Wellington welcomes the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference.
The IoD’s Annual Leadership Conference is New Zealand’s leading governance event – bringing together more than 500 directors and business leaders for two days of fresh insights, bold conversations and invaluable connections.
In 2026, we’re excited to host the conference in Wellington for the first time. A standout line-up of local and international speakers will explore the critical governance and leadership issues shaping Aotearoa and the world.
How is AI changing the boardroom? What does a changing geopolitical landscape require from governance leaders? How can boards turn uncertainty into opportunity? Is your board ready for what’s next? Gain practical insights, hear real-world examples from leading international speakers and connect with peers at this years’ IOD Leadership Conference. This is where governance leaders connect to explore the issues shaping tomorrow’s boardrooms.
This Conference reader, originally released for attendees of the 2025 Leadership Conference provides short, sharp guidance you can apply in the boardroom.
Group pricing available. Contact us directly for more information to support your whole board attending.
Join us as a sponsor of New Zealand’s premier governance event. Sponsorship is a unique opportunity to align your brand with governance leadership, amplify your voice in the director community and connect directly with decision makers from across Aotearoa. Download the prospectus to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available.
Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre
Join Kura Moeahu QSO, MInstD, the IoD's Manu Taiko and Chair of Te Āti Awa, for a cultural orientation tour welcoming you to Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. Explore the local area and learn about the rich history and living heritage of the mana whenua of the region. Through Kura's storytelling, you'll deepen your understanding of the stories, values and enduring connection to the land. This experience reflects the Institute of Directors' commitment to strengthening cultural understanding and meaningful relationships with tangata whenua across Aotearoa. Places are limited, so we encourage you to register early.
*This event has been fully subscribed. We are now operating a waitlist.
Reconnect, network and get conference-ready at this welcome event hosted by the IoD Wellington Branch Committee. Collect your registration, enjoy drinks and canapés, and catch up with friends and new connections before the conference officially begins. The event concludes at 6.30pm.
This session is sponsored by IoD national partner Marsh.
Tākina Convention and Events Centre
Registration opens from 7.30am. Collect your conference pass, enjoy a coffee, explore the exhibitor stands and catch up with fellow delegates before the conference opens at 9.00am.
Formal welcome to the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference.
His Worship the Honourable Andrew Little, Mayor of Wellington, opens the conference with his perspective on strengthening governance and leadership across New Zealand. Drawing on his experience in both central and local government, he'll explore where the two intersect, where they differ, and how Wellington – as both the seat of Executive Government and a dynamic local authority – offers a unique perspective on these relationships. His opening address will challenge directors to consider how strong governance and leadership can deliver better outcomes for organisations, communities and New Zealand.
Charles Edel, inaugural Australia Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State on Indo-Pacific political and security issues, explores what today's geopolitical landscape means for New Zealand boards. As global alliances shift and economic and security risks evolve, he'll examine how directors can make better decisions in an increasingly uncertain world. Drawing on his deep policy expertise and strategic insight, Charles will challenge directors to consider the questions boards should be asking to build resilience and govern with confidence through complexity and change.
This session is sponsored by IoD national sponsor Dentons.
Shelly Palmer, CEO of The Palmer Group, adviser to Fortune 500 companies and a director of NASDAQ-listed 1-800-Flowers.com, explores what the rapid rise of artificial intelligence means for today's boards. Drawing on his experience helping organisations adopt and govern AI, he'll examine the opportunities and risks reshaping industries, business models and decision-making, and what directors need to do now to stay informed, resilient and future-focused. As a globally recognised technology commentator and creator of the widely followed Generative AI for Execs programme, Shelly will provide practical insights into the governance capabilities boards need to lead with confidence.
As the centre of global economic growth shifts towards Asia, the region's boards are taking a different approach to governance, sustainability and long-term value creation. What can New Zealand directors learn?
