Accounting & Finance Conference, get your CPD points, trusted CPD partner

One Stop - Update for the Accountant in Business

12 - 13 May 2026 | Christchurch

21 - 22 May 2026 | Auckland & Virtual

Updates | Strategy | Leadership | CPD Hours

One Stop has two stops - Auckland & Christchurch

+ virtual tickets available for the Auckland event

Get the essential update tailored to Accountants in Business at this biannual event & earn up to 15 CPD hours.

Hear from diverse speakers that you all know and love, sharing their extensive experience, lessons learned, and practical knowledge to keep you up-to-date with the latest changes in finance and accounting.

This esteemed conference covers economic updates, employment law, tax changes, finance risk, wellbeing, Power BI, soft skills, IFRS, ESG, ethics, AI, financial reporting, cyber security, leadership, and more.

Why join One Stop?

Virtual and in-person learning opportunities
All-in-one opportunity to hear the latest updates for the accounting profession
Connect with like-minded accountants, keen to be at the top of their game
Learn about recent developments in Power BI, IFRS, AI, Ethics, Tax, Legistations and more
Gain up to 15 CPD points in one stop!

CPD Hours

The CPD conference trusted by accountants and finance professionals for over 27 years.

Earn a majority of your annual verifiable CPD including ethics in our punchy, informative conference.

Venue - Christchurch

Address:

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City,

Christchurch 8011

Venue - Auckland

Address:

Grand Millennium Auckland

71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street,

Auckland 1010

Virtual Ticket Option

Attend One Stop online from the comfort of your office or at home.

On-demand content

Watch when your schedule allows: Every ticket includes on-demand access to presentations

Conference content will be available on-demand for 60 days.

