73 Best Keynote Speakers in New Zealand (2026)

Quick answer: A keynote speaker in New Zealand is a presenter hired to open or anchor a conference, leadership event, or corporate programme, combining subject expertise with the ability to give an audience a clearer way to think about a challenge. This compiled directory covers 73 verified speakers across leadership, motivation, wellbeing, technology, sports, communication and more.

Who is covered	73 verified New Zealand keynote speakers
Categories	Leadership, motivation, mental health, innovation, sports, communication, entrepreneurship, education, MCs
Delivery formats	In-person, virtual, hybrid
How to start	Browse entries below; contact the speaker listed website or bureau

Last updated: 29 June 2026

As of June 2026, conference briefs are getting sharper. According to The Motivational Speakers Agency's 2026 Keynote Speaking Trends Report, based on analysis of 1,568 UK events, 68% of keynote briefs now start with a business objective before a speaker name is mentioned. Finding the right voice for your conference requires knowing what outcome you are trying to create before you open a search.

This compiled directory of keynote speakers in New Zealand cuts through the noise. Whether you are an event organiser planning a leadership summit, an HR professional seeking a wellbeing keynote, or a conference chair looking for an MC with depth, you will find verified options here. The speakers are compiled, not ranked.

Jack Hayes, Director of The Motivational Speakers Agency: "A good keynote should give the room a sharper way to think."

Who this is for: event organisers, conference chairs, HR leaders and executive teams in New Zealand seeking a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator or MC for a corporate event, conference or leadership programme.

A note from the compiler

I compiled this directory. The speakers listed below are independent practitioners. I offer keynote speaking and facilitation myself, which I set out clearly at the end of this page. Read my offer as exactly that: my own offer, not an independent pick.

How these speakers were chosen: each entry is a verified, currently active speaker with a confirmed public profile, verifiable credentials and a working contact or booking link. For more on how to choose between options, see my complete guide to hiring keynote speakers in Australia and New Zealand.

Across the 73 speakers compiled in this directory, 6 hold earned doctorates, 6 carry a New Zealand knighthood or damehood, and at least 8 are current or former Olympians or Paralympians. These figures are compiled from the 73 entries listed here, not from a survey.

How do you choose the right keynote speaker in New Zealand?

Choosing a keynote speaker is one of the most consequential decisions a conference team makes. The right choice creates a moment attendees reference for years. The wrong choice wastes budget and attention. According to The Motivational Speakers Agency's 2026 Keynote Speaking Trends Report, 54% of corporate keynote briefs now reference audience engagement, internal communication or post-event value as part of the booking requirement, which means the question has shifted from "who is famous?" to "what does this audience need to walk away knowing?"

Five criteria that matter most:

• Proven track record with a similar audience. A speaker who connects with tech executives may fall flat with school principals. Ask for references from organisations similar to yours. Strong speakers will provide them.

• Practical content, not only inspiration. Ask: "What will my team actually do differently after this presentation?" The 2026 trend data shows 46% of briefs now ask for a speaker who can connect their subject to practical workplace behaviour.

• Tailored content, not a canned presentation. The best speakers spend time understanding your challenges, culture and objectives before they step on stage. Ask how they customise.

• A clear methodology or framework. Speakers with a named framework or published work can usually articulate exactly how they create change, which is what a sceptical executive audience needs.

• Professional communication from the first enquiry. Responsiveness, clear contracts and flexibility around travel signal someone experienced in working with event organisers.

For more on the selection process, see my complete guide to hiring keynote speakers in Australia and New Zealand.

Leadership and Business Keynote Speakers

Leadership and governance keynotes anchor large corporate conferences. The speakers below bring experience at the highest levels of New Zealand business and public life.

1. Sir John Kirwan KNZM MBE

Sir John Kirwan KNZM MBE is one of the All Blacks' most celebrated players turned one of New Zealand's most respected mental health advocates. His first-person account of living with depression and rebuilding through it has reshaped the conversation about mental wellbeing in New Zealand workplaces.

Best for: Large conferences seeking a combination of cultural resonance and a genuinely important message on mental health.

Specialty: Mental health advocacy, leadership, resilience.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

2. Dame Jenny Shipley

Dame Jenny Shipley is New Zealand's first female Prime Minister, serving from 1997 to 1999, and has since built an extensive career in governance, board advisory and international economics. Her experience navigating the highest levels of government and global business gives audiences perspectives on leadership in times of significant change.

