50 Leadership Conference Speakers in New Zealand
- Jonno White
- 6 days ago
- 18 min read
Last updated: 9 August 2026.
New Zealand's leadership conference scene brings together directors, chief executives, educators, policy thinkers, broadcasters, founders and community leaders. The 50 people below are speakers, hosts and panellists appearing at the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference in Wellington, a two-day event built around the governance and leadership questions shaping Aotearoa and the wider world.
The group covers boardroom performance, digital change, infrastructure, inclusion, public leadership, technology, health and safety, Māori governance and the practical challenge of leading through uncertainty. Some are long-standing governance figures. Others bring current experience from government, business, education, media or community work.
Why leadership conferences matter in New Zealand
Leadership conferences matter because the most useful ideas rarely stay inside one job title or one industry. A governance question can become a people question. A technology decision can become a trust question. A public sector challenge can look surprisingly similar to the problem facing a board, a school or a growing company.
The speakers in this directory reflect that overlap. Their sessions move between board performance, growth, infrastructure, inclusion, public accountability, artificial intelligence, cultural understanding and the human work of making difficult decisions. That range is part of what makes a good conference useful: it gives leaders a wider set of examples than their own sector usually provides.
There is also value in seeing who is invited into the room. The 2026 programme combines experienced directors with people leading public agencies, technology businesses, research organisations, community groups and media conversations. It treats leadership as a practical responsibility rather than a narrow corporate title.
1. Helen Anderson
Chair, Studio Pacific Architecture; board member, Hōhepa Wellington, Studio Pacific Architecture
Helen Anderson is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Helen Anderson in a practical session on difficult board performance conversations. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
2. Francois Barton
Chief Executive, New Zealand Business Leaders' Health and Safety Forum
Francois Barton is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Francois Barton in a fast fact on health and safety law changes. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
3. Chris Bradley
Senior Partner and Director of the McKinsey Global Institute, McKinsey & Company
Chris Bradley is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Chris Bradley in a session on global trends and governing for growth. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
4. Tracey Bridges
Co-founder and Director, The Good Registry
Tracey Bridges is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Tracey Bridges in a panel on governance that helps start-ups grow. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
5. Sheridan Broadbent
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Sheridan Broadbent is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Sheridan Broadbent in a fireside chat on the board's role in preventing sexual harassment. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
6. Ross Buckley
Chair and independent director, Institute of Directors New Zealand
Ross Buckley is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Ross Buckley in the conference closing reflections. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
7. Tony Carter
Chair and director, Datacom and MyFoodBag
Tony Carter is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Tony Carter in a session on managing poor board performance. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
8. Andrew Clark
Director General, Government Communications Security Bureau
Andrew Clark is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Andrew Clark in a Chartered Members session on emerging strategic threats. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
9. Grant Cleland
Founder and strategic adviser, Creative Solutions
Grant Cleland is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Grant Cleland in a power breakfast on leading with purpose in not-for-profit governance. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
10. Anna Cody
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
Anna Cody is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Anna Cody in a keynote on why sexual harassment is a governance issue. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
11. Vena Crawley
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Vena Crawley is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Vena Crawley in a panel on governing for vulnerable customers. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
12. Vic Crone
Director and Chair, ASB and Variety
Vic Crone is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Vic Crone in a closing panel on governing digital transformation. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
13. Cassandra Crowley
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Cassandra Crowley is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Cassandra Crowley in the 2026 conference speaker line-up. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
14. Anna Curzon
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Anna Curzon is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Anna Curzon in a closing panel on governing digital transformation. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
15. David Downs
Incoming Chief Executive, Education New Zealand
David Downs is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places David Downs in a Fast Fact on supporting breakthrough science through good governance. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
16. Charles Edel
Australia Chair and senior adviser, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Charles Edel is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Charles Edel in a keynote on geopolitics and governance. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
17. Erika Eliasson-Norris
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Erika Eliasson-Norris is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Erika Eliasson-Norris in a session on seeing governance risk before a crisis. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
18. Shai Ganu
Global leader, Board Advisory and Executive Compensation, WTW
Shai Ganu is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Shai Ganu in a keynote on future-ready boards and lessons from Asia. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
19. Brent Goldsack
Chair and director, Waitomo Group and Fonterra
Brent Goldsack is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Brent Goldsack in a power breakfast on the infrastructure board's challenge. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
20. Paddy Gower
Journalist, broadcaster and author, Independent
Paddy Gower is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Paddy Gower in the conference dinner keynote on the power of connection. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
21. Pania Gray
Independent Chair and Pro-Chancellor, Education Services Limited and Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington
Pania Gray is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Pania Gray in a session on managing poor board performance. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
22. Andrew Hampton