Check out our other upcoming events

Training

Financial Modelling

Feb 25, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026

Wellington

Conference

Infrastructure Funding and Financing

Mar 26, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026

Auckland, Crowne Plaza

Conference

The Finance & Accounting Technology Conference

Sep 4, 2025 - Sep 4, 2025

Auckland

Conference

New Zealand Financial Markets & Credit Law Conference

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025

Auckland

Conference

57th One Stop Update for the Accountant in Business

Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025

Auckland

Conference

The Office, PA & Event Planner Show

Mar 3, 2026 - Mar 3, 2026

Auckland

Conference

2025 New Zealand CFO Summit & Awards

Sep 4, 2025 - Sep 4, 2025

Auckland

Conference

FinTechNZ Hui Taumata

Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025

Auckland

Conference

New Zealand Risk & Resilience Summit

Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025

Auckland

Training

Management Skills for New Managers, Team Leaders & Supervisors

Feb 25, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026

Auckland

Training

Management Skills for New Managers, Team Leaders & Supervisors

Dec 1, 2025 - Dec 2, 2025

Wellington

Training

Management Skills for New Managers, Team Leaders & Supervisors

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025

Auckland

Conference

Change and Transformation Summit

Apr 30, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025

Auckland

Conference

58th One Stop Update for the Accountant in Business

May 12, 2026 - May 13, 2026

Christchurch

Conference

58th One Stop Update for the Accountant in Business

May 21, 2026 - May 22, 2026

Auckland

Agenda to be announced

8:30	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Brian Trott, Chief Financial Officer, University of Otago
9:10	One Stop Update on the global macro-economic outlook and trade policies Exploring the global economic outlook and its impact on New Zealand’s economic performance Geopolitics and international relations – Trump, trade and tariffs: What will these mean for us Discussing global inflation trends and their impact on New Zealand’s monetary policy Global trade policy developments and New Zealand’s trade relationships Examining global trends and challenges including sustainability, digital, supply chain resilience and logistics on New Zealand competitiveness Stephen Jacobi, Managing Director, Jacobi Consulting
9:50	One Stop New Zealand Economic Update with Tony Alexander Our One Stop Update economic expert gives his regular snappy and insightful view on the economic conditions your business will experience over the short and medium term Discussing the current state of New Zealand’s economy and business confidence Predicting what we might see in 2025 – is there light at the end of the tunnel yet? Analysing the latest figures and forecasts for New Zealand’s economic growth Discussing sectoral performance (agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, services) and challenges Exploring the performance of the housing market Understanding the key sectors driving economic recovery and those facing challenges Implications of the current economic situation for businesses Tony Alexander, Economics Thought Leader
10:40	Morning break
11:10	The One Stop Employment Law Update The employment law expert will provide the latest must-know – to keep up to date with the latest changes Changes to employment law in New Zealand Best practise for creating and maintaining compliant employment agreements in line with current legislation Legal considerations in avoiding unjustified dismissal claims The accountant’s role in relation to redundancy payments, termination pay, and settlements Jonny Sanders, Senior Associate, Duncan Cotterill
11:50	The Deloitte One Stop Tax Update Inland Revenue has significantly increased its tax compliance activities. Are you prepared? The Deloitte tax team offers their practical insights into recent tax developments and Inland Revenue actions, highlighting key issues in income tax, employment, and GST for the corporate sector Discussing key tax law and policy changes in New Zealand Updates on the corporate tax and any proposed changes The impact of international tax reforms: The OECD’s Global Minimum Tax and how it impacts multinational companies Updates on rules for multinational corporations operating in New Zealand and any changes in compliance obligations Updates on Goods and Services Tax Caitlin Gray, Associate Director, Deloitte Sam Francis, Manager, Deloitte
12:30	Lunch
13:30	The One Stop Ethics Update for Accountants Recent update of the Code of Ethics and outlook of future regulatory changes Overview of the Code of Ethics as it applies to accountants in New Zealand Understanding the fundamental principles of ethics and how accountants can apply these principles to day-to-day decisions Exploring how New Zealand accountants are expected to follow international best practices and adopt ethical guidelines consistent with global standards Highlighting emerging ethical challenges in the accounting profession Case studies and real-world ethical dilemmas Stephen Walker, Executive Director, Audit New Zealand
14:30	AI in accounting & Finance Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to the accounting and finance sectors Exploring how AI can automate repetitive tasks in accounting and finance, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic, value-added activities Explore how AI is revolutionizing financial reporting and analysis by providing deeper insights and enhancing decision-making processes Examining how AI can streamline tax preparation, compliance reporting, and ensure adherence to complex regulatory frameworks Practical guidance on how accounting professionals can implement AI solutions in their practices, and navigate common challenges associated with adoption Kayur Patel, Director, PwC New Zealand
15:10	Afternoon break
15:40	Effective communication and influencing skills for Accountants The importance of effective communication in helping accountants translate complex financial data into understandable insights that drive business decisions Exploring the challenges accountants face in communication and how to overcome them Exploring how to leverage Smart Data, Reporting, Partnerships, and Communication to Maximize Business Value Highlighting Key communication skills for accountants Practical tips for building communication and influence skills Jay Patel, Head of Finance, Fidelity Life Assurance
16:20	The One Stop C-Suite Interview: Adding value to business partners Highlighting the shifting role of CFOs and C-suite executives as integral business partners who contribute to strategy, decision-making, and organizational success beyond their traditional operational duties Exploring how the CFO and C-suite leadership team can support overall business goals Understanding the importance of collaboration and alignment between finance and other business functions Discussing how CFOs can move beyond financial reporting and become trusted advisors to other C-suite members, offering insights that drive key business decisions Discussing effective communication strategies for engaging with non-financial stakeholders Joe Bebbington, Chief Financial Officer, ANZCO Foods Julia Fink, Chief Financial Officer, Climate Change Commission
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks Brian Trott, Chief Financial Officer, University of Otago