Drawing on his experience advising boards across Asia, Shai Ganu will explore how leading organisations are embedding ESG into business strategy, responding to changing stakeholder expectations, and building the board and executive capabilities needed for the future. He will share practical insights into how governance is evolving across the region and what New Zealand boards can do to remain resilient, competitive and future-focused.
Shai's keynote will be followed by a Q&A facilitated by Tim McCready from The Asia New Zealand Foundation.
This session is sponsored by The Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody explores why sexual harassment is a governance issue, not just an employment matter. Drawing on Australia's evolving legal framework, she'll examine the role boards play in setting expectations, shaping workplace culture and providing effective oversight to prevent harm and respond when concerns arise. Anna will share the governance questions directors should be asking, along with practical steps boards can take to strengthen oversight, accountability and workplace culture.
Speakers to be announced soon
Valuable lessons from Māori Governance settings for navigating a complex stakeholder environment.
This session explores some of the intersections that exist for Boards in an evolving Aotearoa New Zealand. How do Boards get clear on the impact of their decisions for stakeholders when stakeholders are vast and diverse? What models are Boards using to bring an intergenerational governance approach to their decision-making? How are Boards building their capability and succession pipelines in the face of inevitable demographic and population shifts?
Every board faces difficult performance conversations – but few have them openly. Whether it's an underperforming director, a chair who's lost the confidence of the board or behaviours that quietly erode board effectiveness, these are some of the toughest governance challenges boards face. Through practical boardroom scenarios, this session explores how to identify and raise performance concerns, navigate difficult conversations, and know when it's time for a chair or director to step aside.
Following the strong response at last year's conference, this popular interactive session returns for 2026 with new board challenges. Step into the boardroom and join a mock board running an autonomous vehicle company. You'll work through a series of real-world governance scenarios that test your judgement, values and governance discipline. Faced with ethical dilemmas, cultural considerations and commercial pressures, you'll make decisions with incomplete information and limited time. Based on one of our most popular branch workshops, more than 500 directors have already taken their seat at the table. Will your board reach the same decisions, or chart its own course?
The Government is changing health and safety law for businesses with fewer than 20 employees. What do these changes mean for directors, and what stays the same?
Join Francois Barton, Executive Director of the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum, for a practical update on the proposed reforms. Learn what is changing, what isn’t, and why directors’ governance responsibilities for health and safety remain critical, regardless of organisation size.
A fast, practical session to help you separate fact from myth and understand what the changes mean for your board.
Join Steven Joyce as he explores the board's role in governing for growth in an environment of economic uncertainty, rising shareholder expectations and increasing public scrutiny. Drawing on his experience across business, government and governance, Steven will share his perspective on the conditions that enable sustainable growth, how boards can respond to shareholder activism and why a strong fourth estate matters for transparency, accountability and well-functioning markets.
Commentary with the day’s key highlights.
Join Chief Ombudsman John Allen for drinks and canapés at this exclusive Chartered Member event. John will share insights into the role of the Ombudsman and explore why transparency, accountability and public trust are fundamental to good governance. Discover the leadership practices that help boards build and maintain confidence in the organisations they serve.
Join us before dinner and take the opportunity to share some of your key takeaways from the first day with your peers.
Unwind with fellow delegates over dinner before award-winning journalist and broadcaster Paddy Gower takes the stage for a deeply personal and inspiring keynote on the power of connection. Through his trademark humour, honesty and storytelling, Paddy will share how one pivotal chapter of his life transformed his understanding of connection, and why it matters more than ever for leaders and communities.
Tākina Convention and Events Centre
Join us from 7:30am for a light breakfast and coffee ahead of the Power Breakfast sessions.
Chairing a not-for-profit board has never been more demanding. This practical session explores how NFP chairs can lead through increasing complexity, rising stakeholder expectations and ongoing resource constraints. Gain practical insights into effective governance, stakeholder relationships and building sustainable, high-performing organisations. Come prepared with your questions to ask our Chairs.
