50 HR Conference Speakers in New Zealand to Know

Last updated: 12 August 2026.

New Zealand's HR conference scene brings together people leaders, learning specialists, technology voices and practitioners who work close to the realities of organisational life. The best conference programmes do not treat people work as a side topic. They connect capability, culture, inclusion, systems and leadership to the decisions leaders are making now.

This 2026 list brings together 50 speakers featured across major New Zealand HR, learning and leadership programmes. Some work inside large organisations. Others bring specialist, independent or economic perspectives. Together, they show how broad the conversation has become.

Use the list as a starting point when you are shaping a conference brief. The right speaker depends on the change your audience needs to work through, the language they will trust and the practical step you want them to take afterwards.

If your brief is broader than HR, the New Zealand keynote speakers directory is a useful next read. For a related leadership lens, see keynote speakers on trust-based leadership.

The list is arranged alphabetically by first name. It is a recognition list, not a ranking.

1. Aaron Berkovich

Director of APAC Sales, Absorb Software

Aaron Berkovich is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Director of APAC Sales at Absorb Software. Aaron Berkovich brings a commercial learning technology and conference partnerships lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

2. Anupa Parmar

GM Human Resources, DEFEND

Anupa Parmar is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of GM Human Resources at DEFEND. The value of Anupa Parmar's contribution sits in the connection between gm human resources and the people systems needed as organisations grow and change. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

3. Anna Liumaihetau Darling

General Manager, People Experience, Sharesies

Anna Liumaihetau Darling is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of General Manager, People Experience at Sharesies. For event organisers, Anna Liumaihetau Darling represents a practical way into people experience, trust and ownership in a growing organisation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

4. Arahi Ruffell

Learning Manager, Mitre 10 New Zealand

Arahi Ruffell is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Learning Manager at Mitre 10 New Zealand. Arahi Ruffell's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of how learning teams turn capability into practical workplace habits. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

5. Ashani Senanayake

HR Manager, Omexom

Ashani Senanayake is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of HR Manager at Omexom. Ashani Senanayake brings a the everyday HR work that supports technical and operational teams lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

6. Charlie Hughes

Interim Chief People, Safety and Wellbeing Officer, New Zealand Rugby

Charlie Hughes is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Interim Chief People, Safety and Wellbeing Officer at New Zealand Rugby. The value of Charlie Hughes's contribution sits in the connection between interim chief people, safety and wellbeing officer and the connection between people leadership, safety and wellbeing. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

7. Charlotte Ward

Chief People Officer, Kiwibank

Charlotte Ward is listed as a speaker at HRNZ Future Workplace Forum 2026 in the role of Chief People Officer at Kiwibank. For event organisers, Charlotte Ward represents a practical way into inclusion, belonging and diversity in organisational practice. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

8. Clare Horrobin

Learning Director, Horrobin Learning

Clare Horrobin is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Learning Director at Horrobin Learning. Clare Horrobin's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of learning design and capability conversations for changing work. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

9. Christina Leung

Deputy Chief Executive, NZIER

Christina Leung is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Deputy Chief Executive at NZIER. Christina Leung brings a the economic and workforce questions behind people decisions lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

10. David Wright

Regional Vice President ANZ, Cornerstone

David Wright is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Regional Vice President ANZ at Cornerstone. The value of David Wright's contribution sits in the connection between regional vice president anz and the learning technology context behind modern capability programmes. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

11. Eilidh MacDonald

Head of PX Operational Excellence, Xero

Eilidh MacDonald is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Head of PX Operational Excellence at Xero. For event organisers, Eilidh MacDonald represents a practical way into people experience at scale and the operational detail behind it. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

12. Emily Durey

People Director, DB Breweries

Emily Durey is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of People Director at DB Breweries. Emily Durey's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of how people strategy connects with a large operating business. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

13. Emily Turnbull

Founder, Chatterbox

Emily Turnbull is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Founder at Chatterbox. Emily Turnbull brings a the founder perspective on communication and workplace capability lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

14. Fran Haas

Customer Success Partner, ReadyTech

Fran Haas is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Customer Success Partner at ReadyTech. The value of Fran Haas's contribution sits in the connection between customer success partner and the link between customer success, systems and people practice. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

15. Gail Pacheco

Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, New Zealand Human Rights Commission

Gail Pacheco is listed as a speaker at HRNZ Future Workplace Forum 2026 in the role of Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner at New Zealand Human Rights Commission. For event organisers, Gail Pacheco represents a practical way into workplace equity and what it means in New Zealand. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

16. Gergana David

APAC Lead, Big Bloom

Gergana David is listed as a speaker at HRNZ Future Workplace Forum 2026 in the role of APAC Lead at Big Bloom. Gergana David's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of collective intelligence and practical equity solutions. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