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Andrew Hampton is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Andrew Hampton in a Chartered Members session on emerging strategic threats. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
23. Murray Harrington
Director and investor, Independent governance portfolio
Murray Harrington is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Murray Harrington in a panel on governing for vulnerable customers. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
24. Raveen Jaduram
Chair and director, New Zealand Infrastructure Commission and Water Services Authority
Raveen Jaduram is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Raveen Jaduram in a power breakfast on building resilient infrastructure. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
25. Steven Joyce
Director, Joyce Advisory Ltd
Steven Joyce is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Steven Joyce in an address on governing for growth in uncertain times. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
26. Miriama Kamo
Broadcaster, writer, speaker and environmental advocate, Herd Productions and NZME
Miriama Kamo is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Miriama Kamo in the formal conference welcome and mihi whakatau. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
27. Ben Kepes
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Ben Kepes is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Ben Kepes in a closing panel on governing digital transformation. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
28. Andrew Little
Mayor, Wellington City Council
Andrew Little is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Andrew Little in the opening address on governance in action in Wellington. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
29. Jackie Lloyd
Chair and director, Naylor Love Enterprises and CentrePort
Jackie Lloyd is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Jackie Lloyd in a panel on the move from director to chair. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
30. Jonathan Mason
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Jonathan Mason is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Jonathan Mason in a panel on governing for vulnerable customers. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
31. Tim McCready
Director, Business and Entrepreneurship, Asia New Zealand Foundation
Tim McCready is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Tim McCready in a question and answer on future-ready boards. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
32. Shirley McLeod
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Shirley McLeod is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Shirley McLeod in a panel on governing for vulnerable customers. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
33. James Miller
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
James Miller is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places James Miller in a power breakfast on the difference between good and great boards. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
34. Kura Moeahu
Governance and cultural adviser; Chair, Te Āti Awa
Kura Moeahu is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Kura Moeahu in the formal welcome and closing karakia. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
35. Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Te Aorangi Murphy-Fell in a panel on the move from director to chair. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
36. Trish Oakley
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Trish Oakley is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Trish Oakley in the formal conference welcome and mihi whakatau. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
37. Shelly Palmer
Chief Executive, The Palmer Group
Shelly Palmer is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Shelly Palmer in a keynote on AI and the boardroom. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
38. Kirsten Patterson
Chief Executive, Institute of Directors New Zealand
Kirsten Patterson is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Kirsten Patterson in an interactive boardroom session on ethics, culture and technology. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
39. Matt Prichard
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Matt Prichard is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Matt Prichard in a Fast Fact on the board's responsibility for modern slavery. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
40. Caren Rangi
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Caren Rangi is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Caren Rangi in a power breakfast on leading with purpose in not-for-profit governance. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
41. Alishia Rangiwhakawaitau Moeahu
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Alishia Rangiwhakawaitau Moeahu is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Alishia Rangiwhakawaitau Moeahu in the formal welcome and closing karakia. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
42. Tania Te Rangingangana Simpson
Director and former Chair, Meridian Energy and Waitangi National Trust
Tania Te Rangingangana Simpson is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Tania Te Rangingangana Simpson in a power breakfast on the difference between good and great boards. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
43. Renee Smith-Apanui
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Renee Smith-Apanui is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Renee Smith-Apanui in a breakout session on governing family and collective assets. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
44. Scott St John
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Scott St John is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Scott St John in a power breakfast on the difference between good and great boards. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
45. Rachel Taulelei
Chair and co-founder, Moana New Zealand and Oho
Rachel Taulelei is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Rachel Taulelei in a panel on governance that helps start-ups grow. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
46. Paula Tesoriero
Chief Executive, Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People
Paula Tesoriero is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Paula Tesoriero in a Fast Fact on disability perspectives that strengthen governance. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
47. Bridget Unsworth
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Bridget Unsworth is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Bridget Unsworth in a panel on governance that helps start-ups grow. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
48. Michelle Urquhart
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Michelle Urquhart is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Michelle Urquhart in a panel on governing for vulnerable customers. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
49. Serge van Dam
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Serge van Dam is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Serge van Dam in a panel on governance that helps start-ups grow. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
50. Phil Veal
Conference speaker, 2026 IoD Leadership Conference
Phil Veal is part of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference speaker line-up in Wellington. The programme places Phil Veal in a panel on governance that helps start-ups grow. The session connects to a wider question that many leaders face: how to make sound choices when the pressure, the information and the people affected are all changing at once.