Best for: Board retreats, senior leader conferences and government sector events.

Specialty: Governance, leadership, global economics.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

3. Sir Graham Henry KNZM

Sir Graham Henry KNZM is the coach who led the All Blacks to Rugby World Cup victory in 2011, ending a 24-year wait. His principles on high performance leadership, team culture and pressure translate directly to business contexts, and his methodologies on building championship environments resonate with leaders across every sector.

Best for: Executive teams seeking proven high-performance frameworks.

Specialty: High performance leadership, team culture.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

4. Rt Hon John Key GNZM AC

John Key served as New Zealand's 38th Prime Minister from 2008 to 2016, navigating the global financial crisis and building New Zealand's international trade relationships. His transition from investment banking to politics to private sector advisory provides material for audiences navigating their own pivots and uncertainties.

Best for: Financial services and business strategy conferences.

Specialty: Leadership, economics, governance.

Website: ICMI Speakers

5. Bruce Cotterill

Bruce Cotterill is a CEO who has led multiple major New Zealand companies through transformation. His approach emphasises results over theory, covering business strategy, culture and the practical realities of leadership execution.

Best for: Executive audiences seeking actionable business strategy.

Specialty: CEO leadership, turnaround strategy.

Website: Speakers NZ

6. Sam Stubbs

Sam Stubbs is co-founder of Simplicity, New Zealand's fastest-growing nonprofit KiwiSaver provider, which donates 15% of all fees to charity. His keynotes challenge conventional thinking about profit and purpose, offering frameworks for building sustainable businesses that genuinely serve their communities.

Best for: Finance sector events, sustainability-focused conferences and purpose-driven organisations.

Specialty: Purpose-driven leadership, financial innovation.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

7. Craig Hudson

Craig Hudson is the former Xero Managing Director for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. He brings credibility earned leading a hypergrowth technology company to conversations about sustainable workplace wellbeing, and his insights bridge commercial performance and healthy culture.

Best for: Technology companies and HR conferences.

Specialty: Wellbeing in business, technology leadership.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

8. Ziena Jalil

Ziena Jalil is a changemaker and former diplomat whose experience spans government, corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her keynotes address equity, opportunity and the practical steps to building inclusive organisations.

Best for: Diversity-focused events and public sector conferences.

Specialty: Equity, diplomacy, inclusive leadership.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

9. Shamubeel Eaqub

Shamubeel Eaqub is one of New Zealand's most recognised economists. He translates complex economic trends into clear implications for business leaders, drawing on deep research and media experience to make the macroeconomic story accessible and useful.

Best for: Industry conferences and economic outlook events.

Specialty: Economics, housing, demographic trends.

Website: Direct and bureau listings

10. Joe Davis

Joe Davis is an innovation architect who helps organisations reimagine their approach to change and transformation. His frameworks for navigating disruption give leadership teams practical pathways forward.

Best for: Technology conferences and innovation summits.

Specialty: Innovation, transformation.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

Motivational and Mindset Keynote Speakers

Motivational keynotes work best when they are grounded in a genuine story and a transferable lesson. The speakers below cover adventure, resilience, adversity and personal achievement.

11. Ngahihi o te ra Bidois

Ngahihi o te ra Bidois, known as "The Face of New Zealand," combines Maori wisdom with practical frameworks for leadership and identity. He has won both the NZ Speaker of the Year award and multiple Inspirational Speaker of the Year awards, and his keynotes help audiences connect personal purpose to sustained performance.

Best for: Organisations seeking cultural depth alongside a motivational message.

Specialty: Maori leadership, identity, motivation.

Website: facenz.com

12. Kevin Biggar

Kevin Biggar won the Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race and trekked unsupported to the South Pole, and he holds a Masters in Environment and Development from the University of Cambridge. Before his adventures, he worked for the Boston Consulting Group and the New Zealand Treasury. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning 'Oarsome Adventures of a Fat Boy Rower,' and brings analytical rigour to storytelling about achieving goals in genuinely difficult circumstances.

Best for: Sales teams and leadership conferences.

Specialty: Resilience, leadership under pressure, adventure.

Website: kevinbiggar.co.nz

13. Cam Calkoen

Cam Calkoen was born with cerebral palsy and became a Paralympian and gold medallist in athletics. In 2017 he became one of only twelve New Zealand speakers to earn the Certified Professional Speaker designation, and in 2020 the National Speakers Association of New Zealand named him Speaker of the Year. His message on mindset and resilience lands with audiences facing their own challenges.

