The Entomological Society of New Zealand was founded on 17 May 1951. One year later, the first conference of the Society was held at the Entomological Research Station, Nelson over three days 14–16 May 1952, with 52 attendees. Since then, the Society has met annually to present the very latest research across the breadth of entomological disciplines.

Since 1996, the New Zealand and Australian entomological societies have had combined meetings every five years.