What this speaker line-up says about leadership now
Several themes run through the programme. The first is that governance is becoming more practical. The sessions focus on conversations, questions, oversight and judgement, not only on structures or formal responsibilities.
The second is that technology is now a leadership issue in its own right. Artificial intelligence and digital transformation appear alongside culture, ethics and accountability because leaders cannot separate the tool from the decisions made around it.
The third is the continuing importance of context. New Zealand leadership is being discussed through Māori governance, public institutions, infrastructure, disability inclusion, education, health and safety, and the realities of running organisations through uncertainty.
The final theme is that good leadership is shared work. A conference can put one person on stage, but the real value comes from the questions, examples and conversations that people take back to their own teams and boards.
How to use this directory
Use this directory as a starting point. If one of the names fits the issue you are working through, open the linked programme and read the session description before deciding what you need next. The most useful choice is usually the speaker whose experience matches the decision in front of you, not simply the person with the biggest profile.
For event organisers, the list gives a quick view of the range of voices appearing at a major New Zealand leadership conference. For leaders and board members, it shows how closely governance, culture, technology, public service and community outcomes now sit together. For people exploring their own leadership practice, it offers a set of current questions worth carrying into the next team conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Who is included in this New Zealand leadership conference directory?**
The directory includes 50 people appearing as speakers, hosts or panellists in the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference programme in Wellington.
**When is the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference?**
The conference is scheduled for 3 and 4 September 2026 at Tākina Convention and Events Centre in Wellington.
**What topics do these speakers cover?**
The programme covers governance, board performance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, inclusion, Māori governance, public leadership, health and safety, growth and leadership through uncertainty.
**Are all the speakers based in New Zealand?**
No. The programme includes New Zealand-based speakers alongside people joining from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and other international settings.
**Can I use this as a speaker booking list?**
It is a starting point rather than a booking service. Use the conference programme or each person's current professional page to understand their work before making an approach.
Conclusion
New Zealand's leadership conference speakers show how wide the idea of leadership has become. It now includes the boardroom, the classroom, the public agency, the community organisation, the technology company and the difficult conversation that determines whether a team can move forward.
The 50 people in this directory bring different experience to that conversation. Their shared value is not that they all lead in the same way. It is that they give leaders more than one way to think about the work.
If you are heading to a leadership conference in New Zealand this year, take one question with you: what will I do differently on Monday morning because of what I heard?
Related Reading
For related leadership directories, see leaders in energy across Australia and New Zealand, people and culture leaders across Australia and New Zealand, and influential leaders shaping Sydney.
A note for leaders navigating change
Leadership teams often know the decision they need to make, but not the conversation that will help people own it. I help leaders turn difficult trade-offs into clear next steps through keynotes, workshops and facilitated leadership sessions.
If your team needs a practical conversation about clarity, conflict, ownership or how work moves through a group, get in touch at jonno@consultclarity.org.
About the Author
Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator. He helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at, with practical tools they can use on Monday morning.