2026 Leadership Conference

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.

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.

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.

Session and speaker to be announced soon

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.

Session and speaker to be announced soon

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. 

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.

Join us from 7:00am for a light breakfast and coffee ahead of the Power Breakfast sessions. 

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, Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero 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.

Session and speaker to be announced soon

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.

Session and speaker to be announced soon

Closing reflections on the conference's key highlights and takeaways.