8:30	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Brian Trott, Chief Financial Officer, University of Otago
9:10	One Stop IFRS Update - Recent Changes in international financial reporting standards Discussing the key recent changes in IFRS Key Considerations for transitioning to new IFRS Standards A review of the challenges businesses face when transitioning to new IFRS standards, such as system updates, staff training, and financial statement adjustments. Common pitfalls in the implementation process and tips for ensuring smooth transitions Discussing the impact of IFRS in practice on New Zealand Businesses Dr Alan Teixeira, Global Director of IFRS Research, Deloitte
9:50	Climate change and carbon reporting Exploring how accountants have a key role to play in tracking emissions, calculating carbon footprints, and ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations Understanding key carbon reporting standards and frameworks Analysing the first year of climate-related financial disclosure regulations in New Zealand Practical steps for accountants in measuring and calculating a company's carbon footprint using internationally recognized methodologies Barbara Nebel, Chief Executive Officer, thinkstep-anz
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Commercial acumen in practice: Turning financial data into strategic action Discussing key financial metrics and indicators that drive strategic decisions How to identify patterns and trends from financial statements that impact business choices Understanding how to turn insight into action and drive business decisions Using data to recommend strategic actions that enhance business performance Frameworks and methodologies for assessing financial health and making informed decisions Exploring tools for improving collaboration between finance and other departments Tessa Sprosen, Area Manager Corporate Banking- Lower south Island, Westpac New Zealand
11:30	Leveraging technology for smarter accounting: Tools and trends shaping the future of finance Overview of how technology is transforming the accounting profession, from automation to advanced data analytics Discussing Key drivers of change in the accounting industry (automation, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics) Understanding automation in accounting and how to streamline processes and reduce errors Understanding how data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming financial analysis and decision-making Overview of Emerging technologies and how these technologies will impact accounting tasks such as tax preparation, auditing, and financial planning Joshua McLauchlan, Partner, PwC New Zealand
12:00	Masterclass: Advanced financial analysis and decision making Explore the foundational concepts of Copilot in Excel, showcasing how this powerful tool can transform your data management and analysis Dive into the latest features that make Copilot a game-changer, and we'll also highlight the intelligent capabilities that Excel already offers, even without Copilot Whether you're a seasoned data wizard or just starting your journey in the digital workplace, this session is designed to captivate and inform. We'll blend technical insights with practical applications, ensuring that everyone leaves with valuable knowledge. Ingeborg Hawighorst, Digital Productivity Consultant, Spark Digital
12:50	Lunch
13:50	The One Stop Risk Update Discussing frauds, cyber threats, technology outages, poor customer outcomes, or AI Discussing the role of accountants in risk management Explaining key concepts such as Risk Appetite, tolerances, or control effectiveness Finding the balance between risk-taking and risk mitigation Where does risk management fit into the world of financial planning, budgeting, monthly accounts and annual reports Discussing concepts such as the lines of defence and role of governance Malcolm Bruce, Partner, KPMG
14:20	Finance Team Success: Strategies for Effective Group Decision-Making The importance of effective decision-making in finance teams Common challenges teams face in group decisions Foundations of effective team decision-making Practical strategies and tools Overcoming barriers to effective decisions Bill Butler, Director, Academy of Training
15:00	Afternoon break
15:20	Building resilience for you and your finance team Discussing the importance resilience in the modern finance environment Discussing the benefits of building resilience: Enhanced performance, reduced burnout, improved mental well-being, and better team dynamics and the role of accountants in fostering organisational resilience Exploring how to create a resilient finance team that can collaborate effectively, overcome setbacks, and remain productive during challenging times Understanding the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in resilience, and providing practical tools to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation in finance teams Discussing actionable strategies for finance leaders to cultivate resilience in their teams, fostering an environment of adaptability and support Rhys Beddow, Principal Consultant, ESG, HSE Global
15:50	Leading with impact: Essential leadership skills for accountants in business Discussing the evolving role of accountants from technical experts to strategic leaders Explore critical leadership skills that accountants need to develop in order to effectively communicate, influence stakeholders, and make strategic decisions Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment to enhance team collaboration, creativity, and decision-making Examine the critical role of ethical leadership in accounting and how accountants can maintain integrity and ethical standards while leading teams and making strategic decisions Discussing strategies for building personal and team resilience, share best practices for managing stress and change effectively Brian Trott, Chief Financial Officer, University of Otago
16:20	Summary remarks from the Chair & end of Conference Brian Trott, Chief Financial Officer, University of Otago

