International No-Dig Auckland 2026 showcases New Zealand's leadership in trenchless innovation
The global trenchless technology community is set to convene in Auckland, New Zealand, for International No-Dig Auckland in October 2026, marking the first time the International Society for Trenchless Technology’s (ISTT) flagship conference is held in the country. Hosted at the New Zealand International Convention Centre from 28–29 October, the event promises to be a major gathering of engineers, contractors, researchers, and asset owners involved in underground infrastructure from across the globe.
New Zealand’s complex geography and strong environmental ethos have made it a fertile ground for innovations in trenchless technology over recent years. Techniques such as advanced micro-tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling are being increasingly applied, along with cutting-edge pipeline rehabilitation and sustainable wastewater management solutions. The Central Interceptor project, New Zealand’s largest wastewater tunnel stretching 15 kilometres, epitomises the country’s commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure development. Additional projects like Project Hobson and the Tauranga Southern Pipeline Harbour horizontal directional drilling crossing further illustrate the nation’s leadership in sophisticated trenchless methods.
Prime Creative Media, Australasia’s largest B2B publishing and event organiser, is managing the conference in partnership with the ISTT and the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT). Siobhan Rocks, General Manager – Events at Prime Creative Media, emphasises Auckland’s appeal for this milestone event, highlighting how the city embodies the convergence of sustainability and innovative technology in underground construction. Over two days, attendees will have access to a comprehensive program featuring technical sessions, case studies, emerging research, and design innovations. Additionally, the event will present a world-class exhibition showcasing the latest trenchless equipment and technologies, alongside an Awards Gala recognising outstanding achievements in the field.
This conference builds on the momentum established by the recent No-Dig Down Under 2025 event, which attracted over 2,000 attendees and more than 150 exhibitors focused on cutting-edge trenchless solutions. The success of that event has set a high bar and generated significant anticipation for the 2026 international gathering.
Companies such as Pipe Core Pty Ltd, a Platinum Sponsor for the 2026 conference, will demonstrate their latest trenchless innovations, including UV curing technologies, CCTV inspection systems, and robotic cutters. These contributions underscore the industry’s drive to deliver solutions that reduce environmental impact while enhancing the resilience and longevity of underground networks.
The conference’s global reach is considerable, drawing participants from Europe, Asia, North America, and Australasia. It offers a unique platform for industry professionals to exchange knowledge, explore emerging trends, and forge key partnerships. Notably, New Zealand’s trenchless industry also includes specialist firms like NZ Lining, which focuses on cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining technologies for rehabilitating gravity and pressure pipelines. This reflects a broader industry commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and sustainable infrastructure solutions tailored to the unique challenges of ageing pipeline systems.
International No-Dig Auckland 2026 is thus poised to be a significant milestone event in the trenchless industry calendar, highlighting New Zealand’s rising profile as a leader in underground infrastructure innovation while reinforcing global collaboration towards building sustainable cities of the future.