17. Hadleigh Pouesi

Ōhinga Tū Service Lead, Visionwest

Hadleigh Pouesi is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Ōhinga Tū Service Lead at Visionwest. Hadleigh Pouesi brings a service leadership and the human side of organisational change lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

18. Ian McCreery

Senior Principal of AI Strategic Engagement, Workday

Ian McCreery is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Senior Principal of AI Strategic Engagement at Workday. The value of Ian McCreery's contribution sits in the connection between senior principal of ai strategic engagement and the people questions that sit alongside AI adoption. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

19. Izette du Toit

Digital Learning Manager, NZ Post-Tukurau Aotearoa

Izette du Toit is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Digital Learning Manager at NZ Post-Tukurau Aotearoa. For event organisers, Izette du Toit represents a practical way into digital learning in a large, distributed organisation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

20. Jan McCarthy

Head of Learning and Development, NZ Post-Tukurau Aotearoa

Jan McCarthy is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Head of Learning and Development at NZ Post-Tukurau Aotearoa. Jan McCarthy's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of how learning and development supports workforce capability. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

21. Jane Ward

CEO, Tomorrow's People

Jane Ward is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of CEO at Tomorrow's People. Jane Ward brings a the role of people strategy in shaping the future of work lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

22. Jessica Xu

General Manager, Leadership and Enterprise Capability, Fonterra

Jessica Xu is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of General Manager, Leadership and Enterprise Capability at Fonterra. The value of Jessica Xu's contribution sits in the connection between general manager, leadership and enterprise capability and enterprise capability and the development of future-ready leaders. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

23. Jo Fair

Chief of People and Culture, Southern Cross Healthcare

Jo Fair is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Chief of People and Culture at Southern Cross Healthcare. For event organisers, Jo Fair represents a practical way into people and culture leadership in a nationwide healthcare organisation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

24. Joanne Gladding

Senior People Scientist, Culture Amp

Joanne Gladding is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Senior People Scientist at Culture Amp. Joanne Gladding's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of the evidence and practice behind better employee experiences. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

25. Jonathan Brabant

New Zealand Director, Workday

Jonathan Brabant is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of New Zealand Director at Workday. Jonathan Brabant brings a the New Zealand view of technology and the changing workplace lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

26. John Bradbury

Reward Manager, Central, Strategic Pay

John Bradbury is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Reward Manager, Central at Strategic Pay. The value of John Bradbury's contribution sits in the connection between reward manager, central and reward decisions and the practical signals they send to employees. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

27. Kahlia Finch

Global People Experience and Capability Lead, Zespri International

Kahlia Finch is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Global People Experience and Capability Lead at Zespri International. For event organisers, Kahlia Finch represents a practical way into people experience and capability across an international organisation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

28. Katie Williams

Chief People Officer, Sky New Zealand

Katie Williams is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Chief People Officer at Sky New Zealand. Katie Williams's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of senior people leadership in a changing media and technology business. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

29. Karly Boast

Founder, Bold&Co

Karly Boast is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Founder at Bold&Co. Karly Boast brings a change management from an independent and practical perspective lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

30. Kimble Vowless

Director, Mantle Leadership

Kimble Vowless is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Director at Mantle Leadership. The value of Kimble Vowless's contribution sits in the connection between director and leadership practice and the work of helping organisations move forward. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

31. Kirsty Lloyd

Head of People and Capability, Haka House

Kirsty Lloyd is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Head of People and Capability at Haka House. For event organisers, Kirsty Lloyd represents a practical way into people capability in a growing hospitality group. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

32. Lauren Foster

Partner in Technology and Transformation, Human Capital, Portfolio Lead, Deloitte

Lauren Foster is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Partner in Technology and Transformation, Human Capital, Portfolio Lead at Deloitte. Lauren Foster's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of the transformation choices that shape people and work. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

33. Leanne Otene

President, New Zealand Principals' Federation

Leanne Otene is listed as a speaker at CPPA Leadership Conference 2025 in the role of President at New Zealand Principals' Federation. Leanne Otene brings a principal leadership and the wellbeing of education leaders lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

34. Louisa Dellabarca

Big Bloom Co-Lead, Big Bloom

Louisa Dellabarca is listed as a speaker at HRNZ Future Workplace Forum 2026 in the role of Big Bloom Co-Lead at Big Bloom. The value of Louisa Dellabarca's contribution sits in the connection between big bloom co-lead and facilitated collective intelligence and practical workplace solutions. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

35. Mariana Van Zyl

Senior Payroll Consultant, Rabobank

Mariana Van Zyl is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Senior Payroll Consultant at Rabobank. For event organisers, Mariana Van Zyl represents a practical way into the payroll detail that supports a fair and reliable employee experience. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

36. Maretha Smit

Chief Executive Officer, Te Uru Tangata Centre for Workplace Inclusion

Maretha Smit is listed as a speaker at HRNZ Future Workplace Forum 2026 in the role of Chief Executive Officer at Te Uru Tangata Centre for Workplace Inclusion. Maretha Smit's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of equity, access and the digital divide in Aotearoa workplaces. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

