8:30	Registration and Coffee
8:50	Mihi whakatau
9:00	Welcome from the Chair Madison Malone, Host & Executive Producer, Business with Madison
9:10	Opening Keynote: Navigating a fragmented world, the leadership imperative for CFOs What shifts across the US, China, the Indo-Pacific, and beyond mean for New Zealand businesses How shifting power structures, economic realignment, and technology disruption are creating new risks and opportunities for decision-makers Why CFOs are now central to navigating geopolitical complexity, turning uncertainty into informed, strategic choices From constraint to opportunity, how clarity on global dynamics equips leaders with the foresight to drive resilience, long-term value, and the next wave of growth Merriden Varrall PhD, CEO and Founder, vantage geopol
9:40	New Zealand economical update Decoding the interest rate cycle and what easing monetary conditions mean for business investment and capital decisions Understanding where inflation is heading and what stabilising core inflation means for costs, margins, and pricing strategy Reading the labour market honestly, jobs, unemployment, and the workforce shifts CFOs need to plan around Tracking global trade headwinds and what they mean for New Zealand's export-dependent economy
10:10	Panel discussion: From finance leader to strategic partner redefining the CFO role Assessing how the CFO role has transformed and what it means to be a genuine strategic partner to the business today Exploring the key issues arising for CFOs and how they are changing the demands and scope of the role Examining how technology is transforming the role, from AI-driven forecasting and automation to digital investment decisions Looking at how CFOs build real influence at the executive table and in the boardroom Communicating with the board to build confidence in decision-making Zoltan Varadi, Chief Financial Officer, Ormiston Hospital and Healthcare Rebecca Lineham, Chief Financial Officer, Southern Cross Cables Network Nick Judd, Chief Financial Officer & Chief People Officer (acting), One NZ Paul Johnston, Chief Executive Officer, Tower NZ
10:50	Morning break
			Finance and Technology stream
11:20	From the CFO chair to the boardroom: What it really takes to make the move What boards are looking for and how to make sure you're genuinely ready when the opportunity arrives How to build the right experience before you put your hand up Raising your profile with the people who drive board appointments Executive vs non-executive roles, the differences in expectations and career impact How to read your own readiness and make a deliberate move at the right time Mark Connely, Chief Financial Officer, Mitre 10, Independent director Herman Visagie, General Manager, Governance Leadership Centre, Institute of Directors New Zealand	11:20	Finance and Technology world: Current and upcoming advancements what it means for New Zealand CFOs Looking at where AI is being adopted across finance functions and the results leading organisations are seeing Understanding how the role of the CFO is being reshaped by technology and what the finance function of the future looks like Exploring where AI is currently being applied across business and where the next wave of growth is heading Leading the conversation on what New Zealand organisations can learn from international peers and where the biggest opportunities sit Paul Natac, Deputy CEO, CIO, Provident Insurance
11:50	Beyond Borders, Beyond Control: Navigating AI – driven fraud and global payment risk Cybercriminals are scaling faster, operating globally, and using AI to make fraud harder to detect. For finance leaders, that changes the risk. Payment fraud no longer stops at firewalls or borders. Defences can’t either. This session explores how AI-driven impersonation, cross-border fraud and evolving compliance pressures are reshaping payment risk. It also looks at what finance teams can do to strengthen controls across global payment workflows. Whether your business operates in one country or twenty, this session will help you understand the new threat landscape and the role stronger verification plays in protecting the organisation. We'll explore: How AI is changing fraud Where payment workflows are exposed How global verification networks reduce risk *Representative from Eftsure*	11:50	Digital trust: What it means and why it matters for every CFO Understanding what digital trust really means in 2026 and why it is now a board-level priority Exploring how data governance, transparency, and accountability are reshaping stakeholder expectations Examining the CFO’s role in building trust across systems, data, and decision-making processes Looking at best practice in governance frameworks for AI, automation, and digital tools Phil Ross, Chief Information Security Officer, Air New Zealand
12:10	Panel discussion: Capital markets and investment: Navigating the landscape and making the right call How access to capital is shifting and what finance leaders need to understand about today's funding and investment environment Looking at the emerging opportunities across equity, debt, and funding and the strategies gaining traction in the current environment Identifying where the risks lie and making smarter capital allocation decisions in a volatile, higher-cost funding environment Developing the investor relationships and communication strategies that build long-term confidence and credibility Weighing business priorities against investor expectations and making capital decisions that deliver the right return Tracy Richardson, Chief Financial Officer, TVNZ Scott Maud, Chief Financial Officer, Halter	12:10	Panel discussion: Building a strong data-strategy, the foundations for business performance Understanding why data quality and data strategy have become a CFO priority and the cost of getting it wrong Looking at what a strong data strategy looks like in practice governance, ownership, and the structures that make it work Identifying the steps CFOs can take to build a data-ready organisation and turn data into a genuine strategic asset Examining the role of data governance in protecting data integrity, managing risk, and ensuring compliance across finance systems Prasanna Samarakoon, Lead- Commercial Finance and Digital Transformation, Alexander Group NZ Xanthe Sulzberger, Head of Product and Value Enablement, Fonterra
12:50	Lunch
