To promote Python's use in New Zealand the NZ Python User Group (NZPUG) is holding the first Kiwi PyCon conference in Christchurch at the Canterbury Innovation Incubator on November 7th and 8th.

The event will include talks highlighting how Python has been used in web and desktop applications, in the field of science and maths, in gaming and animation, and in various other fields. The programme will also include interactive sessions with the audience and opportunities for delegates to give short presentations regarding ways they have benefited from Python.

Python is used in New Zealand by companies such as Weta Digital, the company behind special effects for blockbusters such as Lord of the Rings and King Kong, and is also used extensively by the New Zealand Government, by academic institutions throughout the country and many other commercial organisations.

“We've got a great lineup of talks prepared and we've also arranged for a couple of very talented and engaging keynote speakers for the conference” said Tim Knapp, the Director of the event, “so we really do encourage all members of the IT community in New Zealand to come along, including management, to find out how Python can be used in their organisations”.

The event is supported by Canonical, Catalyst IT, Weta Digital, the Python Software Foundation, Unfold Limited and Tait Electronics. Other supporting organisations include Encode Limited, powerHouse, PretaWeb, VortexDNA and the Plone Foundation.

About 150 delegates are expected from across New Zealand and Australia and registration for the conference is now open with limited numbers.