Hear candid insights from experienced board chairs as they reflect on board leadership, decision-making and navigating complex governance challenges. Bring your questions and learn from leading NZX directors who have chaired boards across a wide range of sectors and situations. Come prepared with your questions to ask our Chairs.
Chris Bradley, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Director of the McKinsey Global Institute, explores what today's global economic environment means for boards. Drawing on more than 25 years' experience advising organisations around the world, he'll examine the forces reshaping business, productivity and long-term competitiveness, and what directors need to do to position their organisations for sustainable growth. Chris will share practical insights into the trends shaping the decade ahead and the governance decisions that will help boards drive long-term success.
Inclusive boards make better decisions. In this Fast Fact session, Paula Tesoriero, Chief Executive of Whaikaha - The Ministry of Disabled People, explores how disability perspectives can strengthen governance and what boards can do to improve accessibility, representation and inclusion. Gain practical insights to help build more inclusive, effective and future-focused boards.
Every major governance failure leaves a trail of missed opportunities, overlooked risks and decisions that seemed reasonable at the time.
Joining us from the UK and drawing on her experience advising boards around the world, Erika Eliasson-Norris shares practical lessons from governance failures and organisational crises. Erika is also the Governance Assessor to the Chair of the UK Post Office Horizon IT Public inquiry. She will explore the behaviours, questions and governance practices that help boards identify emerging risks, respond effectively under pressure and build organisations that are better prepared for the unexpected.
This is a practical session about strengthening board judgement before a crisis tests it.
Stepping into the chair role is one of the biggest transitions in a director's career. In this practical panel discussion, experienced IoD members will share the lessons they wish they'd known before becoming a chair. Through real boardroom experiences, they'll explore how to establish credibility, lead board dynamics, build strong relationships with the CEO and fellow directors, and make a confident transition from director to chair.
Protecting vulnerable customers is a core governance responsibility. Royal Commissions, public inquiries and regulatory reviews have repeatedly highlighted the consequences of getting it wrong. This session explores the board's role in setting the right culture, overseeing customer outcomes and ensuring governance frameworks identify and respond to vulnerability before trust is lost. Hear practical lessons from directors who have navigated these challenges and the governance practices that support fair, accountable outcomes.
The Modern Slavery Bill has cross party support and has passed it's first reading. Directors duties and liability are expected. In this Fast Fact session, explore the board's role in identifying and overseeing modern slavery risks across supply chains, operations and business relationships. Gain practical insights into strengthening due diligence and responding to growing stakeholder and regulatory expectations.
This session is sponsored by IoD national sponsor KPMG.
Digital transformation promises better services and stronger performance. Yet too many programmes are poorly led, weakly governed, delivered late or over budget, and fail to achieve the change promised.
In this closing panel, we will examine what works, what does not and what boards must do differently. Drawing on the Delivering digital government reset plan and lessons from the United Kingdom Post Office Horizon scandal, the discussion will focus on leadership, challenge, accountability and effective oversight in the age of artificial intelligence. If we all collectively don’t do anything else from the conference this year, governing digital better is the one must do.
Closing reflections on the conference's key highlights and takeaways.
In-person: $1880 incl. GST
Online: $1050 incl. GST
In person: $2120 incl. GST
Online: $1,160 incl. GST
$1460 incl. GST | per person.
Group discounts are available for organisations registering four or more attendees.
Contact conference@iod.org.nz for group and wholeboard bookings.
Thursday, 3 September: $1,150 incl. GST
- Includes ticket to the conference dinner
Friday, 4 September: $1,000 incl. GST
If you wish to cancel your registration for the IoD 2026 Annual Leadership Conference, you must contact us via email. The following cancellation conditions apply:
You may transfer your registration to another person if you are unable to attend. Please get in contact with us; conference@iod.org.nz
If paying by invoice payment must be received before attendance at conference (in-person or virtual), or your registration will be cancelled.
Please use your invoice number as your reference. This is now payable directly to the Institute of Directors. All invoices must be paid within 14 days.
