Featuring 352 spacious, well appointed
within easy access of many Auckland                                                             guest rooms and suites, including
attractions. The hotel offers 270                                                               interconnecting and accessible rooms,
beautifully appointed European style                                                            Crowne Plaza Auckland caters for all
guest rooms and suites in the 14 storey                                                         accommodation requirements.
Pullman Tower, complemented by 70
deluxe rooms, one and two bedroom
apartment style suites and penthouses
in the 17 storey residences. Spa at the                                                         Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Pullman offers six New Zealand themed
treatment rooms, fully equipped gym,                                                            www.millenniumhotels.co.nz
25 metre heated swimming pool,
whirlpool, sauna and steam room - an                                                            This welcoming Auckland city hotel is
ideal offering for those with fitness and                                                       centrally located, within easy walking
                                                     Sofitel Auckland Viaduct                   distance of Queen Street shopping,
relaxation in mind.
                                                     Harbour                                    Auckland’s Central Business District and
                                                                                                Auckland University. Auckland’s Viaduct
                                                     sofitel.com
                                                                                                Basin and Vector Arena are less than 10
SKYCITY Grand Hotel                                  Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is
                                                                                                minutes walk away, and there is easy
                                                                                                motorway access to greater Auckland
skycityauckland.co.nz                                located in the heart of Auckland’s
                                                                                                and northern and southern gateways.
                                                     waterfront, a unique maritime
Discover an oasis of luxury in the                   experience between vibrant Viaduct
vibrant heart of Auckland - indulgent,               Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. Inspired
sophisticated and restful. The Qualmark              by New Zealand’s landscape and culture
rated 5-star, 312 room SKYCITY Grand                 and boasting panoramic views of the
Hotel offers a range of facilities                   Waitemata Harbour, this beautifully
Venue and accommodation | 37

                                                                                       transport quick and convenient. The
Heritage Auckland                           SKYCITY Auckland Hotel                     standard room is a comfortable fully-
                                                                                       furnished single room that is part of a
heritagehotels.co.nz                        skycityauckland.co.nz                      ’pod’ of four to seven rooms that share
                                                                                       a bathroom with a dual vanity, separate
Whether it be for one night or an           One of New Zealand’s most popular          lockable shower and toilet. Each room
extended stay, every guest needs            hotels, the Qualmark rated 4+ star         has broadband access through the
a home away from home. Heritage             SKYCITY Hotel offers 323 recently          Residential Network.
Auckland provides that and much more.       refurbished rooms and a place to
Located within one of the city’s most       relax and unwind with world-class
iconic historical landmark buildings,       entertainment onsite. Adjacent to the
the former Farmers department store,        SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre
it’s an Auckland accommodation              and with direct air-bridge access to
experience without equal.                   the venue, this is the ideal mid-range
                                            conference hotel. Part of the buzzing
The hotel features an indoor swimming
                                            SKYCITY entertainment precinct, there
pool, spa pool, sauna, gym and a floodlit
                                            are over 17 bars, cafés and restaurants
tennis court.
                                            to choose from onsite, along with the
                                            SKYCITY Casino and the iconic Sky
                                            Tower right on the doorstep.

                                                                                       YHA Auckland International
                                            Mercure Auckland
                                                                                       yha.co.nz
                                            mercure.com
                                                                                       The YHA Auckland International is
                                            Mercure Auckland is ideally located in     4-star plus Qualmark rated, staffed 24
                                            the heart of Auckland’s main business,     hours and offers excellent amenities.
                                            shopping and restaurant districts, just    Centrally located, this YHA combines
                                            minutes’ walk to the vibrant Viaduct       the excitement of the city with safe and
                                            Harbour, Vector Arena and ferry            secure accommodation.
Rendezvous Grand Hotel                      terminals, providing easy access to
Auckland                                    Waiheke Island, Devonport, the Hauraki     The hostel can cater to individual
                                            Gulf islands and ferry cruises.            travellers, families and groups and
rendezvoushotels.com                                                                   offers a range of clean and comfortable
                                                                                       rooms from different sized dorm rooms
Located in the very heart of                                                           (male or female only available), to
cosmopolitan Auckland, a stay at            University Hall                            private twin and double en suite rooms.
Rendezvous Grand Hotel places guests
within walking distance of some of          accommodation.auckland.ac.nz
the city’s finest dining, shopping and
entertainment, including Queen Street       Located minutes from the University        Nomads Auckland Backpackers
and the Viaduct Harbour. The hotel is       of Auckland City Campus, University        Hostel
also linked via an underground tunnel       Halls has over 400 rooms available.
to four of Auckland’s most significant      All single room have a king single bed     nomadsworld.com
venues - Aotea Centre, The Civic,           and shared bathroom facilities with
Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square.        lockable showers and toilets. Bedding      This beautiful historic building is packed
                                            and towels are supplied, as well as WIFI   with all the latest mod cons like a spa and
                                            in common spaces.                          sauna, rooftop kitchen, sundeck and Fort
                                                                                       Street Union Bar on the first floor.
                                                                                       Nomads Auckland Backpackers Hostel
                                            O’Rorke Hall                               perfectly located on Fort Street in the
                                                                                       heart of downtown Auckland. Nomads
                                            accommodation.auckland.ac.nz               Auckland has some of the best facilities
                                                                                       you will ever find in a backpackers hostel,
                                            O’Rorke Hall is located on the doorstep    from deluxe en-suite private rooms
                                            of the University of Auckland City         with tv, to elegantly appointed shared
                                            Campus, and to Auckland’s central          accommodation with crisp clean linen.
                                            business district and main arterial
                                            routes, making access to public
With the sea
                                    right on the city’s
                                   doorstep, you get
                                      the best of both
                                  worlds. Auckland’s
                                   beautiful harbour
                                 sets the scene for a
                                 huge array of group
                               activities – kayaking,
                                 sailing, jet boating,
                                       heli-fishing and
                              plenty more. Discover
                                   the Hauraki Gulf’s
                                     emerald islands,
                              from the open wildlife
                                 sanctuary of Tiritiri
                                Matangi to Waiheke,
                                  the ‘island of wine’
                                 and the jewel of the
                                   gulf. Return to the
                                   city and take your
                                 pick from hundreds
                                  of restaurants and
                              bars, catering for large
                                   groups or intimate,
                                       exclusive dining.

