4 September 2025 | Cordis, Auckland
2025 New Zealand CFO Summit & Awards
SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER
The New Zealand CFO Summit is the premier gathering of senior finance professionals in the country.
As we move cautiously navigate our path to confidence, the reality of our exposure to geopolitical risks and protectionist policies is undeniable. The CFO Summit will offer sharp, data-driven analysis from a range of experts, providing invaluable insights for businesses and communities as they chart their way forward.
At the micro-level, we’ll explore key datasets and indicators to inform decision-making and guide structural changes that strengthen organisational strategy and financial resilience.
Bright*Sparks will be a feature a panel of CFOs from innovative businesses leading the charge in managing growth and expanding into new markets.
Other key topics include
- The future of money, payments and digital identity
- What you need to inform your Cybersecurity strategy
- Recent capital and debt transactions
- ESG and nature-based reporting
- AI to optimise the finance function
- Trends in workplace culture, leadership, and team wellbeing
Join us to gain the insights and strategies needed to navigate the complex future ahead.
2024 Event Highlights
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
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.
2025 CFO AWARDS
4 September 2025 | Cordis, Auckland
The prestigious New Zealand CFO Awards Dinner recognises the trailblazers who are shaping the future of finance. Join to celebrate and congratulate the 2025 finalists and winners for their accomplishments.
Register your interest to enter or nominate for the 2025 Awards Programme.
Awards timeline
Awards open
31 March 2025
Nominations close
22 May 2025
Finalists announced
1 July 2025
Finalist Interviews
15 July 2025
Awards Gala Dinner
4 September 2025
Venue
The location and how you can get there
Address
Cordis, Auckland
83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 1010
Agenda
Agenda to be announced
Speakers
Speakers to be announced
Upholding Workplace Safety: Driving Governance Changes
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Enhancing Healthcare Access & Equity in New Zealand
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Tired of being ‘on mute’? Give your career a boost
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Beyond the Click: The Power of In-Person Event Sponsorship
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25% GST, low marginal tax: Would it benefit New Zealand
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Cyber Security concerns for CIOs a global challenge
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Remote work revolution: Is It good for your mental health & the economy?
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Electrifying Lessons from China: Powering Decarbonisation Locally and Globally
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AI-powered diagnosis: A game-changer for NZ health, but who bears the liability?
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Apathy in a Tight Economy: Why emotional connection matters more than ever
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Engaging your Customers in Today’s Landscape: Can you hear them clearly?
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Sponsors
Exhibitor
Quest
Silver sponsors
Umbrella Wellbeing
Umbrella Wellbeing
Umbrella Wellbeing
Umbrella Wellbeing
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.
2025 CFO AWARDS
4 September 2025 | Cordis, Auckland
The prestigious New Zealand CFO Awards Dinner recognises the trailblazers who are shaping the future of finance.
Join to celebrate and congratulate the 2025 finalists and winners for their accomplishments.
Awards Timeline
Awards open
31 March 2025
Nominations close
22 May 2025
Finalists announced
1 July 2025
Finalist Interviews
15 July 2025
Awards Gala Dinner
4 September 2025
2024 Finalists & Winners
2024 New Zealand CFO of the Year Award
New Zealand’s CFO of the Year will demonstrate how they have positioned the role of CFO strategically within the company and led a broader vision for impact (people & planet). They will be able to show innovation and key successes achieved over recent times as well as a strong vision for the future, describing how this can drive positive outcomes with the company’s overall business strategy.
- Paula Steed – Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
- David Mackrell – NZME
- Aaron Snodgrass – Eastland
- Paul Johnston – Tower
WINNER
- David Mackrell – NZME
2024 Emerging Financial Leader of the Year Award
The Emerging Financial Leader of the Year Award recognises, celebrates and encourages the exceptional finance talent of professionals under the age of 40 years. We are looking for the future CFOs and leaders in the finance sector in New Zealand; people who have demonstrated outstanding finance leadership.
- Tim Kirkpatrick – Tax Traders
- Michelle Young – One NZ
- Clarissa Natac – Programmed Facility Management
WINNER
- Michelle Young – One NZ
2024 Finance Leader - Growth Entity
The Finance Leader – Growth Entity Award recognises exceptional leadership, talent and commitment to leading and supporting the growth of a Small-Medium business in New Zealand. This category is open to individuals holding the CFO or leading financial position within a New Zealand small to medium enterprise that has experienced high growth during their tenure.
