PROGRAMME

Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki, Cnr of Hobson and Leach Street

Open to Council Chief Executives only.

Kindly sponsored by Beca

Pā Harakeke o te whānau: Passing the tourch
How collective leadership enables us to stand firm, lead with compassion, and remain steady under pressure.

AI and emerging tech in action
Exploring how the sector is utilising emerging technologies and AI to drive innovation and service efficiencies. 

Strengthening communities through arts and culture
An exploration of how arts and culture initiatives strengthen community identity and drive local social and economic wellbeing. 
Facilitated and sponsored by Creative New Zealand

Simpifying local government
A fireside chat exploring the intersection of local government reorganisation and the wider national reform agenda. 
Facilitated and sponsored by Morrison Low

Kindly sponsored by Civic Financial Services

The Lighthouse Leader: Guiding teams through complexity and change
Drawing on her Lighthouse Leadership philosophy, Angela explores how leaders can navigate complexity, sustain their own wellbeing, and create the conditions for their people and organisations to thrive in uncertain times.

An informal evening of food, music, and connection, sponsored by Beca.

Join us for a vibrant, relaxed evening of networking and good company at the iconic White Hart Courtyard. 

We’re transforming this spectacular laneway space into a street-food market featuring an eclectic menu of fresh sushi, charcuterie, steamed dumplings, hot yakitori skewers, pizza, and sweet treats on offer.

With smooth grooves and electronic beats from DJ jünglehaus, this is your chance to unwind, connect with others in the sector, and enjoy an evening in Ngāmotu New Plymouth.

In keeping with tradition, the gnome (IYKYK) will be awarded on the night for ‘Most Distinctive Style’. 

Please note that this is a casual cocktail-style event with food stations and grazing bites, rather than a formal seated dinner.

Kindly sponsored by PwC

Economics of being local 
Big changes are affecting the world, New Zealand and local communities. Local government is caught up in this maelstrom, amplified by massive changes to its governing regulations and the rules it delivers. Economics, surprisingly, can give us hope in these times. 

Kindly sponsored by Frank Capability

Partnering for the Future
A showcase of best-practice sector projects that demonstrate the power of authentic, long-term partnerships mana whenua.

Building resilient communities
An analysis of the national hazard landscape and the strategic projects currently supporting climate and disaster adaptation.

Leading through change
Addressing the critical challenges of workforce leadership and the essential strategies for supporting and retaining our people.

Kindly sponsored by TechnologyOne

Belonging, Autonomy, Purpose: Leadership that Delivers
In a fast-moving landscape, former Army Engineer Officer and leadership expert Dr. Ellen Joan Ford will deliver a pragmatic blueprint for modern workplace culture. Grounded in belonging, autonomy, and purpose, this high-energy session provides actionable tools to build resilient, high-performing teams where everyone thrives.