Pick
your vehicle
                choose
               your vintage
Beyond the
official programme
Set off for
                                                                                                                           the Hauraki
                                                                                                                              Gulf and
                                                                                                                          Islands from
                                                                                                                            Auckland’s
                                                                                                                            downtown
                                                                                                                        ferry terminal
                                                                                                                           and viaduct
                                                                                                                              harbour,
                                                                                                                      located right in
                                                                                                                           the heart of
                                                                                                                               the CBD

Experience Auckland
With an irresistible combination of magnificent natural scenery and a vibrant city
lifestyle, Auckland is a place of exciting contrasts and endless adventures. From
beautiful scenery, action and adventure, to world-class shopping, fine food and
wine and rich culture, here’s just a taste of what you’ll find in Auckland.
On the water                                to explore. The jewel of the Hauraki         take a guided 4WD tour to the summit
Auckland is surrounded by water, with       Gulf is Waiheke Island, a haven of           for breathtaking 360-degree views.
the sea right on the city’s doorstep.       beautiful vineyards, olive groves and        Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open
There are so many ways to explore,          beaches – just a 35-minute ferry ride        wildlife sanctuary and one of the most
from jet boating and kayaking to sunset     from downtown Auckland. You can              successful conservation projects in the
dinner cruises and scenic ferry rides.      sample award-winning drops from some         world, making it a great destination for
You can even help sail an America’s Cup     of the island’s 30 boutique vineyards,       nature lovers. Discover the crystal-clear
yacht.                                      enjoy fine dining and take in the island’s   waters of Kawau Island, the fascinating
                                            stunning views of the outer Hauraki Gulf     history of Rotoroa Island – now open to
                                            and city.                                    the public for the first time in 100 years
Island adventures                                                                        – or the remote untouched wilderness
Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park         Take a ferry or kayak to Rangitoto
                                                                                         of Great Barrier Island.
encompasses 1.2 million hectares of         Island, Auckland’s most iconic natural
coast, sea and islands – and it’s so easy   landmark, where you can walk or
Beyond the official programme | 41

