The NZ Modelling User Group (NZMUGS) is a sub-group of the Transportation Group, dedicated to promote the interests of transport modelling within NZ. It is the intention that NZMUGS will represent all aspects of modelling including static/ deterministic, micro-simulation, wide-area/ strategic modelling, passenger transport modelling, as well as emerging areas as pedestrian and accessibility modelling.

The NZMUGS Conference provides a significant opportunity for researchers, engineers, modellers and other practitioners in the transportation modelling fraternity to discuss current developments with macroscopic, static/ deterministic, micro-simulation, wide-area/ strategic modelling, passenger transport modelling as well as emerging areas such as pedestrian and accessibility modelling.

Keep an eye on the News section for information on the conference or other events.

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NZMUGS Conference 2026 | 31 Aug – 01 Sep 2026, Grand Millennium, Auckland

The 19th annual NZMUGS Conference will be held on the 31st August and 1st September 2026 at Grand Millenium Hotel in Auckland. The NZMUGS Conference provides a great opportunity for customers, researchers, engineers, modellers and other practitioners in the transport planning and modelling fraternity to discuss current developments across a wide range of projects and interests.

To cover what NZMUGS perceives as a growing area of transport planning and modelling interest in New Zealand and Australia, we invite presentations in the following area:

Topic

Vision and Values, Deniers and Details:

  • How have we, do we and will we measure value?
  • What is the long term vision of transport modelling?
  • How have opposing viewpoints shaped the way we think?
  • How do details get in the way of the bigger picture?

The NZMUGS Committee: Who are we? 

  • Bevan Wilmshurst, Chair
  • John Pell, Vice Chair
  • Geoffrey Cornelis, Treasurer
  • Michael Hall, Secretary
  • Zoe Chen, Conference Coordinator
  • Jen Wen Gan, Social Media Coordinator
  • Mariya Maslova, AITPM Representative
  • Ian Clark (Past Chair)
  • Nathan Harper (Past Chair)
  • Andrew Mein
  • Chappa Jayalath
  • Jade Mackay
  • Phillip Brown
  • Subha Nair
  • Subramanyam Uppuluri
  • Tony Brennand
  • Yanfei Hong

NZMUGS Past Conference Presentations

Past conference papers (2008-2025) can be found here.

NZMUGS Research Papers

  1. NZTA Research Report 659 Urban transport modelling in New Zealand – data, practice and resourcing – Grant Smith
  2. Sensitivity testing: causal variables research paper- Ian Clark
  3. Travel Forecasting Discussion Paper- Ian Clark
  4. NZMUGS Peer Review Guidelines V05
  5. Transport Model Development Guidelines (NZTA)
  6. Micro Time-of-day Choice Research
  7. Predicted vs Actual Stage 1 (2023)- Sam Rudge
  8. Predicted vs Actual Stage 2 (2024)- Sam Rudge
  9. How Have Trip Rates for the Office Activity Changed in a Post-Covid Environment- Michael Hall
  10. Public Transport Validation Guidelines- Ian Clark
  11. 2025 Census Changes Consultation- NZMUGS