8:30	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance ,The University of Auckland
9:10	One Stop Update on the global macro-economic outlook and trade policies Exploring the global economic outlook and its impact on New Zealand’s economic performance Geopolitics and international relations – Trump, trade and tariffs: What will these mean for us Discussing global inflation trends and their impact on New Zealand’s monetary policy Global trade policy developments and New Zealand’s trade relationships Examining global trends and challenges including sustainability, digital, supply chain resilience and logistics on New Zealand competitiveness Stephen Jacobi, Managing Director, Jacobi Consulting
9:50	One Stop New Zealand Economic Update with Tony Alexander Our One Stop Update economic expert gives his regular snappy and insightful view on the economic conditions your business will experience over the short and medium term Discussing the current state of New Zealand’s economy and business confidence Predicting what we might see in 2025 – is there light at the end of the tunnel yet? Analysing the latest figures and forecasts for New Zealand’s economic growth Discussing sectoral performance (agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, services) and challenges Exploring the performance of the housing market Understanding the key sectors driving economic recovery and those facing challenges Implications of the current economic situation for businesses Tony Alexander, Economics Thought Leader
10:40	Morning break
11:10	The One Stop Employment Law Update The employment law expert will provide the latest must-know – to keep up to date with the latest changes Exploring recent changes to employment law in New Zealand Understanding workplace health and safety laws Discussing the best practices for creating and maintaining compliant employment contracts in line with current legislation Understanding “flexible working arrangements” and how to handle requests for changes to work hours or locations How redundancy and severance packages should be accounted for in business financial planning The accountant’s role in ensuring that severance, termination pay, and associated legal costs are properly recorded Anmol Shankar, Director, PWC Legal
11:50	The Deloitte One Stop Tax Update Inland Revenue has significantly increased its tax compliance activities. Are you prepared? The Deloitte tax team offers their practical insights into recent tax developments and Inland Revenue actions, highlighting key issues in income tax, employment, and GST for the corporate sector Discussing key tax law and policy changes in New Zealand Updates on the corporate tax and any proposed changes The impact of international tax reforms: The OECD’s Global Minimum Tax and how it impacts multinational companies Updates on rules for multinational corporations operating in New Zealand and any changes in compliance obligations Updates on Goods and Services Tax Alex Kingston, Partner, Deloitte Haidee Watkin, Manager, Deloitte
12:30	Lunch
13:30	The One Stop Ethics Update for Accountants Recent update of the Code of Ethics and outlook of future regulatory changes Overview of the Code of Ethics as it applies to accountants in New Zealand Understanding the fundamental principles of ethics and how accountants can apply these principles to day-to-day decisions Exploring how New Zealand accountants are expected to follow international best practices and adopt ethical guidelines consistent with global standards Highlighting emerging ethical challenges in the accounting profession Case studies and real-world ethical dilemmas Jackie Russell-Green, Group Financial Controller, Orion Health
14:30	AI in accounting & Finance Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to the accounting and finance sectors Exploring how AI can automate repetitive tasks in accounting and finance, allowing professionals to focus on more strategic, value-added activities Explore how AI is revolutionizing financial reporting and analysis by providing deeper insights and enhancing decision-making processes Examining how AI can streamline tax preparation, compliance reporting, and ensure adherence to complex regulatory frameworks Practical guidance on how accounting professionals can implement AI solutions in their practices, and navigate common challenges associated with adoption Kayur Patel, Director, PwC New Zealand
15:10	Afternoon break
15:40	Leading with impact: Essential leadership skills for accountants in business Discussing the evolving role of accountants from technical experts to strategic leaders Explore critical leadership skills that accountants need to develop in order to effectively communicate, influence stakeholders, and make strategic decisions Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment to enhance team collaboration, creativity, and decision-making Discussing strategies for building personal and team resilience, share best practices for managing stress and change effectively Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance ,The University of Auckland
16:20	The One Stop C-Suite Interview: Adding value to business partners Highlighting the shifting role of CFOs and C-suite executives as integral business partners who contribute to strategy, decision-making, and organizational success beyond their traditional operational duties Exploring how the CFO and C-suite leadership team can support overall business goals Understanding the importance of collaboration and alignment between finance and other business functions Discussing how CFOs can move beyond financial reporting and become trusted advisors to other C-suite members, offering insights that drive key business decisions Discussing effective communication strategies for engaging with non-financial stakeholders David Mackrell, CFO, NZME Vaughan Hartland, Chief Financial Officer, Orion NZ Ltd Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance , The University of Auckland
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance ,The University of Auckland

