Black Art 2026 brings together New Zealand’s asphalt and chip‑sealing community for a one‑day deep dive into what truly makes high‑performing pavements. This year’s theme, “Putting the Theory into Practice,” is all about bridging the gap between knowledge and real‑world delivery.
Across the day, we’ll explore best practice in action - showcasing what “good” looks like on the ground and how practitioners can achieve consistent, repeatable outcomes. We’ll also look under the hood at how things really work, demystifying the systems, processes, and decisions that turn theory into successful projects.
The programme highlights practical innovation for New Zealand, with a focus on solutions that perform in our unique climate, network, and material conditions. Through the lens of continuous improvement, we’ll examine how small, steady gains - the 1% better mindset - lead to significant long‑term performance benefits.
Attendees will also dive into driving quality across design, materials, construction, and project delivery, along with sustainability and stewardship, exploring how the sector can reduce environmental impact, improve resilience, and deliver infrastructure that supports a better future.
Join us to connect, learn, and advance the craft of pavements and surfacing - where practical knowledge meets real‑world outcomes.
WHEN: 9am, Wednesday 16 September 2026
WHERE: Due Drop Events Centre, Auckland
Call for Abstracts now open
Closing date for submissions extended until 7th May 2026
We welcome Abstracts on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
Best Practice in Action
What good looks like in practice, and how to consistently achieve it.
How Things Really Work
Demystifying systems, processes, and decisions - from theory to delivery.
Practical Innovation for New Zealand
Developing and applying innovation that works in real NZ conditions.
Continuous Improvement: The 1% Better Mindset
How small, consistent gains drive meaningful long‑term performance.
Driving Quality
Building things better - design, materials, processes, and outcomes.
Sustainability and Stewardship
Reducing impact, increasing resilience, and genuinely “saving the world” while delivering infrastructure.
Should you have any questions please contact Nicola Hakes nicola@civilcontractors.co.nz