Best for: Motivational events and team building conferences.

Specialty: Mindset, resilience, goal achievement.

Website: camcalkoen.com

14. Steve Gurney MNZM

Steve Gurney MNZM is a nine-time winner of the Coast to Coast, New Zealand's most demanding multisport race, and holds training in NLP alongside an engineering background. He brings structured approaches to motivation alongside authentic experience of what it takes to sustain high performance over a long career.

Best for: Regional conferences and events in the outdoors and sports industries.

Specialty: Motivation, endurance, innovation.

Website: stevegurney.co.nz

15. Tony Christiansen

Tony Christiansen lost both legs at the age of nine and went on to become a lifeguard, motor racing champion and snow skier. His story of reframing limitation provides powerful motivation, and his practical frameworks help audiences approach their own obstacles differently.

Best for: Safety conferences and motivational events.

Specialty: Overcoming adversity, motivation.

Website: Keynote Entertainment

16. Mark Inglis ONZM

Mark Inglis ONZM became, in 2006, the first double amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest, completing the climb on carbon-fibre prosthetic legs. He also won a silver medal in the 1km time trial at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. His keynotes draw on genuine high-altitude decision making and the psychology of preparation for extreme circumstances.

Best for: Corporate conferences and outdoor industry events.

Specialty: Adversity, high-altitude performance, preparation.

Website: Keynote Entertainment

17. Mike Allsop

Mike Allsop is an airline pilot, Everest summiter and ultra marathon runner whose cinematic storytelling connects adventure to the pressures of everyday working life. He brings high production value and strong stage presence to every engagement.

Best for: Large motivational conferences.

Specialty: Adventure, peak performance.

Website: Keynote Entertainment

18. Jamie Fitzgerald

Jamie Fitzgerald is an Antarctic explorer and endurance athlete who specialises in helping teams navigate uncertainty and set and achieve ambitious goals. His experience of team dynamics during extreme conditions translates directly to the challenges leadership teams face.

Best for: Team building events and strategic planning offsites.

Specialty: Teamwork, uncertainty, goal setting.

Website: Keynote Entertainment

19. Lisa Tamati

Lisa Tamati is an ultra marathon runner and longevity advocate whose journey from extreme sport into health science gives her a distinctive lens on sustainable high performance. Her keynotes are grounded in what the science says about maintaining energy and resilience over a long career.

Best for: Health sector events and wellness conferences.

Specialty: Resilience, longevity, health.

Website: ICMI Speakers

20. William Pike

William Pike survived a volcanic eruption on Mt Ruapehu, rebuilt through that experience, and became an adventurer and educator known particularly for his work with young people. His keynotes combine survival narrative with insights on growth, education and community.

Best for: Education conferences and youth events.

Specialty: Resilience, education, survival.

Website: ICMI Speakers

21. Rob Hewitt

Rob Hewitt brings a diverse range of adventure credentials, from deep ocean diving to mountaineering, and extracts transferable lessons from extreme environments for corporate audiences.

Best for: Outdoor industry events and adventure tourism.

Specialty: Adventure, exploration.

Website: ICMI Speakers

22. Peter Hillary

Peter Hillary is a mountaineer and the son of Sir Edmund Hillary, and has built an extensive expedition record of his own. His keynotes connect heritage, legacy and personal responsibility, drawing on a lifetime of climbing some of the world's most demanding peaks.

Best for: Tourism industry events and heritage organisations.

Specialty: Mountaineering, legacy, leadership.

Website: ICMI Speakers

23. Rob Hamill

Rob Hamill is an Olympic rower who crossed the Atlantic in a rowing boat and whose story includes profound personal adversity, including his brother's death in Cambodia. His keynotes inspire goal setting and resilience in the face of circumstances outside your control.

Best for: Sports events and corporate motivation.

Specialty: Endurance, bold goals, resilience.

Website: ICMI Speakers

24. Holly Budge

Holly Budge is an adventurer and conservationist who combines extraordinary physical challenges with environmental advocacy. Her perspective appeals to organisations navigating the balance between ambition and sustainability.

Best for: Environmental conferences and outdoor brands.

Specialty: Adventure, conservation.

Website: ICMI Speakers

Mental Health and Wellbeing Speakers

Mental health and wellbeing keynotes carry real responsibility. The speakers in this section bring credentials and personal experience that make these conversations substantive rather than superficial.

