The New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapy holds its 30th National Conference at Rydges Latimer in Christchurch from 13 to 15 August 2026 under the theme 'He Māra Tangata — A Garden of People'.
The 30th NZSDRT National Conference brings the New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapy together in Christchurch from 13 to 15 August 2026, a three-day, face-to-face gathering held Thursday to Saturday at Rydges Latimer in the central city.
NZSDRT is the national professional body for diversional and recreational therapists in Aotearoa — practitioners who design meaningful activity and engagement programmes across public and private hospitals, residential aged care, rehabilitation centres, group homes and community settings. Reaching a 30th national conference marks three decades of a society that grew from small local rest-home and institution meetings in the late 1980s into an established professional and education body.
The conference is organised by the NZSDRT Board. For 2026 the Board launched installment payment options so members can spread the registration across several months, part of a stated effort to widen attendance. The registration covers all conference sessions and the meals provided in the programme; accommodation and airfares are arranged individually by attendees.
The 2026 theme is 'Ōtautahi Christchurch 2026 – He Māra Tangata — A Garden of People', drawing on Christchurch's identity as the Garden City as a metaphor for the diversity and care at the heart of the profession. Across three days the programme offers professional development and learning, peer connection, and space for reflection — aimed at the Society's members, including diversional and recreational therapists, activity coordinators and related practitioners from across New Zealand and beyond. A confirmed-presenters list and detailed timetable were still being finalised at the time of research.
Rydges Latimer Christchurch is at 30 Latimer Square in the central city, alongside the square's green lawns and a short walk from Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Cardboard Cathedral and Riverside Market. It sits about a 20-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport and offers on-site parking. The organiser notes a conference accommodation arrangement for Rydges Latimer and nearby options will be shared once finalised.
A 30th national conference anchored at a named four-star central-city hotel represents steady, recurring association business for Christchurch — a multi-day residential event drawing delegates nationally into the post-rebuild central city, adjacent to the Te Pae convention precinct, and reinforcing the city's standing as a host for professional-association gatherings.
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