Navigating uncertainty with knowledge and connection
The New Zealand CFO Summit is the premier gathering of senior finance professionals in the country. As we move cautiously and navigate our path to confidence, the reality of our exposure to global shifts and geopolitical risks is undeniable.
The agenda offers sharp, timely critical analysis from a range of experts, providing invaluable insights for CFOs, businesses and finance leaders to chart their way forward.
The Summit is followed by the prestigious CFO Awards ceremony and dinner, which celebrates the best in finance and recognises the leaders and trailblazers who are shaping the future of finance.
Key themes for the 2025 Summit were:
Key topics include
- Analysing global economic conditions and geopolitical risks
- Financial strategies to mitigate risk in an uncertain operating environment
- Unlocking productivity – searching for solutions
- Agentic AI in finance and business
- Tackling cybercrime 2.0
Exploring ESG in times of uncertainty - The evolving landscape of financing and capital raising
- Future proofing the strategic finance function
- Reskilling the finance profession for the future
Join us to gain the insights and strategies needed to navigate the complex future ahead.
past SPEAKERS from 2025
Our 2025 key lineup features financial leaders and strategic thinkers sharing insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of today’s CFO.
Check out the full list.
Julia Fink
CFO, Climate Change Commission & Vice President,
CA ANZ
Nick Bryant
Award-winning writer, BBC broadcaster and author of Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself
Mike Roan
Chief Executive Officer,
Meridian
Emerging Leader’s Forum
Calling Finance's future leaders
Register your interest for this FREE exclusive event co-located with The NZ CFO summit.
Are you an aspiring finance leader hungry to take the next step in your career? Or do you know a bright mind with the potential to shape the future of finance leadership in New Zealand?
Limited to 50 participants, this exclusive forum will be led by a distinguished panel of seasoned CFOs and finance leaders, sharing their experiences and answering any questions you may have.
Brightstar will offer a limited number of scholarship tickets to CFOs and senior finance leaders who are from not-for-profit organisations or organisations that aren’t able to fund attendance – please fill in the form to apply.
Media Partner
Venue
The location and how you can get there
Address
Cordis, Auckland
83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 1010
Agenda
We are currently working on the programme and agenda.
If you would like to have input into our research programme please email johnm@brightstar.co.nz
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
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
Blair Houston, Group Chief Financial Officer, Crimson Education |
10:10 | CFO and Business Leaders Panel
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
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
David Mackrell, Chief Financial Officer, NZME |
12:30 | Cybercrime 2.0: AI, Money Mules, and the New Wave of Corporate Financial Fraud
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:
Debby Wong, Finance Director, OCS |
2:10 | Panel discussion: Exploring ESG in times of uncertainty
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
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
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
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
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 |
Speakers
Speakers to be announced
Matthew Hill
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Nadine Higgins
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Rimma Gayfullina
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Michelle Young
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Elizabeth Lewis Daniell
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Pauras Rege
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Louise Keene
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A Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience across various industries, Louise thrives on transforming businesses for financial sustainability and growth. As financial consultant at STILL, Louise provides strategic oversight across the STILL 100 businesses, driving efficiency, commercial planning, and operational improvements.
Recognised as the 2023 Emerging Finance Leader of the Year and SME Finance Leader of the Year at the 2023 CFO Awards, Louise is passionate about mentoring provisional members and shaping the next generation of finance professionals.
Debby Wong
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Mary Italiano
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Mary Jo Vergara
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Blair Houston
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David Weavers
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David is a specialist in corporate and acquisition finance, project and property finance, and financial services regulation. With global experience from leading firms in London and Hong Kong, he advises financial institutions, private equity, and corporates on complex financing and restructuring deals. David brings international insight, board-level strategic advice, and a strong market network to his clients. He began his career at Russell McVeagh in 2008 and returned to the firm in 2017.
Sponsors
Media Partner
CFO is brought to you by Brightstar in association with CA ANZ
Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!
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Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot at this leading event.
TICKET OPTIONS:
PRE-SALE Summit Ticket
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For valid ticket, payment by 12 June 2026. Non-sponsoring vendors are ineligible to purchase.
Table of 10 Summit
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Min purchase 10 tickets to Summit. For valid tickets, payment by 12 June 2026. Non-sponsoring vendors are ineligible to purchase.
Registration Conditions
VENDORS: The organisers reserve the right to decline registrations at any time. Non-sponsoring vendors are ineligible to purchase tickets, including single dinner tickets. If you wish to check your category please contact our offices on (09) 912 3616 or email sponsorship@brightstar.co.nz
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.
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
Safe events: our live events are run in line with industry best practice and government guidelines
Registration Conditions for CA ANZ Network Offer & Eligible Tickets:
Applies to any New Zealand CFO Summit ticket that includes access to the Summit. This also includes tickets that combine Summit access with the CFO Awards Ceremony Dinner.
Ineligible Tickets for discount: Tickets for the CFO Awards Dinner only are excluded.
Redemption Conditions:
Discount applies to the ticket price advertised on website at the time of purchase.
Promocode must be entered during online checkout or when booking directly through Brightstar.
Discount cannot be applied after a ticket has already been purchased.
Standard event ticket terms and conditions apply.
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