25. Jazz Thornton

Jazz Thornton co-founded Voices of Hope with Genevieve Mora in 2017, building a mental health charity that has reached millions through documentary work and speaking. She is a 2021 Young New Zealander of the Year and brings a raw, authentic perspective to the conversation around mental health in organisations.

Best for: Education sector events and youth-focused conferences.

Specialty: Mental health, youth advocacy.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

26. Genevieve Mora

Genevieve Mora is the co-founder and General Manager of Voices of Hope. Her keynotes address both personal experience and the systemic changes organisations can make to build genuinely supportive workplace environments.

Best for: HR conferences and wellbeing-focused events.

Specialty: Mental health, organisational wellbeing.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

27. Dr Lucy Hone

Dr Lucy Hone is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canterbury and a director of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience. Her TEDx talk on resilience has been viewed more than nine million times and translated into 23 languages. Her frameworks for building resilience are evidence-based and immediately applicable.

Best for: Academic conferences and evidence-based organisations.

Specialty: Resilience, wellbeing research.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

28. Dr Denise Quinlan

Dr Denise Quinlan is a founding director of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience and a researcher and speaker on future-focused leadership and organisational wellbeing. Her work complements Dr Lucy Hone's and the two frequently present together for organisations seeking comprehensive, research-grounded frameworks.

Best for: Leadership development programmes and education sector events.

Specialty: Wellbeing, future-focused leadership.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

29. Bronwyn Hudson

Bronwyn Hudson explores the connection between food, mood and mental wellbeing, making complex nutritional science accessible and practically useful. Her approach translates well to corporate wellness programmes.

Best for: Health conferences and corporate wellness events.

Specialty: Food, mood, wellbeing.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

30. Dave Wood

Dave Wood is a specialist in sustainable peak physical and mental performance, working with leaders on maintaining energy and output without burning out. His frameworks address the whole picture of how high performers sustain excellence across a career.

Best for: Executive audiences and high-performance cultures.

Specialty: Sustainable performance, energy management.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

31. Dr Libby Weaver

Dr Libby Weaver is an internationally recognised nutritional biochemist whose books and research have made her one of New Zealand's most sought-after wellness voices. She translates complex biochemistry into practical lifestyle guidance that corporate audiences can apply immediately.

Best for: Health sector events and corporate wellness programmes.

Specialty: Nutrition, biochemistry, wellness.

Website: ICMI Speakers

32. Nigel Latta

Nigel Latta is a clinical psychologist and television presenter known for making complex psychology topics accessible and engaging. His humour and depth have made him one of New Zealand's most recognisable voices on human behaviour in workplaces and families.

Best for: Education sector events and family-focused corporate programmes.

Specialty: Psychology, parenting, workplace behaviour.

Website: Speakers NZ

33. Dr Paul Wood

Dr Paul Wood's story of transformation from prison inmate to psychologist and executive is one of New Zealand's most compelling narratives. His practical advice on personal development and the psychology of change connects with diverse audiences.

Best for: Corrections sector events and personal development conferences.

Specialty: Transformation, psychology, resilience.

Website: Speakers NZ

Innovation, Technology and Future-Focused Speakers

Technology and futures keynotes are the fastest-growing category in the 2026 market. The Motivational Speakers Agency found that AI-related keynote enquiries rose 237% year on year, making this one of the most competitive areas to find a speaker who genuinely knows their subject.

34. Dr Michelle Dickinson MNZM

Dr Michelle Dickinson MNZM is a global technology and innovation leader who has spent her career making science accessible and exciting for general audiences. Her work on democratising STEM education provides models other organisations can follow.

Best for: Technology conferences and education sector events.

Specialty: Technology, innovation, STEM education.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

35. Dr Mahsa McCauley

Dr Mahsa McCauley is the founder of She Sharp, an organisation advocating for women in technology. She brings academic depth to conversations about AI, gender in the technology sector and systemic change, and addresses both personal action and structural barriers.

Best for: Technology sector events and diversity-focused conferences.

Specialty: Women in tech, artificial intelligence.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

36. Alexia Hilbertidou

Alexia Hilbertidou is the founder of GirlBoss NZ, New Zealand's largest organisation for young women, which she started at age 16 and has grown to 17,500 members with programmes in over 400 schools across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. The NZ Herald has called her the "Headmistress of Gen Z," and she was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree in 2021.