1:50	Keynote: Building resilience when uncertainty is the new normal Adapting strategies to manage risk in an ever-changing and unpredictable environment Exploring what genuine resilience looks like and how to build a finance function that holds under pressure Looking at sustainability, organisational and financial resilience and what it demands from finance leaders Making sound long-term forecasting and planning decisions when uncertainty is the new normal Michelle Teirney, Deputy Chief Executive, Finance & Business Insights, Hato Hone St John Aotearoa New Zealand	1:50	Quick fire AI case study: Navigating AI in supply chain for a multi-brand NZ retailer Looking at the AI applications gaining real traction in retail supply chains and what are the lessons learnt Working out where AI is genuinely moving the needle on inventory, margin, and working capital and how to separate real results from early promise Lyle Brady, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, Warehouse Group
2:20	Quickfire case study: Leading and navigating external and internal opportunities Navigating the tension between pursuing strategic opportunity and protecting the business Dealing with disruption across supply chain, sustainability obligations and unexpected operational shocks, and what it took to keep moving forward Leading and supporting a finance team through prolonged uncertainty and maintaining clarity, confidence and momentum when the path forward is not clear Keith Johnston, Chief Financial Officer, Container Co	2:10	Quick fire AI case study: Driving real value through smart, structured adoption Where AI is creating the most value and why small, practical improvements applied consistently deliver more than waiting for one big solution The cost of not acting, what businesses risk by falling behind on AI adoption in capability, productivity, and competitiveness The hidden risk of staff using public AI tools without guardrails and what it means for data security and compliance How to build a clear framework that allows the whole organisation to use AI safely and at scale
2:40	Quickfire Case Study: Supply chain, shocks, and the CFO's role in steering through disruption Adapting financial strategy in response to shifting tariffs, trade flows, and a rapidly changing cost environment Responding to demand shocks and supply chain pressure and navigating the path from disruption to recovery Building greater resilience while maintaining capital discipline and keeping the balance sheet on solid ground Lyle Brady, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer, Warehouse Group	2:30	Quick fire AI case study: Forecasting, budgeting and strategy with AI: What's working for finance leaders AI-powered strategy: How CFOs are using data to make better decisions, faster Shifting finance from reporting the past to shaping strategy, using AI to surface insights that drive better decisions at board level Connecting financial planning with commercial and operational data to give CFOs a truly integrated view of the business Maintaining rigour, auditability, and accountability when AI is influencing your numbers and strategic recommendations
3:00	Navigating sustainability, resilience, and the priorities that matter most for New Zealand businesses in 2026 What is genuinely relevant on sustainability and ESG in 2026 and where New Zealand businesses should focus their attention and resources What the evolving regulatory environment and global frameworks actually mean in practice for New Zealand businesses How New Zealand's energy constraints are forcing harder strategic choices and what that means for business commitments Managing ambition with cost pressure and uncertainty Turning sustainability strategy into financial decisions that hold up with boards, investors, and regulators Wendi Bains, Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer, Fletcher Building	3:00	Cyber-risk in practical: What do CFOs need to get right? Examining the growing risk around cyber, AI, and digital exposure Outlining how CFOs can take a more proactive and strategic approach to risk management and moving beyond insurance to build genuine organisational protection What stronger controls across payments and financial workflows look like in practice Identifying the key vulnerabilities CFOs should be focusing on
3:30	Afternoon break
4:00	Psychosocial risk as a business imperative: A CFO perspective Exploring what psychosocial risk means from a financial and governance perspective, and why it is now a board-level and regulatory priority Examining how CFOs can lead the integration of psychosocial risk into enterprise risk management, controls, and reporting frameworks Looking at the measurable cost of inaction, from absenteeism and presenteeism to productivity loss, turnover, and potential regulatory liability Considering how targeted investment in leadership, workforce design, and culture can deliver measurable ROI through improved performance, retention, and resilience Deborah Douglas, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW), Performance, Reward & Wellbeing, ASB	4:10	The recovery journey after a cyber-attack, what can we learn from it? What was missed, what failed, and how the CFO led the response when it mattered most Examining how the organisation rebuilt systems, processes, and culture post-attack Identifying the investments and changes made to prevent future incidents Sharing practical lessons every CFO can apply before an attack happens
4:30	Closing keynote: The Future CFO: Leading teams through accelerating transformation Exploring how the finance function is being reshaped by automation, AI and changing workforce expectations and what that means for how CFOs lead today Examining how to bring your people on the change journey with transparency and clarity as the pace of transformation accelerates Understanding change fatigue within finance teams and how to sustain engagement and performance when disruption has become the default setting Looking at the talent challenge facing finance leaders in a world where skills needs are shifting faster than teams can adapt Exploring how career pathways, capability development and leadership pipelines must evolve as traditional finance careers are fundamentally reimagined by technology Outlining what future-ready finance leadership looks like in 2026 and beyond, and how CFOs can build teams that are adaptable, psychologically safe and ready for continuous transformation Challenging leaders to think beyond efficiency and consider the human implications of increasingly AI-enabled workplaces, including capability erosion, trust, motivation and connection Melissa Crawford, Director, Tech with Heart
5:00	Chair's summary remarks and end of conference followed by networking reception