Arts and culture                                                                          From mild to wild
Immerse yourself in Māori                                                                 Auckland’s extraordinary
and Pacific culture.                                                                      variety means there’s
See the amazing collection of Māori
                                                                                          an adventure to suit
taonga (treasures) at Auckland                                                            everyone.
Museum, where you can also catch a
traditional Māori cultural performance.                                                   You can bungy jump off the Auckland
Take a walking tour of Auckland’s                                                         Harbour Bridge, go canyoning down
volcanoes with a guide from the local                                                     waterfalls, heli-fish on a distant Hauraki
Māori iwi (tribe) and learn about the                                                     Gulf island or quad bike through the
Māori people’s special connection to                                                      forest. For something more mellow,
the land. Visit Auckland Art Gallery                                                      walkers can tramp through native
Toi o Tāmaki, which houses more than                                                      rainforest or along spectacular coastal
15,000 artworks, from the old masters                                                     paths in Auckland’s regional parks, go
and some of New Zealand’s best                Hop on a free bus from the city centre      horse riding along a deserted white-sand
contemporary artists.                         and find yourself at one of Auckland’s      beach, or indulge in luxury spa treatments
                                              other top fashion precincts within          or personalised shopping tours.
                                              minutes. Ponsonby Road, Parnell,
                                              Newmarket and the High Street/Vulcan        Golf
                                              Lane quarter of the city offer everything
                                              from the exclusive to the quirky. You       With more than 40 coastal
                                              can also browse local markets to pick       and inland courses
                                              up quality foods, fashion and Kiwi arts
                                              and crafts.                                 throughout the region,
                                                                                          Auckland is an ideal spot
                                              Food and wine
                                                                                          for a round of golf.
                                              Surrounded by fertile land
                                              and rich waters, Auckland                   Whether you’re after international
                                                                                          quality resort courses or picturesque
                                              is blessed with great                       local gems, there’s a perfect round for
                                                                                          players of all abilities.
Take a walk through Voyager New               produce on its doorstep.
Zealand Maritime Museum to discover
the way the sea has shaped New                These days it also boasts world-class
Zealand’s history and cultural identity.      chefs, food producers and winemakers,
Learn about the Polynesian people’s           and is internationally recognised as a
epic migration to New Zealand on              foodie destination. From degustation
traditional sailing waka (canoes) or go       delights to seafood restaurants and
sailing in a waka yourself. Auckland’s rich   ethnic fusion, it’s all here.
cultural heritage can be seen, felt and
experienced all throughout the region.        Auckland is also surrounded by wine
                                              regions, with more than 80 vineyards
                                              within 20 kilometres of the central city.
Shopping                                      Sample award-winning wines on an
It’s easy to indulge in                       exclusive tour, excite the taste buds on    Onsite information and
                                              a food tour, or enjoy great local produce   activities desk for delegates
some top-notch retail                         at the Auckland Fish Market, or one of
therapy when you’re in                        the region’s many farmers’ markets.         Auckland Convention
Auckland.                                                                                 Bureau can provide a free
                                                                                          mobile i-SITE desk onsite,
The beautifully restored historic
buildings in Britomart are home to the
                                                                                          so that your delegates can
flagship stores of New Zealand’s most                                                     discover and book things to
internationally successful designers,
including Zambesi, WORLD and Kate                                                         do and places to go during
Sylvester. These sit alongside top                                                        and after the conference.
international fashion and beauty labels.
42 | 20th Retina International World Congress 2018

                                                         Beyond the programme
 Aotearoa,
                                                         Where else in the world can you be snorkelling
 New Zealand                                             in crystal-clear waters mid-morning and skiing
                                                         powdery snow just a few hours later? Or exploring
                                  Northland
                                                         stunning rainforest one hour and sailing on an
                                                         America’s Cup yacht in a glorious harbour setting
                                       Auckland          the next?
                                                         This combination of natural beauty      Bay and Taipa. The departing place
                                               Rotorua   and a cosmopolitan lifestyle,           for Māori spirits is Cape Reinga,
            North Island
                                                         together with the fact that             where the Tasman Sea and mighty
                                                         travelling here is extremely cost-      Pacific Ocean crash together beneath
                                                         effective, makes New Zealand the        the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. Other
                                                         perfect destination for business        highlights include Te Paki Quicksand
                                        Wellington       and pleasure. Precious, diverse         Stream, thrilling sand tobogganing
                                                         New Zealand is just waiting to be       on body boards down the giant Te
                                                         discovered - and the journey is an      Paki Sand Dunes and travelling by
South Island                                             experience you will never forget.       coast down the vast Ninety Mile
                              Christchurch               Choose parts of the following New       Beach. Travelling back to Auckland
                                                         Zealand experience itinerary or take    and then south over the Bombay
           Queenstown
                                                         the time to enjoy it all.               Hills, following the Waikato River to
                                                                                                 Hamilton, then on via Te Awamutu
                  Dunedin                                Auckland                                to Waitomo. Visit the Waitomo
                                                         While in Auckland, New Zealand’s        Caves and enjoy the magical boat
                                                         largest city, enjoy the best in local   ride through the Glow-worm Grotto.
                                                         food, wine and shopping, and the        Continue on via Lake Karapiro to
                                                         beautiful scenery of this harbour       arrive in Rotorua.
                                                         city. Spend a half day out on the
                                                         Waitemata Harbour on one of the         Rotorua
                                                         America’s Cup racing yachts or take     Enjoy a Māori hangi (feast) and
                                                         a guided walk through Auckland’s        concert in the evening. Rotorua is
                                                         volcanic landscape. Travel north        the centre of the geothermal region
                                                         across Auckland’s Harbour Bridge        of New Zealand and is also a main
                                                         and along the beautiful Hibiscus        centre for Māori culture. Boiling
                                                         Coast to the Bay of Islands.            mud, geysers and silica deposits
                                                                                                 surrounding the lake attract visitors
                                                         Northland                               from all over the world. Enjoy a
                                                         On arrival in the Bay of Islands,       thermal tour – visit Whakarewarewa
                                                         visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.      Thermal Reserve, Rainbow Springs
                                                         Considered to be the birthplace of      and Farm Show and Lake Rotorua.
                                                         New Zealand as a bicultural nation,     Perhaps take a tour to Mt Tarawera
                                                         the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are set     or the Buried Village or enjoy a swim
                                                         in an extensive park-like reserve.      at the Polynesian Spa. Travel south
                                                         Learn about the first Māori canoes      to New Zealand’s capital city of
                                                         to New Zealand, the signing of          Wellington, stopping at Taupo on
                                                         the Treaty of Waitangi and visit        the way. Enjoy the beautiful scenery
                                                         Te Whare Runanga, a fully carved        of Lake Taupo, spend a day fly
                                                         Māori Meeting House which is            fishing on one of the many rivers or
                                                         representative of all Iwi (regional     streams in the region or play a round
                                                         tribes) in New Zealand. While in        of golf at the magnificent Wairakei
                                                         Northland take a stroll among           International Golf Course.
                                                         1000-year old kauri trees at Puketi
                                                         Forest. Pass by golden sand beaches
                                                         at Whangaroa, Coopers Beach, Cable
Sailing on the
Hauraki Gulf,
Auckland

