Smart Cities Council

19/04/2026

The Built Environment Is Changing — Are We Keeping Pace?

From digital delivery to smart city systems and sustainable building operations, the way we design, build and manage infrastructure is being reshaped.

A series of upcoming free online sessions from ZIGURAT Institute of Technology brings together practical insights from across the sector — focused on how these changes are being applied in real-world settings.

Across three sessions, the programme explores:

1. Digital delivery in practice
How BIM and digital workflows are improving coordination between design and on-site delivery — reducing inefficiencies and supporting better outcomes.

2. Digital twin frameworks at city scale
A deep dive into how digital twins are being used to address mobility, sustainability and infrastructure resilience — including a case framework for Riyadh.

3. Future-ready building systems
How HVAC is evolving from a background system to a critical driver of efficiency, sustainability and occupant wellbeing.


Why It Matters
The shift is clear — from isolated systems to integrated, data-driven approaches that connect strategy, technology and delivery.

For those working across infrastructure, construction and city systems, this is about building capability to:

• Deliver more efficiently under increasing complexity
• Leverage data and digital tools effectively
• Support long-term resilience and sustainability

Explore the Sessions (Free & Online)

• XD House Masterclass — 21 April
16:00 GMT+2 | ONLINE | Register here for the Masterclass
https://smartcc.short.gy/xdhouse_zigurat

• HVAC Congress — 29 April
16:00 GMT+2 | ONLINE | Register here for the Masterclass
https://smartcc.short.gy/hvac_zigurat

• Digital Twin Framework for Riyadh — 30 April
16:00 GMT+2 | ONLINE | Register here for the Event
https://smartcc.short.gy/riyadh_zigurat

Take advantage of these valuable opportunities to engage with practical insights shaping the future of the built environment.

18/04/2026

Gallagher Security Joins Smart Cities Week NZ 2026 as Supporting Partner

We’re pleased to welcome Gallagher Security as a Supporting Partner and Official Networking Function Sponsor for Smart Cities Week NZ 2026 (Wellington, 5–6 May).

This partnership brings together a globally recognised technology provider with a programme focused on what matters most, practical delivery.

Smart Cities Week NZ is designed as a working forum, bringing together local government, infrastructure partners and industry to address real-world challenges across:
• Coordination across councils and partners
• Delivering under constraint
• Scaling what works across regions

As part of the programme, Gallagher will present the official Networking Function (Tuesday evening) — creating a dedicated space for meaningful engagement between government, industry and technology leaders.

This is an important part of the week — supporting the connections that underpin real progress.

As Karen Norden, Global Events Lead at Smart Cities Council, notes:

“Gallagher’s involvement strengthens the programme by bringing relevant expertise and a strong understanding of operational environments — connecting capability with real implementation challenges.”

Smart Cities Week NZ continues to build as a platform for collaboration, capability and delivery.

❗20% Early Bird offer - Use code EARLYBIRD
https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/2026SmartCitiesWeekNZ

Smart Cities Week NZ is also aligned with ANZ Digital Twin 2026 (7–6 May) — extending the conversation into digital infrastructure and operational capability.
https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/3rdANNUALANZDIGITALTWIN2026

Gallagher Security

18/04/2026

Creative HQ joins as Lead Partner — Smart Cities Week NZ 2026

We’re pleased to welcome Creative HQ as a Lead Partner for Smart Cities Week NZ 2026 (Wellington, 5–6 May).

Their work in applying startup thinking to real-world government and industry challenges aligns strongly with the week’s focus on delivery, capability and scaling what works.

This is a working programme for those responsible for delivering outcomes across councils, infrastructure and communities.
• First speakers announced
• Programme focused on practical implementation
• Strong partner engagement building

Part of a bigger week in Wellington
Smart Cities Week (5–6 May) is followed by the 3rd Annual ANZ Digital Twin 2026 (7–6 May) — creating a complementary programme connecting strategy, delivery and enabling technology.

Register now for the Smart Cities Week NZ 2026
• 20% Early Bird
• Code: EARLYBIRD

https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/2026SmartCitiesWeekNZ

Partner with us - Limited opportunities remain to contribute to the programme and engage directly with decision-makers.

Also explore ANZ Digital Twin: https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/3rdANNUALANZDIGITALTWIN2026

17/04/2026

ANZ Digital Twin 2026 — Advancing Smarter Infrastructure and Connected Systems 🏙️

Wellington will host ANZ Digital Twin 2026 (7–8 May) — bringing together leaders from government, industry, and technology to explore how digital twin capability is being applied to real-world infrastructure and city systems.

As digital twins move beyond concept into implementation, the focus is shifting to practical application — how these tools are improving planning, operations, and decision-making across complex environments.

The programme will explore:
- Digital infrastructure and smart asset management
- Data integration and real-time decision-making
- More resilient and sustainable urban systems
- Cross-sector collaboration to support delivery at scale

With insights drawn from projects across Australia, New Zealand and globally, the event is designed for those working at the intersection of infrastructure, data, and city operations.