8:30	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Angela Liew, Senior Lecturer, Accounting & Finance ,The University of Auckland
9:10	One Stop IFRS Update - Recent Changes in international financial reporting standards Discussing the key recent changes in IFRS Key Considerations for transitioning to new IFRS Standards A review of the challenges businesses face when transitioning to new IFRS standards, such as system updates, staff training, and financial statement adjustments. Common pitfalls in the implementation process and tips for ensuring smooth transitions Discussing the impact of IFRS in practice on New Zealand Businesses Dr Alan Teixeira, Global Director of IFRS Research, Deloitte
9:50	Climate change and carbon reporting Exploring how accountants have a key role to play in tracking emissions, calculating carbon footprints, and ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations Understanding key carbon reporting standards and frameworks Analysing the first year of climate-related financial disclosure regulations in New Zealand Practical steps for accountants in measuring and calculating a company's carbon footprint using internationally recognized methodologies Barbara Nebel, Chief Executive Officer, thinkstep-anz
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Here and Now: The future has arrived, are you and your accounting teams ready How to identify and lift capability to adapt to technology and business change What stays, what goes and what evolves – the evolution of capabilities for accounting roles Keeping internal relationships intact while financial roles evolve and change Communication or command and control – the power of listening as finance departments move into the future Lee Renata, Director, Challenge The Way You Think Limited
11:30	Leveraging technology for smarter accounting: Tools and trends shaping the future of finance Overview of how technology is transforming the accounting profession, from automation to advanced data analytics Discussing Key drivers of change in the accounting industry (automation, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics) Understanding automation in accounting and how to streamline processes and reduce errors Understanding how data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming financial analysis and decision-making Overview of Emerging technologies and how these technologies will impact accounting tasks such as tax preparation, auditing, and financial planning Joshua G McLauchlan, PwC, Partner
12:00	Protecting Financial Data: Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Accountants Highlighting the current cybersecurity landscape and the specific threats that accountants face in protecting financial data Discussing the types of cyber threats that accountants face and why they are the prime targets Identifying common vulnerabilities in accounting practices and systems that can expose financial data to cyber threats Discussing what are the minimum cybersecurity tools and technologies that accountants should be using to enhance their cybersecurity practices and protect financial data Wendy Bennett, Director, Outfox
12:30	Lunch
13:30	The One Stop Risk Update Discussing frauds, cyber threats, technology outages, poor customer outcomes, or AI Discussing the role of accountants in risk management Explaining key concepts such as Risk Appetite, tolerances, or control effectiveness Finding the balance between risk-taking and risk mitigation Where does risk management fit into the world of financial planning, budgeting, monthly accounts and annual reports Discussing concepts such as the lines of defence and role of governance Malcolm Bruce, Partner, KPMG
14:00	Masterclass: Advanced financial analysis and decision making Explore the foundational concepts of Copilot in Excel, showcasing how this powerful tool can transform your data management and analysis Dive into the latest features that make Copilot a game-changer, and we'll also highlight the intelligent capabilities that Excel already offers, even without Copilot Whether you're a seasoned data wizard or just starting your journey in the digital workplace, this session is designed to captivate and inform We'll blend technical insights with practical applications, ensuring that everyone leaves with valuable knowledge Ingeborg Hawighorst, Digital Productivity Consultant, Spark Digital
15:00	Afternoon break
15:20	Building resilience for you and your finance team Discussing the importance resilience in the modern finance environment Discussing the benefits of building resilience: Enhanced performance, reduced burnout, improved mental well-being, and better team dynamics and the role of accountants in fostering organisational resilience Exploring how to create a resilient finance team that can collaborate effectively, overcome setbacks, and remain productive during challenging times Understanding the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in resilience, and providing practical tools to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation in finance teams Discussing actionable strategies for finance leaders to cultivate resilience in their teams, fostering an environment of adaptability and support Nigel Toms, General Manager Risk and Assurance, Watercare Services Limit
15:50	Effective communication and influencing skills for Accountants The importance of effective communication in helping accountants translate complex financial data into understandable insights that drive business decisions Exploring the challenges accountants face in communication and how to overcome them Exploring how to leverage Smart Data, Reporting, Partnerships, and Communication to Maximize Business Value Highlighting Key communication skills for accountants Practical tips for building communication and influence skills Jay Patel, Head of Finance, Fidelity Life Assurance
16:20	Summary remarks from the Chair & end of Conference Jay Patel, Head of Finance, Fidelity Life Assurance

Speakers to be announced

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Auckland Speakers

Janine Grainger

Co-Founder

Easy Crypto

Read bio

Ashley Lake-John

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

Qippay

Read bio

Rosemary Wooders

Partner

Belly Gully

Read bio

Rosemary is a highly experienced employment and workplace health and safety lawyer, trusted by clients across diverse industries. She advises employers and senior executives on a wide range of matters, including disputes, collective bargaining, restraints of trade, redundancies, and privacy issues. An experienced negotiator, she represents clients at mediation and before the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, and Coroner’s Court. Rosemary is particularly interested in the intersection of technology, privacy, and employment law, and frequently provides expert commentary through media, seminars, and publications in New Zealand and abroad.