Best for: HR conferences, technology events and youth engagement programmes.

Specialty: Gen Z, gender equality, future of work.

Website: alexia.nz

37. Sir Ian Taylor

Sir Ian Taylor is one of New Zealand's foremost technology innovators, with decades of pioneering work in digital media and extensive experience building technology ventures. He is a compelling speaker on what it takes to innovate from a small country with global ambition.

Best for: Technology conferences and innovation summits.

Specialty: Technology innovation, digital media, entrepreneurship.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

38. Mike Lough

Mike Lough brings deep expertise in customer success and the business models that make it sustainable. His frameworks for understanding how customer experience drives growth are particularly relevant for SaaS companies and subscription-model organisations.

Best for: SaaS companies and customer-focused organisations.

Specialty: Customer experience, business growth.

Website: ICMI Speakers

39. Dave Wild

Dave Wild is a futurist who helps organisations understand and prepare for emerging trends. He translates complex forecasts into practical planning that leadership teams can act on today.

Best for: Strategic planning events and innovation conferences.

Specialty: Futurism, scenario planning.

Website: Speakers NZ

40. Scott Steinberg

Scott Steinberg is an international futurist working globally on technology trends and business strategy. His media experience means polished delivery alongside substantive content.

Best for: Large technology conferences and global business events.

Specialty: Futurism, technology trends.

Website: FutureProof Strategies

Sports and High Performance Speakers

Sports keynotes work when the speaker can translate athletic achievement into business principles without reducing it to motivational cliche. The speakers below have that credibility.

41. Emma Gilmour

Emma Gilmour made history as the first female factory driver to race for McLaren, competing in the McLaren XE team during the Extreme E electric motorsport series. She continues to compete at the elite level of New Zealand motorsport and brings an authentic perspective on breaking barriers and performing in male-dominated environments.

Best for: Automotive industry events and women in leadership conferences.

Specialty: Motorsport, breaking barriers.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

42. Gilbert Enoka

Gilbert Enoka is one of the most respected mental performance coaches in world rugby, having spent more than two decades with the All Blacks and returning to the team in 2026. His methodologies for building championship mindsets and team culture are widely studied across sport and business.

Best for: Executive teams seeking elite performance frameworks.

Specialty: Mental skills, high performance culture.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

43. Brooke Hayde

Brooke Hayde is an Olympian and former Blacksticks player who has transitioned into mindset and wellbeing coaching. Her perspective on sustained high performance across a long career helps organisations build cultures that maintain excellence without burning out their people.

Best for: Sports organisations and high-performance teams.

Specialty: Mindset, wellbeing, sustained performance.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

44. Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko became the youngest world number one golfer and is an Olympic gold medallist. Her journey navigating elite performance, public expectation and sustained excellence from a young age offers lessons relevant to any high achiever or high-pressure culture.

Best for: Sports events and high-profile leadership conferences.

Specialty: Elite performance, pressure management.

Website: AAE Speakers

45. Eric Rush

Eric Rush is one of the world's most celebrated Rugby Sevens players and brings his competitive experience to engaging MC and keynote work. His versatility makes him valuable for events that need both substantive content and an experienced host.

Best for: Sports events and corporate entertainment.

Specialty: Rugby Sevens, performance, MC.

Website: ICMI Speakers

46. Mahe Drysdale

Mahe Drysdale is an Olympic rowing champion whose transition from elite sport into civic leadership provides unique perspectives on what leadership looks like across very different contexts and environments.

Best for: Government sector events and leadership transitions.

Specialty: Olympic performance, leadership transition.

Website: ICMI Speakers

47. Tawera Nikau

Tawera Nikau is one of New Zealand's most successful professional rugby league athletes and brings passion and community depth to every keynote. His commitment to community work adds substance to his sporting achievements.

Best for: Sports events and community organisations.

Specialty: Rugby league, community, resilience.

Website: ICMI Speakers

48. Hugh Hutchison

Hugh Hutchison is a double Olympian who translates the preparation disciplines of elite sport into frameworks for business performance. His focus on the gap between preparation and execution resonates with corporate audiences.

Best for: Corporate teams and performance-focused events.

Specialty: Olympic performance, preparation, execution.

Website: ICMI Speakers

Communication and Influence Speakers

Communication keynotes deliver best when they are specific and tool-based rather than motivational. The speakers below have frameworks audiences can use immediately.

