Call for Abstracts

We are now inviting abstract submissions for the 41st Tertiary ICT Conference – Hui Taumata Hangarau. 

We welcome contributions that champion the use of technology to create outstanding learning experiences, support cutting-edge research, or add value to your institution in innovative and impactful ways.

Abstracts are welcomed from all areas across IT, Teaching & Learning, Research, and Student Engagement within the tertiary education sector. Whether it's a recent success story, challenge overcome, or lessons learned we encourage you to share your experience. 

Conference Theme: Educate | Transform | Connect

  • EDUCATE – Upgrading your skills and increasing your knowledge

  • TRANSFORM – Embracing continuous change in the world of digital transformation

  • CONNECT – Building connections with people, skills, and trends to shape the future

Presenter Benefits:

To support institutions with budget constraints, the organising committee is pleased to offer the following:

  • 1 complimentary registration for the primary presenter of each accepted abstract

  • Discounted registration of $195+GST for up to 2 additional co-presenters
    (Each presentation may include up to 3 presenters in total)

We look forward to receiving your abstract and having you as part of this year’s exciting lineup of presenters. Let's Educate, Transform, and Connect — together.


Tertiary ICT Excellence Awards

The Tertiary ICT Excellence Awards celebrate ICT technology excellence, innovation, and impactful delivery within the New Zealand tertiary education sector. These awards recognise outstanding contributions across a range of service areas and are presented during the Conference Dinner on the Wednesday evening – the premier celebration of achievement in our sector.
Award Categories
  • TICT Award for Excellence in Technology Delivery
    For exceptional delivery of technology across projects, service delivery, or support functions.
    Prize: $3,500 paid to the winning institution

  • TICT Award for Excellence in Technology for Learning, Research or Students
    For outstanding technology delivery that supports core sector outcomes across learning, research, or student success.
    Prize: $3,500 paid to the winning institution

  • Supreme Winner
    Chosen from the two category winners above, based on the highest final score.
    Prize: Awarded the TICT Innovation and Excellence Trophy (held until the following year)

  • Judges’ Special Award for Innovation, Impact or Excellence
    Recognises a standout submission not selected as a category winner, but which demonstrates significant value, creativity, or impact.
    Prize: $2,000 paid to the institution
Timing: All accepted submissions will receive a 25-minute session slot (20 minute presentation time including introductions + 5 minutes for Q&A). The session is your opportunity to pitch your innovation, focusing on the outcomes, impact, and learnings. Q&A from judges and the audience is scored, so come prepared!

Judging Overview
Submissions are evaluated in two parts:
  • Pre-conference submission – 70% of the total score
  • Conference presentation + Q&A – 30% of the total score
Judges also consider the scale and context of the institution to ensure fair assessment across both large universities and smaller entities. Judging is based on individual scoring and panel discussion following presentations. In the case of tied scores, the judging panel will determine the Supreme Winner at their discretion. View the judging framework here

Submission Requirements: 
  • A clear description of the technology or process core to your submission and why it deserves recognition.
  • A summary of how the initiative supports your organisation, including key benefits and strategic alignment.
  • Broader applicability and potential for use across other teams, departments, or institutions.
  • A narrative of how the project progressed from vision to delivery, including challenges and how they were addressed.
  • Technologies used and any additional information relevant to the innovation.
  • Contact details for two internal users who can act as referees.
  • A list of all technology partners or suppliers involved.

General Submission

We welcome presentation content on any topic relating to ICT and the conference theme. 

General presentation submissions should aim to encourage, inspire, or inform delegates by showcasing initiatives currently in use or on the horizon within the New Zealand Tertiary ICT sector. Presentations may explore innovation, sector wide challenges, practical solutions or future-focused thinking. 

Presentation Categories & timings

  • General presentation
    This is a lecture-style session that's short, sharp, and engaging. This is your opportunity to share a successful project, learnings from a not-so successful project, strategic initiative or innovation from your institution.
    Timing: 25-minute session within the conference programme (approx. 20min presentation + 5min Q&A)

  • Panel Discussions/Debate
    Have a topic that would benefit from multiple perspectives or wider discussion? Propose a panel or debate session to encourage engagement and exchange of ideas.
    Timing: Session length to be confirmed with the submitter 

  • Problem Solving
    Seeking solutions to a specific issue or challenge? Use this 90-minute interactive forum to outline your current problem and invite advice or insight from delegates.
    Timing: 90-minute session

  • Workshop (short)
    Use this 90-minute session to explore your topic in depth, with a focus on hands-on activities, collaborative work, or in-depth demonstrations.
    Timing: 90-minute session

Submitting an Abstract

Tertiary ICT Excellence Awards

Download the Excellence Awards Specific Content template here to provide the above Submission Requirements.  
Submit your completed abstract and the Excellence Awards Content Template by 11:59pm, Monday 30 June 2025.
To submit, you will need:
  • A title (20 words max)
  • A 300-word abstract 
  • Presenter bio/s
  • Completed Excellence Awards Template
  • Submission Requirements can be supported by video format. 

Eligibility:

  • Open to all staff in the NZ tertiary sector (individuals, teams, or institutions)
  • Covers initiatives completed or significantly advanced recently / during the period September 2024 – August 2025.
  • Conference sponsors or potential sponsors are not eligible
  • Institutions may submit more than one entry

The judges' decisions are final, and awards are determined independently of any sponsor influence.

Click here to submit an
Excellence Awards Abstract

General Submission

Submit your abstract using the button below before 11:59pm, Monday 30 June 2025. 

To submit, you will need:

  • A presentation title
  • A 300-word abstract summary
  • A short presenter/s bio/s
  • Submissions must be made under either the General or Excellence Awards category
  • Open to all conference delegates involved in the tertiary sector (individuals, teams, or institutions)
  • You may submit more than one abstract

All submissions will be reviewed independently and without influence or reference/bias of conference sponsors.