Gillian Service

Partner | Kaiurungi

MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Read bio

Natalie Healey

Associate Director

PwC Legal

Read bio

Natalie is an experienced employment law specialist who has worked with some of New Zealand’s largest organisations. Her practice is primarily focused on compliance matters and helping employers manage complex employment related problems, including investigations, disciplinary procedures and exits.

Rosa Henderson

Associate Director

Solicitor

Read bio

Rosa is solicitor who has worked with clients across a range of day-to-day ER issues including grievances and disputes, statutory compliance reviews, workplace policies and agreements, investigations, due diligence for commercial transactions, and establishing processes to mitigate risks of non-compliance.

Hayley Welch

General Manager, New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki

Ministry of Education

Read bio

Hayley Welch (Ngāti Whātua, Ngātiwai) is General Manager for the New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki at the Ministry of Education. She is responsible for the curriculum data strategy, the achievement target reporting & recommendations and the development of curriculum and assessment resources and supports to enable effective delivery of the refreshed New Zealand curriculum.

Previous to joining the Ministry, Hayley held leadership roles in both public health and tertiary education. She spent 9 years leading the Student Recruitment strategy at Auckland University of Technology, working with secondary schools across the motu and strengthening the pathway into tertiary education. She is lead author of Te Kura Tapa Whā: Embedding an indigenous model of wellbeing into the learning environment which drew together her three interests of education, wellbeing and te ao Māori.

Hayley is proud Māmā to her three beautiful children. Guided by her tupuna and inspired by her tamariki, she is driven and determined to contribute to an education system that realises the aspirations and delivers outcomes for the mokopuna of Aotearoa.

Brendan Counsell

Ernst & Young

Partner, Financial Services

Read bio

Adeline Blair

Former Principal

Kelston Boys High School

Read bio

Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Adeline Blair taku ingoa.

Born and educated in Singapore, I initially trained as a primary school teacher but moved into the secondary sector upon emigrating to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1993, starting at Kelston Boys High School in 1996. My career has seen me teach various subjects from Year 9 to 13, including English to adults through Community Education programmes. My appointment as Tumuaki of Kelston Boys High School in 2018 was a significant moment in both my life as well as the school’s history. Being the first woman principal of our school is a privilege and honour. I am inspired by the cultural strengths and knowledge that our staff and students bring to our kura, and the resilience that is shown on a daily basis. School is a haven for most of our boys and the drive to build an inclusive whānau for them is a top priority. Leading boys to men is a fantastic experience and there is never a dull moment at school. I left principalship in September 2025 to pursue other professional interests but will always cherish the special time leading the school.

Juliana Goodman

Kaiako

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate

Read bio

Juliana is a Science Kaiako at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Senior School and a current Ako Mātātūpū participant (C23). She is committed to fostering integrated learning and working with colleagues from other subject areas to facilitate projects that extend beyond a scientific lens into sustainable social action. With a passion for STEAM education, she explores innovative and inclusive approaches to engage students, while encouraging critical thinking within the science and technology sectors. Dedicated to educational equity, she empowers young people to step beyond their comfort zones and discover their potential. As an emerging educator, she has embraced the importance of contextualised and empowering approaches where student voice and community engagement drive meaningful change.

Kirsten Taranaki

Kaiako

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate

Read bio

Kirsten Taranaki is a History teacher with nearly 20 years’ service and is the Learning Area Leader of Social Sciences at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate. Her learning and teaching journey reflects a deep commitment to education as a pathway to equity, transformation and hope. She believes in reimagining learning by extending it beyond classroom settings and connecting rangatahi experiential knowledge to real world contexts. Her work focuses on designing cross-curricular programmes, student-led STEAM inquiries and opportunities that embrace community partnerships using a systems change approach to inspire courage, curiosity and active participation in young people.

Cate Jessop

Sustainable Schools Advisor

Auckland Council

Read bio

Cate Jessep is a sustainable schools advisor in Auckland Council. She works in 75 schools in Ōtara Papatoetoe and Howick. Her work for the last nearly 20 years focuses on empowering courageous committed tangata she has the privilege to work with to be leaders of sustainability in their communities. Through supporting integrated holistic learning and hands on action taking across the curriculum she believes is the way to achieve sustainable healthy caring equitable communities. When young people work collaboratively on sustainability issues relevant to them and they have a STEAM framework they are supported to trial their theories, grow skills, knowledge, self-belief and hope for the future.