Part of a Connected Week in Wellington

ANZ Digital Twin 2026 follows Smart Cities Week NZ (5–6 May) — creating a full-week experience that connects: Strategy and coordination → Technology and capability → Implementation

For participants, this provides a unique opportunity to:

- Engage with decision-makers across government and industry
- Explore how digital twin technologies are being deployed in practice
- Connect strategy with the systems and tools that enable delivery

Join Us 📍 Wellington | 7–8 May 2026

Register here:
https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/3rdANNUALANZDIGITALTWIN2026

Explore Smart Cities Week NZ (5–6 May):
https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/2026SmartCitiesWeekNZ

17/04/2026

We’re pleased to announce three more speakers joining Smart Cities Week NZ 2026 (Wellington, 5–6 May):

• Duncan Blair, Technology Strategy and Enterprise Architecture Manager, Invercargill City Council
• Richard Jarrett, Director, Group Shared Services, Auckland Council
• Dr Colin Kennedy, Chief Growth Officer, Creative HQ

Bringing perspectives from innovation, technology strategy and large-scale council operations, they each contribute practical, delivery-focused experience across the smart cities ecosystem.

Session Highlights:
- Applying startup thinking to real-world city challenges
- Building resilient operations and technology foundations
- Delivering at scale through shared services and coordination

Together, these sessions focus on what matters most ………. how to move from strategy to delivery, reduce duplication, and scale what works across councils and regions.

A highly relevant set of discussions for those working across infrastructure, digital, operations and city leadership.

Wellington | 5–6 May 2026

Register here: https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/2026SmartCitiesWeekNZ

16/04/2026

We’re pleased to announce Mike Manson, CEO of ALGIM (Association of Local Government Information Management), as a featured speaker at Smart Cities Week NZ 2026.

Mike is a strong advocate for bringing people and technology together to improve local government services and community outcomes. Through his leadership at ALGIM, he champions digital innovation, smart communities, and cross-council collaboration across New Zealand.

Session Focus: International Lessons for New Zealand Places
Mike will share practical insights from international cities and regions — exploring how global approaches can be adapted to strengthen delivery, resilience and collaboration within the New Zealand context.

This session will provide valuable perspective for councils and partners looking to translate global thinking into local impact.

Wellington | 5–8 May 2026

➡️Register here: https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/2026SmartCitiesWeekNZ

16/04/2026

We’re pleased to announce Julia McMaster, Manager Data and Innovation at Wellington City Council, as a featured speaker at Smart Cities Week NZ 2026.

Julia leads programmes that apply data and emerging technologies to improve city outcomes across transport, resilience, urban development and asset management — including Wellington’s award-winning Digital City Model. With experience spanning Wellington and Smart Docklands in Dublin, she brings a strong, globally informed and locally grounded perspective.

Session Focus: Designing and Delivering Place-Based Projects.

Julia will share practical lessons on governance, sequencing, ownership and delivery models — highlighting how place-based projects can be effectively designed and delivered to improve outcomes across infrastructure, communities and services.

A highly relevant session for those working at the intersection of strategy and delivery.

Wellington | 5–6 May 2026

➡️Register here: https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/2026SmartCitiesWeekNZ

16/04/2026

📅 Mark your calendar — Smart Cities Week NZ 2026 is heading to Wellington, 5–6 May!

This is a working programme bringing local government leaders, infrastructure experts and industry partners together to tackle the real challenges of building smarter, more resilient communities.

Early Bird discount is 20% off — use code EARLYBIRD at checkout. Offer extended to 17 April, so don't sit on it!

👉 Grab your spot here: https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/2026SmartCitiesWeekNZ

27/03/2026

GITEX AFRICA, the continent’s biggest tech and startup event, returns to Marrakech from April 07-09, 2026. Join over 55,000 tech professionals, 1,800 exhibitors & startups from 130+ countries, as we accelerate Africa’s digital economy and build partnerships for a connected, sustainable future.

Experience groundbreaking advancements in Cloud x IOT x AI, Data Centres, Cybersecurity, Telecom & Network Infrastructure, Digital Cities, Banking & Finance, HealthTech, FLEX (EduTech), Sustainability, Mobility, Agritech, Consumer Tech, and more.
Engage with inspiring talks, witness exciting product launches, and participate in dynamic discussions that are driving Africa’s transformation.

Connect with visionary government officials, industry giants, and global innovators shaping the continent’s future. Don’t miss the opportunity to network with Africa’s brightest tech minds all in one place.

Register here:

https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/GITEXAfrica2026

27/03/2026

InnoEX 2026: A Strategic Inflection Point for SCC Members

An inflection point occurs when:
Policy aligns with capital
Capital aligns with industry
Industry aligns with deployment

In 2026, that alignment is happening …………. and InnoEX is at the centre of it.

Be Inside the Ecosystem

The question is no longer whether innovation is happening. It’s whether you choose to be inside the ecosystem as it accelerates — or watching from the sidelines.

✔ Attend and connect in person
Meet the SCC + SmartAI team, engage with a global community, and tap into the ecosystem firsthand
Entry is free via the registration link

OR

✔ Showcase your organisation through a Digital Booth
Build visibility, gain exposure, and position your company within the global ecosystem, without the need to travel

InnoEX 2026 marks a pivotal moment where policy, capital, and innovation converge. Through SCC’s partnership with SmartAI, members can connect into a global ecosystem and access new market opportunities — in person or via a Digital Booth.

24/03/2026

Taking place in Wellington from 5–8 May and in partnership with ALGIM, the event is designed as a working, outcome-driven programme—supporting real-world implementation, collaboration, and capability-building.

24/03/2026

Helixis Technology Delivering the Trust Infrastructure for Scalable Autonomy

As autonomous systems, from drones to AI agents and smart machines, move rapidly into shared environments, the question is no longer just what they can do, but how they are governed. Helixis Technology brings this issue to the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for an accountability layer that ensures autonomy can scale safely, transparently, and in alignment with public expectations.