49. Amy Scott

Amy Scott created the Dots communication tool, which she has used to train more than 37,000 people in understanding how different communication styles affect team dynamics. Her "less friction, more fun" approach has produced measurable improvements in team cohesion across New Zealand organisations.

Best for: Team development events and communication training.

Specialty: Communication styles, team dynamics.

Website: Direct bookings

50. Duncan Stevens

Duncan Stevens has a former Royal Navy background and is an author on influence and persuasion, bringing global experience to New Zealand audiences through his work on the psychology of sales and negotiation.

Best for: Sales conferences and negotiation training.

Specialty: Influence, persuasion, sales.

Website: duncanstevens.com

51. Monique Bradley

Monique Bradley is the PSANZ MC of the Year and holds a Masters in Creative Practice focused on keynote speaking. She helps audiences build visibility and credibility through storytelling, and brings academic rigour to presentation skills training.

Best for: Women in business events and communication conferences.

Specialty: Storytelling, confidence, visibility.

Website: Direct bookings

52. Allison Mooney

Allison Mooney is the "people interpreter," helping organisations navigate diverse personalities and communication styles. Her frameworks give leaders practical tools for working with people who think and communicate very differently from themselves.

Best for: Team building and leadership development programmes.

Specialty: Personality, communication, interpretation.

Website: ICMI Speakers

53. Shayne Thompson

Shayne Thompson is a high-energy sales strategist who helps teams achieve breakthrough results through proven methodologies and clear frameworks for converting conversations into outcomes.

Best for: Sales conferences and revenue-focused events.

Specialty: Sales strategy, energy, performance.

Website: ICMI Speakers

54. Darren Pratley

Darren Pratley has deep expertise in New Zealand sales market dynamics and helps organisations build effective sales cultures that work in the local context.

Best for: Local business conferences and sales training events.

Specialty: Sales, New Zealand market.

Website: Speakers NZ

Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation Speakers

55. Michael Hill

Michael Hill built Michael Hill Jeweller from a single New Zealand store into an international retail chain. His entrepreneurial journey covers persistence, brand building and the discipline required to scale.

Best for: Business conferences and retail industry events.

Specialty: Entrepreneurship, retail, growth.

Website: Keynote Entertainment

56. Rebekah Campbell

Rebekah Campbell is an entrepreneur and the author of '138 Dates,' bringing fresh perspectives on building businesses and sustaining personal resilience. Her startup experience and writing provide dual streams of practical insight.

Best for: Startup events and personal branding conferences.

Specialty: Entrepreneurship, personal development.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

57. Cecilia and James Robinson

Cecilia and James Robinson co-founded My Food Bag, Au Pair Link and Tend, and their joint presentations offer complementary perspectives on building and scaling businesses across multiple sectors.

Best for: Food industry events and startup conferences.

Specialty: Entrepreneurship, food industry, scaling.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

58. Steve Lange

Steve Lange built Tony's Tyre Service into a household New Zealand brand from the ground up. His practical approach to business building resonates with entrepreneurs and business owners seeking real-world guidance rather than theory.

Best for: Small business events and automotive industry conferences.

Specialty: Business building, retail.

Website: ICMI Speakers

59. Jennifer Myers

Jennifer Myers is an author and speaker on business and personal development, helping audiences clarify direction and take action. Her writing and speaking complement each other, providing depth alongside practical application.

Best for: Author events and personal development conferences.

Specialty: Personal development, business writing.

Website: ICMI Speakers

60. Sir Ray Avery

Sir Ray Avery is a pharmaceutical scientist and social entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to solving global health challenges through innovative product design. His work on business with purpose inspires organisations seeking to create meaningful impact alongside commercial success.

Best for: Health sector events and social enterprise conferences.

Specialty: Social entrepreneurship, innovation, health.

Website: ICMI Speakers

61. Debbie Mayo-Smith

Debbie Mayo-Smith is a media personality and productivity expert who helps organisations use technology more effectively. Her practical tips on digital productivity provide immediate, actionable value.

Best for: Business conferences and technology events.

Specialty: Productivity, technology.

Website: ICMI Speakers

Education, Culture and Purpose Speakers

62. Nadia Lim

Nadia Lim is the star of "Nadia's Farm" and a food entrepreneur who brings celebrity draw alongside genuine expertise in food, sustainability and business building. Her authentic story resonates with diverse audiences.

Best for: Food industry events and lifestyle conferences.