                  Maori
Giant Kauri       traditional
tree, Northland   tattoo, Rotorua
Wine tasting,
                 Martinborough

Shopping,
Wellington

Lake Wakatipu,
Queenstown
Beyond the official programme | 45

Wellington                               the Kawarau Gorge at Cromwell.
Arriving in Wellington after a           Queenstown is reached by following
beautiful drive along the Desert         the ‘gold trail’ alongside the winding
Road, make time for a guided tour        Kawarau River.
of Te Papa Tongarewa, the national
museum of New Zealand. Enjoy the         Queenstown
dynamic blend of arts, culture, food     Queenstown nestles up to the
and wine that the city has to offer.     northern shore of Lake Wakatipu,
From Wellington you can take a day       from where it commands an
trip to the Wairarapa, a popular         expansive view of the peaks that
rural area and wine region where         surround the lake.
great food, wine and character
accommodation can be enjoyed amid        Take a Milford Sound day excursion
a stunning natural environment. Visit    from Queenstown. Drive through
the wine village of Martinborough,       the magnificent beech forests of
with its boutique wineries and           the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys,
vineyards. Depart Wellington for         through the Homer Tunnel to Milford
Picton on the Inter Island ferry.        Sound for a launch excursion on the
                                         fiord. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery
                                         including the awe-inspiring Mitre
Marlborough to Christchurch              Peak, plus a full commentary on the
From Picton it is just a short drive     natural history of the fiord. Return to
to Marlborough, a natural paradise       Queenstown via coach or take a flight
of mist-hazed hills, sheltered           back on a small plane.
waterways and sun-drenched plains,
and worldrenowned for its Sauvignon      Enjoy time in Queenstown, the
Blanc wines and gourmet delights.        adventure capital of the world. Go
From Picton, board the Coastal           bungy jumping, jet boating, white
Pacific Train, which winds its way       water rafting, hiking, climbing and
along the magnificent East Coast to      horse trekking. Then enjoy a wine
Christchurch. Enjoy Christchurch,        tour in one of the best wine regions
New Zealand’s garden city and            in New Zealand. Depart for a full day
take a tour around public and            journey from Queenstown to Franz
private gardens. Explore the city or     Josef Glacier. During the trip you will
experience a horse trek over the hills   traverse Kawarau Gorge, Hawera
of Banks Peninsula.                      River and Lake Wanaka. Travel
                                         through Haast and continue on to the
McKenzie Country                         magnificent Franz Josef Glacier.
From Christchurch, travel south          Next, travel to Greymouth on board
across the Canterbury Plains,            the scenic TranzAlpine Express.
through farming communities before       The rail journey is famous for its
climbing up to the high plains of
McKenzie Country, pausing at the
                                         spectacular mountain scenery as it
                                         traverses the Southern Alps, which
                                                                                         20°-30°
                                                                                         November > March
Church of the good Shepherd to view      divide the east and west coasts
Lake Tekapo. Continue to Mount           of the South Island. Travel across
Cook village nestled under New           the Canterbury Plains and back to
Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount        Christchurch.
Cook.
The mountain overlooks a network
of glaciers that feed Lakes Tekapo
and Pukaki. There are a number of
activities including walks, tramps
and scenic flights that will enable
views of Mount Cook and the
glaciers. From Mount Cook, return                                                         10°-17°
                                                                                           April > October
along the length of Mount Pukaki
then head south through Twizel
and Omarama to the scenic Lindis
Pass. Once over the pass, follow
                                                                                       Average temperature
the Clutha Valley to its junction with                                                   (degrees celcius)
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