8:10	Registration and Coffee
8:50	Mihi whakatau
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the MC Nadine Higgins, Broadcaster and Journalist
9:10	Keynote address: Examining the global economic and geopolitical outlook Undertaking a deep dive into global economic conditions and geopolitical risks What does the changing geopolitical landscape mean for New Zealan Can we survive in a harsh new era of geostrategic competition? How are US tariffs impacting global markets and trade – how will this effect New Zealand and how should we respond What are the signals we are seeing so far from business, capital and major companies around the world? Assessing how the fast-changing global picture will impact financial decision-making and business strategy in New Zealand Nick Bryant, Award-winning writer, BBC broadcaster and author of Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself
9:40	From New Zealand to the world: A CFO’s strategic role in leading global expansion Examining Crimson’s journey from local business, through scale-up to international presence, including key milestones, growth triggers, and market entry strategies Designing finance structures, systems, and processes capable of supporting multi-market operations and cross-border reporting requirements Addressing the complexities of international regulatory environments, tax obligations, and financial reporting standards Exploring funding options for expansion, managing investor expectations, and balancing growth with financial sustainability Managing currency, operational, and geopolitical risks while preserving cost control and business continuity Sharing lessons learned, unexpected challenges, and the role of the CFO in driving transformation and global growth Blair Houston, Group Chief Financial Officer, Crimson Education
10:10	CFO and Business Leaders Panel Analysing the current economic operating environment and the issues the currently affecting business and financing and CFOs’ decision-making How are businesses and CFOs adapting their financial strategies to mitigate risk in an uncertain operating environment? Securing resilience - how do we set our businesses up to be resilient and ensure liquidity to protect us from significant global shocks or domestic disruption How can we effectively make educated, longer term forecasting decisions to design capital structures around in volatile economic times? Achieving efficiency and delivering the same outcome for less – how do we do this without simply cutting? Murray Waugh, Chief Financial Officer, Yealands Wine Group Julia Fink, Chief Financial Officer, Climate Change Commission & Vice President, CA ANZ Mike Roan, Chief Executive Officer, Meridian Joe Bebbington, Chief Financial Officer, ANZCO Foods
10:50	Morning break
11:20	Productivity panel: Searching for solutions to New Zealand’s longstanding productivity challenge Exploring productivity global productivity measurement and metrics – why is productivity such a hard thing to pin down and why does this matter for the way we tackle it in New Zealand What is the role of capital intensity in the New Zealand economic productivity challenge? How much of role does regulatory burden play in NZ’s productivity issues? How can we better harness the insights from frontier firms to drive productivity What does the evidence say about true productivity opportunity from technology investment How can we better develop our talent and skills through education and better invest in research and development to drive productivity and lift living standards Working smarter not harder – tackling the perennial issue of value and how we can raise it Craig Renney, Policy Director and Economist, Council of Trade Unions Dave Heatley, Director, Sawtooth Economics Mary Jo Vergara, Senior Economist, Kiwibank
12:00	CFO keynote: Delivering effective strategic financial management in a volatile market – mitigating risks and seizing opportunities through innovation How can CFOs identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks in an uncertain environment Balancing financial resilience strategies with the capability to seize opportunity Deploying innovation and transformation at scale to deliver productivity and unlock growth in challenging conditions Reskilling the finance team for the future – how we are hiring for new skill sets to create dynamic finance teams that meet the strategic needs of the business David Mackrell, Chief Financial Officer, NZME
12:30	Cybercrime 2.0: AI, Money Mules, and the New Wave of Corporate Financial Fraud Understanding the inner workings of cybercrime syndicates and how AI is enabling them to step up their tactics against more lucrative, corporate targets Why an adversarial mindset can help business leaders stay one step ahead Concrete steps you can take today to fortify your people, processes and technology against cybercrime 2.0 Mary Italiano, Business Development Director, Eftsure
12:50	Lunch
1:50	Redefining the future of finance through technology Learn how the OCS finance team harnessed technology to become key success drivers for the organisation in Australia and New Zealand. Join us to hear OCS ANZ Finance Director, Debby Wong share her learnings: The transformation roadmap: how to move step by step from manual processes to a fully transformed finance function Why automation is more than efficiency - it’s the foundation for better strategy, faster insights and stronger employee engagement How finance can lead ESG, people experience and innovation - not just report on them How the right technology and partners can fuel transformation Debby Wong, Finance Director, OCS