We are delighted to introduce our 2026 sponsors. We value their support in making our conference a truly outstanding experience.
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference, download our sponsorship prospectus here.
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
ASB joins us as a principal sponsor of the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference. As a long-standing national partner of the IoD, ASB play an important role in supporting our governance expertise within the financial sector and wider governance community.
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
We’re delighted to have the continued support of our legal National Sponsor Dentons for the 2026 IoD Leadership Conference. The Dentons team will be on the ground at conference ready to engage with attendees, as well as sponsoring a keynote session.
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
As the IoD National Sponsor in board software, Diligent are our trusted experts and for many New Zealand boards. Diligent will be returning as a Principal Sponsor showcasing how their solutions elevate governance.
KEYNOTE SPONSOR
We're delighted to welcome back Asia NZ Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono as a keynote sponsor. Asia NZ Foundation are long-time supporters of conference, bringing international insights from the Asian region to our programme.
SESSION SPONSOR
KPMG is a key National Sponsor, helping to fuel the prosperity of New Zealand, offering deep expertise in audit, tax and advisory services. This year, they are sponsoring a Fast Fact session from outgoing KPMG NZ Chair Matt Prichard.
WELCOME FUNCTION & EXHIBITOR SPONSOR
As the IoD’s National Partner in the insurance broking sector, we’re appreciative of Marsh’s support in 2026 as our welcome function and exhibitor sponsor. Marsh representatives will be onsite throughout conference, connecting with attendees and sharing insights from their risk and insurance expertise.
EXHIBITOR SPONSOR
We're delighted to welcome first-time exhibitor Ekos to the IoD Conference. Ekos helps organisations build climate and nature resilience through practical solutions including carbon management, emissions measurement, ESG reporting and sustainability consulting. If the organisation you govern is looking to develop a long-term environmental strategy, visit the Ekos team to learn how they can help.
CO-EXHIBITOR SPONSOR
Meet the team from &BLOOM at the IoD Conference and explore how sustainability can become a driver of value, resilience and competitive advantage. Whether you're just starting your ESG journey or looking to strengthen your governance approach, stop by for a conversation at the Ekos stand.
COFFEE SPONSOR
Thanks to the generous support of Foundation Coffee, delegates can enjoy exceptional Wellington-roasted Mojo Coffee throughout the IoD Conference. Whether it's your first coffee of the day or a much-needed afternoon pick-me-up, visit the baristas on Levels 1 and 2 of Tākina and place your order.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS SPONSOR
Need to fresh LinkedIn profile photo? Steve from Profile Photos joins us on day one of the IoD Conference, offering complimentary professional head shots. Stop by the Mokopuna room on the main exhibitor level at Tākina for a relaxed, collaborative photo session and update your profile with a polished new image.
VITALITY SPONSOR
With a mission to leave a positive impact on the planet and support our health needs, Chia Sisters will be providing delegates with a ‘brain boost’ at the power breakfast sessions on day two of the IoD Leadership Conference.
3 – 4 September 2026
We have accommodation options at exclusive rates – all within walking distance of Tākina Convention and Events Centre, restaurants and everything Wellington has to offer. Find out more about your accommodation options below.
Boasting stunning waterfront views, InterContinental Wellington is a five-star retreat in the heart of the capital. With elegant rooms, renowned dining, and the award-winning Club InterContinental, it offers a sophisticated base close to the city’s arts, shopping, and dining. Just a 12-minute walk to Tākina Convention Centre.
Follow this link to access an exclusive 20% discount on InterContinental Wellington accommodation bookings for the IoD Leadership Conference.
TRYP offers a stylish and comfortable stay with heritage art-deco character and modern convenience. Located in the vibrant CBD, you’ll find shopping, dining, and culture right on your doorstep. Just a 4-minute walk to Tākina Convention Centre. Conference Rate: Use promo code IODSep26 on the TRYP website to receive 20% off the best available rate. Valid for stays from 2–5 September 2026.
