Annual nursing leader event - Nurses that want to become exceptional leaders
Aotearoa Nursing Leaders' Summit

23 - 24 February 2026 | Grand Millennium, Auckland
Deep dive into New Zealand Nursing's most vital priorities
The Nursing Leaders’ Summit returns in 2026, bringing together the sector to shape the future of healthcare. We explore the sector’s role in driving quality, equity, and innovation, from safe staffing and workforce resilience to digital transformation, policy influence, and culturally safe care.
Through inspiring keynotes, practical sessions, and thought-provoking discussions, we explore the best-in-class delivery of exceptional care and set a bold agenda towards a stronger, more responsive, and sustainable healthcare system for all.

Join this event to:
Gain practical strategies via interactive sessions
Explore workforce resilience, safe staffing & digital care. Explore innovations like AI, digital tools & integrated care models.
Learn local and global lessons
Insights from Australian nursing leadership and reform. Learn how to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi in nursing leadership.
Connect with peers, leaders & policymakers nationwide
Discover nurse-led solutions advancing equity & access for all communities. Build resilience: wellbeing, mental health & sustainable workforces
Who should attend?
- Nurse leaders & managers driving change
- Nurse Practitioners & Prescribers shaping care pathways
- Community, primary & aged-care nurses at the frontline of health
- Policy influencers & healthcare decision-makers
- Clinical leaders & educators mentoring the next generation
- Allied health professionals working in collaborative care
- Researchers & innovators in digital health and AI

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2026
Our 2026 key lineup brings together thought leaders, trailblazers and expert practitioners in nursing. Check out more today.

Frances Rice
Chief Nursing Officer
Australian College of Nursing

Rebekah Mitchell
System Safety Advisor
Health Quality & Safety Commission

Kate Weston
Supporting organisation
We’re super excited to have the College of Nurses Aotearoa as a supporting organisation for this conference.
If you’re a member of the College of College of Nurses Aotearoa get in touch with them to get a discount (code) on the current pricing.

Venue
The location and how you can get there.
Address
Grand Millennium Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street, Auckland 1010
Agenda
8:45 | Registration and Coffee |
9:00 | Welcoming remarks from the Chair Kate Weston, Executive Director, College of Nurses Aotearoa |
9:10 | The heart of healthcare: Honouring the vital role of nurses in New Zealand’s health system
|
9:50 | Embedding Te Tiriti principles in Nursing practice and policy
Brenda Close , Independent Consultant |
10:40 | Morning break |
11:10 | Strategic leadership - Nurse leaders’ engagement with national health policies
Dr Liz Manning RN, PhD, FCNA(NZ), National Strategic Workforce Lead- Nursing, Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ |
11:50 | Nurse Leaders Panel: Shaping the future of nursing in Aotearoa
|
12:50 | Lunch |
13:50 | Transformational nursing leadership: Building models for the future of care
Natalie Lindsay, Lecturer, School of health, Victoria University of Wellington |
14:30 | The role of nursing leadership in expanding Nursing’s influence across health systems
Bel Macfie, Director of Nursing and Clinical Services, Hospice Waikato |
15:10 | Afternoon break |
15:30 | Nurse Practitioners as leaders in integrated and collaborative care
Emma Hedgecock, Nurse Practitioner |
16:20 | Guardians of safety and compassion: The role of nurses in aged care
Dr Isabella Wright, Nurse Practitioner / Director, 5th Dimension Health Limited |
17:15 | Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks Kate Weston, Executive Director, College of Nurses Aotearoa |
8:50 | Registration and Coffee |
9:00 | Welcoming remarks from the Chair Kate Weston, Executive Director, College of Nurses Aotearoa |
9:10 | Leading change globally: Lessons from nursing leadership from Australia
Frances Rice, Chief Nursing Officer, Australian College of Nursing |
9:50 | Healing, learning, and leading through harm: Strengthening nursing leadership in adverse events
Rebekah Mitchell, System Safety Advisor, Health Quality & Safety Commission |
10:40 | Morning break |
11:10 | Preventing burnout, protecting the nursing workforce, and ensuring patient safety
Anne Daniels, President, NZNO |
11:50 | Wellbeing as a leadership priority: Sustaining the nursing workforce through mental health support
|
12:30 | Lunch break |
13:30 | Building and supporting high-performing teams through nursing leadership
|
14:00 | Nursing leadership in building capacity and capability: Supporting internationally qualified nurses
Dr Rhonda McKelvie RN | PhD,Nurse Consultant Workforce,Te Whatu Ora| Health New Zealand Waikato |
14:30 | Smart care: Using AI to improve access, accuracy, and outcomes
Emma Collins, Senior Professional Practice Fellow, University of Otago |
15:00 | Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks |
Speakers

Kate Weston
Read bio

Bel Macfie
Read bio

Emma Hedgecock
Read bio

Dr Isabella Wright
Read bio

Rebekah Mitchell
Read bio

Emma Collins
Read bio

Frances Rice
Read bio

Brenda Close
Read bio

Natalie Lindsay
Read bio

Dr Rhonda McKelvie RN | PhD
Read bio

Anne Daniels
Read bio

Dr Liz Manning RN, PhD, FCNA(NZ)
Read bio
Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!
Live B2B events are your chance to shine. Showcase your thought leadership, solidify your market position, and forge valuable connections with potential customers – all at once.
This exclusive event puts you in front of a highly skilled audience hungry for insights. Get ready for meaningful engagement that drives results.
Plus, we have some unique opportunities to put your company, products, and services in the spotlight.
Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot at this leading event.

Individual Tickets
Group Tickets
Multi-buy 3+ Tickets
Early Bird
-
Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 23 January, 2026.
Multi-buy 3+ Tickets
Last Minute
-
Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 23 February, 2026.
Multi-buy 5+ Tickets
Early Bird
-
Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 23 January, 2026.
Multi-buy 5+ Tickets
Last Minute
-
Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid tickets, payment by 23 February, 2026.
Registration Conditions
Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
Pre-Sale Tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.
For full terms & conditions, please visit https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions
Make an enquiry
Got questions? Write to us.