2:10	Panel discussion: Exploring ESG in times of uncertainty What impact are changing global geopolitical realities having on the business ESG agenda - is the short era of stakeholder capitalism now over Does Trump 2.0 change everything - How are we seeing the sustainability and decarbonisation ambitions of global businesses changing? Are multi-capital approaches and frameworks that balance people, profit and planet dimensions still relevant and do they ensure an organisation’s long-term viability? How can finance leaders continue to champion the importance of purpose, values and impact and continue to integrate ESG factors into their reporting, investment decisions, and long-term strategic planning? Andrew Davies, CEO, B Lab Australia and New Zealand Simon Tucker, Group Director, Global External Affairs, Fonterra James Paterson, Head of Sustainable Finance, ASB Corporate Banking Kate Wilson Butler, Director - Climate, Sustainability & ESG, Chapman Tripp Mark Baker-Jones , Director, Te Whakahaere Āhuarangi Ltd Facilitator: Melanie Baker-Jones , Climate Advisor & Project Manager, Te Whakahaere Āhuarangi Ltd
2:50	Maximising the impact of data and analytics for business transformation Finance’s role in Technology Business Management (TBM) Driving strategic decision making with data-driven analysis and forecasting How to build a data platform for intelligent, real-time decision making Aligning the data strategy with business goals and AI ambitions Selecting the right data and analytic tools to enable business transformation Utilising AI powered forecasting tools to deliver predictive insights which enable proactive decision making Matthew Hill, Co-Founder, Director & IBM Champion, CorPlan New Zealand Limited
3:10	Afternoon break
3:30	Future CFO - How to become a finance leader in today’s finance environment What do you need to know to become a CFO - defining the essential new CFO skillsets - leadership, strategy, transformation and commercial Practical tips for emerging CFOs and finance leaders and on becoming more strategic leaders within their organisations How to better gain visibility and effectively articulate your value to fastrack your career How can emerging finance leader’s better partner with other departments and key stakeholders to achieve strategic business success and ensure their relevance and career development? Strategies to innovate and maximise the value of the latest trends and new technologies for career progression and business success Exploring non-traditional pathways for finance career progression - what other options are there for aspiring finance professionals outside of the standard Finance Manager to CFO pathway? Louise Keene, Interim CFO, Shape Energy & Financial Consultant, STILL Pauras Rege, Director, Tiaki Capital & Chair, CA ANZ Auckland Emerging Leaders Special Interest Group Elizabeth Lewis Daniell, CFO, Wexer & Member CA ANZ CFO and Finance Leaders Special Interest Group Committee Rimma Gayfullina, Financial Controller, Webjet Group Facilitator: Michelle Young, Deputy CFO, One New Zealand & 2024 NZ CFO Emerging Leader Award Winner
4:00	Corporate financing, funding and investment strategies – exploring the evolving landscape of capital raising How are businesses ensuring they can access capital from the right place at the right time? How can business leaders’ best position themselves for growth through effective financing? Which capital raising options are best for different types of companies in the current volatile environment? Exploring key trends in private equity, venture capital and IPO market movements Examining developments in the mergers and acquisitions space – locally and globally – what is driving transactions? Henry Chung, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Jarden David Weavers, Partner, Russell McVeagh
4:30	Future proofing the strategic finance function - workforce planning for a changing world What does a “strategic CFO” look like – what skills should they have and why are increasingly critical for modern businesses? Do finance teams really have only five years to evolve or face obsolescence – how do we change to remain relevant? Analysing the current situation around talent and skills in the finance sector in New Zealand – do we need a new workforce strategy? How can tackle issues in the profession’s talent pipeline to better attract, retain and engage talent within the sector? How can CFOs develop the finance leaders of the future by nurturing new capabilities to navigate the profession though a rapidly changing, tech-enabled landscape where strategy and growth remain moving targets Reskilling the finance profession for the future – how finance leaders nurture new capabilities to navigate the profession though a rapidly changing, tech-enabled landscape where strategy and growth remain moving targets What skills are needed for finance leaders support the business to achieve a shift of focus from short-term gains to long-term value Making the transition from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Value Officer – what does this mean in practice? Charlotte Evett, General Manager, New Zealand Regions, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Mike Mandis, Co-CEO \| CFO Partner, Oxygen Advisors
5:00	MC Closing remarks and close of Summit Nadine Higgins, Broadcaster and Journalist
5:00	CFO Summit Networking Drinks
7:00	CFO Awards Ceremony Dinner

