Fifteen scientists and mathematicians specialising in the waves gathered to present research and discuss potential future collaborations.
Gravitational waves are tiny ripples in space and time created by the movement of massive objects.
This month, the first detection of gravitational waves created from the merging of neutron stars was announced.
The finding was made through observations at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory's two detectors in Louisiana and Washington.
Neutron stars are hyper-dense objects which are created when stars of a certain mass collapse. Their density is only rivalled by that of black holes.
University of Otago professor of applied mathematics Jorg Frauendiener said recent findings had huge implications for understanding the universe.
New Zealand's research was mainly dedicated to the theoretical side of the science, which could fit with the work of Australian gravitational wave research centre OzGrav, he said.
OzGrav chief investigator Prof Susan Scott yesterday explained what the recent discovery meant and the part it played in the findings.
''We're involved in the experimental side of developing and improving the instrumentation and making it more sensitive as well as the science side of what we expect to see out in the universe from gravitational waves.''
The recently announced discoveries helped to explain how heavy elements were produced, she said.
''It looks like these are the production factories for gold and uranium and platinum and so on.''