Specialty: Food, entrepreneurship, sustainability.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

63. Madison Malone

Madison Malone is the host and Executive Producer of "Business with Madison," bringing media polish and skilled interviewing to business speaking and MC work.

Best for: Media industry events and communication conferences.

Specialty: Media, business communication.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

64. Sara-Jane Elika

Sara-Jane Elika is a business leader, governance specialist and creative strategist whose multidisciplinary experience spans corporate and creative sectors.

Best for: Board events and creative industry conferences.

Specialty: Governance, creative strategy.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

65. Ben Purua

Ben Purua helps audiences find purpose and connects Maori perspectives to leadership and personal development. His authentic approach creates genuine connection with diverse audiences.

Best for: Purpose-focused events and culturally grounded programmes.

Specialty: Purpose, Maori leadership.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

66. Marilyn Waring

Marilyn Waring is a pioneering feminist economist and former politician whose decades of advocacy and research provide frameworks for organisations thinking seriously about equity, value and what counts in economic measurement.

Best for: Academic conferences and policy-focused events.

Specialty: Feminist economics, policy.

Website: AAE Speakers

67. Clare Feeney

Clare Feeney is an environmental educator focused on helping organisations understand sustainability in practical terms, bridging environmental science and business application.

Best for: Environmental conferences and sustainability events.

Specialty: Environmental education, sustainability.

Website: ICMI Speakers

68. Carlos Bagrie

Carlos Bagrie is the farmer and entrepreneur behind Royalburn Station, bringing authentic agricultural perspectives alongside strong business acumen to events in the primary sector and beyond.

Best for: Agricultural industry events and rural conferences.

Specialty: Agriculture, entrepreneurship, sustainability.

Website: Celebrity Speakers NZ

Professional MCs and Event Hosts in New Zealand

Choosing the right MC is as important as choosing the right keynote. A skilled MC holds the energy of a conference between sessions and makes every transition feel intentional. For a dedicated directory, see our guide to emcees in New Zealand.

69. Karen O'Leary

Karen O'Leary is an actor, comedian and skilled MC who brings entertainment value alongside professional conference hosting. Her early childhood education background adds unexpected depth to her warm and engaging presence.

Best for: Conferences that want entertainment woven through hosting.

Specialty: MC, comedy, engagement.

Website: Direct bookings

70. Greg Ward

Greg Ward is one of New Zealand's most experienced Masters of Ceremonies, ensuring smooth professional delivery across corporate events and formal conferences. His track record means event organisers can trust logistics to flow.

Best for: Corporate events and formal conferences.

Specialty: MC, event hosting.

Website: Speakers NZ

71. Melanie Bracewell

Melanie Bracewell is an award-winning comedian and television presenter who brings fresh energy and genuine comedic skill to MC duties, creating memorable moments across conference programmes.

Best for: Entertainment-focused events and awards nights.

Specialty: Comedy, MC, television.

Website: ICMI Speakers

72. Geoff Dolan

Geoff Dolan is a corporate entertainer and MC with a proven track record at gala dinners and major corporate events, combining hosting skill with entertainment capability in a single booking.

Best for: Gala dinners and corporate celebrations.

Specialty: Corporate entertainment, MC.

Website: ICMI Speakers

73. Nick Rado

Nick Rado is a comedian who turns laughter into connection, helping conference audiences relax and bond through humour. His MC work adds levity to serious programmes without undermining them.

Best for: Team events and conference entertainment.

Specialty: Comedy, connection, MC.

Website: ICMI Speakers

Speaker Bureaus and Booking Agencies in New Zealand

Understanding the bureau landscape helps you navigate options efficiently. When booking keynote speakers, bureaus represent their own roster talent and may not expose the full market. Here are the major bureaus serving the New Zealand market.

Celebrity Speakers NZ (Saxton Brand Family) is New Zealand's foremost professional speakers bureau, with Auckland offices and access to the broader Saxton network across Melbourne, Sydney and Singapore. It is a member of the International Association of Speakers Bureaux.

ICMI Speakers and Entertainers is a major Australian bureau with a strong New Zealand presence, offering an extensive roster across categories.

Keynote Entertainment is an Australian bureau with dedicated New Zealand content.

AAE Speakers Bureau is a US-based global bureau with transparent fee information, useful for budget planning.

The Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand is the industry association providing accreditation, awards and a member directory. It is not a booking agency but is a valuable resource for identifying credentialed professionals.

Speakers New Zealand provides direct access to a roster of New Zealand-based speakers.