8 September 2026 | NZICC, Auckland

2026 New Zealand CFO Summit

Navigating uncertainty with knowledge and connection

Key themes of the 2025 Summit were:

Key topics include

Building resilience and leading in an ever-changing world

New Zealand CFO Awards

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2026

Melissa Crawford

Lyle Brady

Scott Maud

Wendi Bains

Tracy Richardson

2026 Agenda

Speakers

Merriden Varrall PhD

Rebecca Lineham

Phil Ross

Madison Malone

Herman Visagie

Xanthe Sulzberger

Prasanna Samarakoon

Paul Natac

Melissa Crawford

Deborah Douglas

Wendi Bains

Lyle Brady

Keith Johnston

Michelle Teirney

Scott Maud

Tracy Richardson

Mark Connely

Paul Johnston

Nick Judd

Zoltan Varadi

Sponsors

Headline Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Awards Sponsors

Barista Sponsor

Lounge Sponsor

Exhibitors

Media Partner

Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!

TICKETS:

PRE-SALE

Group: Table of 6

SUPER SAVER

DOUBLE PASS

EARLY BIRD

LAST MINUTE

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Navigating uncertainty with knowledge and connection

Key themes for the 2025 Summit were:

Key topics include

past SPEAKERS from 2025

Julia Fink

Nick Bryant

Mike Roan

Emerging Leader’s Forum

Calling Finance's future leaders

Media Partner

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Agenda

Speakers

Matthew Hill

Nadine Higgins

Rimma Gayfullina

Michelle Young

Elizabeth Lewis Daniell

Pauras Rege

Louise Keene

Debby Wong

Mary Italiano

Mary Jo Vergara

Blair Houston

David Weavers