- Tim Kirkpatrick – Tax Traders
- Poohan Nathan – Whip Around (NZ)
- Bryan Corfield – NZ National Fieldays Society
WINNER
- Bryan Corfield – NZ National Fieldays Society
2024 Best Finance Team of the Year Award
This award recognises an outstanding finance team which has made a significant impact and contribution to the organisation’s performance and a broader vision of impact (people & planet). The judges will consider the team’s contribution to: Impact, Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation.
- Eastland Group
- Unison Networks
- Hutt City Council
WINNER
- Hutt City Council
2024 Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
The Excellence in Financial Reporting Award recognises companies that produce high-quality financial and annual reports that effectively communicate their financial and non-financial performance. The annual report is a critical communication tool for companies, providing shareholders, investors, and other stakeholders with an in-depth understanding of the company’s financial and non-financial performance, strategy, and goals. This award recognises the team effort led by the CFO and senior finance team in close coordination with communication teams to produce the annual report.
- NZ Super Fund
- Christchurch City Council
- Whai Rawa
- Ringa Hora
WINNER
- NZ Super Fund
2024 Outstanding Contribution to Finance & Business Award
The Outstanding Contribution to Finance & Business Award is given to a high profile business person (including, but not necessarily a current or former CFO) from a public or private company whose contribution has significantly and uniquely impacted the greater New Zealand or global business community in over the course of his or her career. He or she may live in New Zealand or abroad but must be a New Zealand citizen.
WINNER
- Lyn Provost
NZ CFO Awards alumni
2018
Finance Team of the Year
WINNER
Air New Zealand
Financial Innovation Project of The Year
WINNER
New Zealand National Fieldays Society
Emerging Finance Leader of The Year
WINNER
Hannah Howard
CFO of the Year
WINNER
Jennifer Whooley – Stride Property Group
Contribution To Business And Finance
WINNER
Dame Alison Paterson
2019
Finance Team of the Year
WINNER
XERO
Financial Innovation Project of The Year
WINNER
OCS
Emerging Finance Leader of The Year
WINNER
Nicki Florence
CFO of the Year
WINNER
Scott Scoullar
Contribution To Business And Finance
WINNER
Sir Rob McLeod
2020
Finance Team of the Year
WINNER
Sanford
Financial Innovation Project of The Year
WINNER
Synlait Milk
Emerging Finance Leader of The Year
WINNER
Marina Cook, Play centre Aotearoa
CFO of the Year
WINNER
Lara Ariell, Inland Revenue
Contribution To Business And Finance
WINNER
Sir Brian Roche
2021
Finance Team of the Year
WINNER
Kāinga Ora
Financial Innovation Project of The Year
WINNER
Metro Performance Glass
Emerging Finance Leader of The Year
WINNER
Sarah Davies
CFO of the Year
WINNER
Philip Neutze
Contribution To Business And Finance
WINNER
Sue Sheldon
SME Finance Leader
WINNER
Nigel Lowe
2022
Finance Team of the Year
WINNER
Xplor Technologies
Financial Innovation Project of The Year
WINNER
OCS
Emerging Finance Leader of The Year
WINNER
Rimma Gayfullina
CFO of the Year
WINNER
Kar Yue Yeo
SME Finance Leader
WINNER
Tracey Swinehart
2023
Finance Team of the Year
WINNER
One New Zealand
Excellence in Financial Reporting
WINNER
The Fred Hollows Foundation
Emerging Finance Leader of The Year
WINNER
Louise Keene, Humphreys Landscaping
CFO of the Year
WINNER
Rosalie Percival
SME Finance Leader
WINNER
Louise Keene, Humphreys Landscaping
Finance for Impact
WINNER
solarZero
Contribution To Business and Finance
WINNER
Marko Bogoievski
Want to join this conference?
Register your interest, we will be in touch when tickets are available.
Tickets
Individual Tickets
Pre-Sale 2 for 1
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Available until 15 November 2024 OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 15 November 2024.
Super Saver
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Available until 13 December 2024 OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 13 December 2024.
Early Bird
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Available until 31 January 2025. For valid ticket, payment by 31 January 2025.
Make an enquiry
Got questions? Write to us.