37. Michal Pawlowicz

Head of Learning and Organisational Development, Hind Management

Michal Pawlowicz is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Hind Management. Michal Pawlowicz brings a learning and organisational development in a hospitality setting lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

38. Natasha Stone

Data and Analytics Director, Strategic Pay

Natasha Stone is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Data and Analytics Director at Strategic Pay. The value of Natasha Stone's contribution sits in the connection between data and analytics director and the data and analytics behind reward and people decisions. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

39. Paula Williams

Chief People Officer, AA Insurance

Paula Williams is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Chief People Officer at AA Insurance. For event organisers, Paula Williams represents a practical way into senior people leadership in a customer-facing organisation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

40. Rachel Barnett

National CME Lead People and Culture, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora

Rachel Barnett is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of National CME Lead People and Culture at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. Rachel Barnett's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of people and culture work in a national health system. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

41. Rebecca Montford

Group HR Manager, Prolife

Rebecca Montford is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Group HR Manager at Prolife. Rebecca Montford brings a group HR practice across a specialist business lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

42. Roxanne Pascoe

Director, Learning and Organisational Development, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Roxanne Pascoe is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Director, Learning and Organisational Development at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. The value of Roxanne Pascoe's contribution sits in the connection between director, learning and organisational development and learning and organisational development in a national agency. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

43. Ryan Ashton

Founder and Chief Yarner, A Few Quiet Yarns

Ryan Ashton is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Founder and Chief Yarner at A Few Quiet Yarns. For event organisers, Ryan Ashton represents a practical way into story, conversation and the human texture of workplace change. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

44. Ryan Ghisi

Head of People Operations, 2degrees

Ryan Ghisi is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Head of People Operations at 2degrees. Ryan Ghisi's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of people operations and the systems that make change usable. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

45. Sarah Bellett

Head of People Experience, One New Zealand

Sarah Bellett is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Head of People Experience at One New Zealand. Sarah Bellett brings a employee experience as organisations adopt new tools lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

46. Samantha Carter

Learning and Experience Partner, Mitre 10 New Zealand

Samantha Carter is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Learning and Experience Partner at Mitre 10 New Zealand. The value of Samantha Carter's contribution sits in the connection between learning and experience partner and the blend of learning and employee experience in practice. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

47. Shireen Chua

Director, Intercultural Coach and Facilitator, Third Culture Solutions

Shireen Chua is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Director, Intercultural Coach and Facilitator at Third Culture Solutions. For event organisers, Shireen Chua represents a practical way into intercultural leadership and facilitation in diverse workplaces. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

48. Simon Kuestenmacher

Director and Co-founder, The Demographics Group

Simon Kuestenmacher is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Director and Co-founder at The Demographics Group. Simon Kuestenmacher's place on the programme gives the audience a grounded view of demographic change and what it means for leaders and workplaces. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

49. Steven Moe

Partner, Parry Field Lawyers

Steven Moe is listed as a speaker at HRNZ Future Workplace Forum 2026 in the role of Partner at Parry Field Lawyers. Steven Moe brings a governance and accountability for workplace equity commitments lens to the conference conversation. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

50. Tonette Pearce

Group General Manager, People and Culture, Canopy Healthcare

Tonette Pearce is listed as a speaker at TechFest NZ 2026 in the role of Group General Manager, People and Culture at Canopy Healthcare. The value of Tonette Pearce's contribution sits in the connection between group general manager, people and culture and senior people leadership in healthcare. That is useful when a conference needs more than a broad future-of-work message and wants a session connected to the work leaders and people teams are actually doing.

Conclusion

A few themes run through this group. People experience and capability are being treated as operating work, not just support functions. Equity and inclusion are being connected to systems, access and accountability. Learning and technology are increasingly discussed together because a new tool only matters when people can use it well.

That mix is what makes a strong HR conference useful. The room should leave with a clearer view of the challenge, a shared language for discussing it and one or two practical moves leaders can make when they return to work.

For a conference organiser, the brief is usually more important than the job title. Start with the tension in the room, then choose the speaker whose experience and approach can help people work through it.

About the Author

Jonno White is the author of Step Up or Step Out and a Certified Working Genius Facilitator. He is Brisbane-based and works with schools, organisations and leadership teams around the world on practical leadership, trust and team performance.

Next Read or Related Reading

If you are shaping a wider speaker brief, explore the New Zealand keynote speakers directory and the practical ideas in keynote speakers on trust-based leadership.

Work With Jonno

I help conference organisers and leadership teams turn a broad people challenge into a practical keynote, workshop or facilitated session. The aim is something your audience can use on Monday morning, not a feeling that fades by Friday.

If you are planning an HR, learning or leadership event, email jonno@consultclarity.org.