Frequently Asked Questions 2024 NZALT

Where does the conference take place?

Our conference venue is the Owen G Glenn (OGGB) Building of the University of Auckland located on 12 Grafton Road in Auckland central. The venue houses the Business School with fully-equipped lecture theatres, computer labs, work rooms and social spaces, along with a café (open on weekdays), clustered around a spectacular 26m-high atrium.

Is there parking at the venue?

Yes. The OGGB building has an underground carpark. Access to the car park is via Grafton Road, opposite Stanley Street.

Is parking free for conference attendees?

Parking is not free. On weekends, there is a $6 flat fee for parking all day.  On weekdays, the conference offers an exclusive discounted rate that can be purchased when you register. Kindly redeem all pre-purchased exit tickets from the registration desk.

Can I take public transportation to get to the conference venue?

Yes. There is a bus stop at the entrance of the OGGB building. Check routes and fares in: https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/journey-planner/  Cash is not accepted on the bus.

How can I find the Registration Desk?

The Registration Desk is located at our main conference space on Level 0 of the OGGB building. If you enter via 12 Grafton Road, you can either go down the grand stairs or take any of the lifts on Level 1. If you are parked in the underground carpark, you can go straight to Level 0 using the parking lifts.

When is the registration desk open?

The registration desk is open on Saturday, 6 July from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. On Sunday, 7 July and Monday 8 July from 8:00am to 3:30pm and Tuesday, 9 July – 8:30am to 1:30pm

What is provided when I go to the registration desk?

You will be provided with your name badge and a tote bag which has the printed Conference handbook. You are welcome to bring bags from previous conferences and transfer the contents.

Please wear your name tag at all times during the Conference and social events. You will be asked to present your name tag to enter the Conference dinner.

Is wi-fi available?

Wireless internet access is available for delegate use. You can connect to the Network: UoA-Guest-WiFi.  Username: nzalt2024@uoa.wifi.com  Password: 94Gb211y

Is food included in the registration?

Full registration includes morning tea and lunch on Sunday and Monday and morning tea on Tuesday. Food will be served in the Level 0 Foyer across from the Registration Desk. Coffee, tea and water are available throughout the conference. You are welcome to bring your reusable cups.

Is catering available for people with dietary requirements?

Conference attendees were asked about dietary requirements during registration. The caterers will set up separate tables with the food for those with restrictions.

Where is the Welcome Reception?

The Welcome reception will be held at the Atrium of the OGGB building (ground level) on Saturday 6th July from about 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm after the Opening Ceremony. The reception includes drinks and canapés / nibbles.

What is the NZALT 50th Anniversary Reception?

NZALT members will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the association with a special reception on Sunday 7th July from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at the Atrium of the OGGB building. The reception will include guest speakers and a fun trip down memory lane to “honour the past, embrace the present and shape the future” of the Association. The reception includes cake and a celebratory toast.

How can I access the Conference Programme?

A printed copy of the conference handbook with the conference programme is included in the conference bag. You can also access the programme on the website: https://nzalt2024.org/schedule/

How will I know if there are changes in the programme?

Any change to the programme will be posted on the website and will be visible in a screen near the registration desk.

When does the conference start?

The Opening Ceremony takes place on Saturday 6th July at 4:30 pm in the Fisher and Paykel Auditorium of the OGGB building.

Are there any cultural protocols that I need to be aware of?

The conference handbook includes brief descriptions of Māori protocols that will be followed during the Opening Ceremony: mihi whakatau, waiata, hongi and karakia kai. Following traditions of the Pacific cultures, there will also be presentation of lei or kakala.

How will I find my way around the OGGB building?

There are maps in the printed handbook and also posted near the Registration desk. Volunteers will be available to help you find your way in the buildings used.

Are there accessible facilities at the venue?

The OGGB building is mobility and wheelchair accessible and has accessible and unisex toilets. Mobility parking spaces are available within the building car park. A CCS mobility car parking permit is required to park in these spaces.

Does the conference follow sustainable practices?

The OGGB building has a system for collecting water from its roof and using it for flushing toilets. Safe drinking water fountains are located throughout the building.

We encourage conference attendees to bring their own drinking cups and to reuse conference bags.

Do I need to wear a mask to protect against Covid?

There are currently no Covid-related restrictions at the University of Auckland. However, Covid-19 is still circulating, so the university encourages everyone to remain vigilant and to stay away from campus if feeling unwell. While not required on campus, face masks still provide effective protection against Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Disposable face masks are available at the Registration Desk.

What is the smoking policy?

Delegates should be aware that smoking and vaping are banned from all public buildings in New Zealand and also banned from all University of Auckland property.

Is there a lost and found?

Lost property can be directed to the registration desk. Lost property will be held there for collection until the conclusion of the Conference.

What can I do in case of an emergency?

If you require non-emergency medical attention during the Conference, please inform the registration desk. If you have an emergency you can contact the police, paramedics and fire department by calling 111 from any landline or mobile phone.

Where is the Conference dinner?

The Conference dinner (Monday 8th July) required prior registration and payment. The dinner will take place Under the Dome of the Auckland War Memorial Museum located in the Auckland Domain, Parnell.

How far is the Auckland War Memorial Museum from the conference venue?

The museum is located about 1.5 km from the OGGB building. Walking from the conference venue to the museum may take about 20 minutes. Please note that the walk involves a reasonably steep hill through a park. We suggest that you consider taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service to the dinner. There is underground parking at the museum. There is a $10 flat free for the evening.

What is the weather like in Auckland?

The weather in Auckland can change quickly within the day. During this part of winter, temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) to 16°C (61°F). There may also be frequent showers and rain.

What do you suggest we wear?

We suggest that you wear warm layers as temperatures fluctuate even inside the buildings. Because Auckland has a hilly terrain, we suggest that you wear comfortable shoes.

Where are the exhibition booths?

The exhibition booths from our generous sponsors and trade exhibitors are located near the Registration Desk. We encourage you to visit them and support them with your purchases.

Who are the exhibitors and sponsors?

Tui Tuia Learning Circle,  School of Cultures, Languages and Linguistics (CLL), Education Perfect, Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence (CAPE), Confucius Institute, Intext Book Company Australia, Defining Moments, Lingopont and Languages Roadshow, Pearson and Oxford University Press.

I am a presenter. How do I know where / when I will be presenting?

Your presentation slots and room assignments are in the latest programme. Please allow enough time to check your designated room. We have programme assistants assigned per room who can assist you with the technology and will keep track of time.

How long is my presentation?

Time allocated in the schedule is: 30 minutes for Presentations including 10 minutes for questions and transitions. Workshops/practical sessions will be 1 hour (60 minutes) including time for transitions. Colloquia will be 1.5 hours (90 minutes) including time for questions and transitions as decided by the convenor.

What equipment is available in the rooms?

All the rooms are equipped with desktop computers connected to the internet, screens, and sound system.

How do I bring my presentation?

You can bring your presentation (1) in a USB drive; or (2) access your presentation from cloud storage; or (3) connect your own laptop, tablet or phone by HDMI/DisplayPort/mini DisplayPort/DVI/VGA/. Please bring your clicker and adapters for HDMI to USB-C connections.

Kindly note that each lectern computer is set to present as “duplicate” by default. Therefore, it will not be able to show the presenter notes.

How can delegates have access to the presentations?

Presenters will be encouraged to provide a pdf copy of their presentation to be uploaded to a shared drive.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes. Certificates for presenters are attendees will be sent by email after the conference.

How can I give feedback?

We welcome all feedback for future conferences. All delegates will receive a link to an online feedback form at the end of the conference.