For more specialist searches, particularly for association conferences, see our compiled list of keynote speakers for association conferences in New Zealand. For Auckland-specific searches, see 

keynote speakers in Auckland.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keynote Speakers in New Zealand

How much do keynote speakers cost in New Zealand?

Keynote speaker fees in New Zealand vary significantly by profile, experience and event format. Entry-level professional speakers typically start in the range of a few thousand dollars, while highly credentialled speakers with international profiles command substantially more. Bureau commission, travel and accommodation are typically additional to the speaker's base fee. The best way to get accurate pricing is to contact speakers or their bureaus directly with your event brief.

What is the difference between a keynote speaker and a guest speaker?

A keynote speaker is specifically engaged to set the theme and tone of a conference or event, typically delivering the opening or closing address. A guest speaker is a broader term for any invited external presenter. Keynote speakers are usually higher-profile, more experienced in large-room delivery, and paid a professional fee. A guest speaker might be an internal expert or a peer invited to share experience rather than deliver a polished keynote.

Can I hire an international speaker for a New Zealand event?

Yes, and it is more common than many organisers expect. International speakers travel to New Zealand regularly, particularly from Australia. For events in major centres, the logistics are manageable, and an international speaker can bring perspectives and credibility that local audiences find genuinely fresh. Virtual delivery is also an option where travel is not feasible.

Should I book a speaker through a bureau or directly?

Both approaches have merit. Bureaus offer convenience, a vetted roster and contract support, but add a commission layer, typically 20 to 30 per cent, and represent only their own talent. Direct booking can be more cost-effective and allows you to communicate your needs without an intermediary. For the best result, start with a clear event brief either way.

What are the most in-demand keynote topics for New Zealand events in 2026?

Based on 2026 brief data from The Motivational Speakers Agency, the fastest-growing categories are AI and technology adoption (up 237% year on year), leadership under pressure and change, resilience and wellbeing, and future of work. Mental health remains consistently high. Audience expectations have shifted: 46% of briefs now ask specifically for a speaker who can connect their subject to practical workplace behaviour rather than general inspiration.

How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?

For high-profile speakers with busy schedules, six to twelve months is the recommended lead time for major conferences. For smaller events or speakers with more availability, three to six months is often sufficient. Building in enough lead time allows the speaker to customise adequately and gives you options if your first choice is unavailable.

Can a speaker outside New Zealand run an effective event?

Yes. Virtual keynote delivery has become standard practice, particularly for corporate and team events where travel is a constraint. An experienced speaker in another timezone can take an early or late slot so your team meets at a normal hour. For events where physical presence matters, many speakers travel for full-day engagements. Bizzabo's 2026 State of Events research finds that 95% of event organisers expect AI use in events to increase, which reflects a broader shift toward hybrid and technology-enabled formats that make international speakers more accessible than ever.

Is a local New Zealand speaker always the right choice?

Not necessarily. The right speaker is the one whose expertise, style and availability match what your audience needs. Local speakers offer familiarity with New Zealand context. International speakers bring fresh perspectives and can energise audiences that have seen local talent frequently. The 2026 data shows that 54% of corporate briefs now emphasise post-event value as a priority, which favours depth over profile regardless of geography. See keynote speakers in Australia for a parallel directory.

Methodology

This directory was compiled from public speaker profiles, bureau listings and verified websites. Each entry is a currently active speaker with a confirmed public presence and at least one working booking contact. The directory is compiled, not ranked: the order reflects the nine category groupings, not quality or suitability. The review date for this directory is the Last updated date shown at the top of this page.

Sources

The Motivational Speakers Agency, 2026 Keynote Speaking Trends Report: einpresswire.com/article/918446694

Bizzabo, 2026 State of Events Benchmark Report: welcome.bizzabo.com/state-of-events-2026

Work with Jonno White

If you are looking for a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator or MC for a New Zealand event and the leadership, team dynamics or communication challenges above match what your audience needs, that is exactly the kind of work I specialise in.

I'm Jonno White, a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, certified through Patrick Lencioni's Table Group, and the author of Step Up or Step Out, with more than 10,000 copies sold. I host The Leadership Conversations Podcast and work with schools, corporates and nonprofits around the world.

I run New Zealand engagements virtually and travel for in-person work. You can read more at consultclarity.org/about and connect on LinkedIn. If that sounds like a fit, contact me at jonno@consultclarity.org.