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

One Stop - Update for the Accountant in Business

CV005 58th logo

12 - 13 May 2026 | Wellington

20 - 21 May 2026 | Auckland & Virtual

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The 58th One Stop has two stops - Auckland & Wellington

+ virtual tickets available for the Auckland agenda / dates 20-21 May, 2026

Get the essential update tailored to accountants in business at this bi-annual event & earn up to 15 CPD hours.

The rapid pace of economic shifts, regulatory change, technological disruption, and evolving business expectations continues to shape the work of accountants in Aotearoa New Zealand. The 2026 One Stop Update for the Accountant in Business brings together the essential insights, tools, and practical knowledge you need to stay ahead.

Join us to:

  • Hear global and local economic updates and what they mean for New Zealand organisations
  • Understand the latest developments in tax, employment law, IFRS, technology and more
  • Explore ethical expectations and real-world dilemmas facing today’s accounting professionals
  • Strengthen your leadership, communication, resilience, and people-focused skills to elevate your impact as a finance leader

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
  • Gain up to 15 CPD points 
Asset 3CPD stamp yellow

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 - Wellington

Address:

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
147 The Terrace, Wellington Central

 

Venue - Auckland

Address:

Four Points by Sheraton
396 Queen Street and
Main Reception Entrance:
110 Mayoral Drive, Auckland

Virtual Ticket Option on 21-22 May, 2026.

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.

Agenda 2026

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

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

9:55

One Stop New Zealand Economic Update

  • Exploring the current state of New Zealand’s economy and business confidence

  • Predicting what we might see in 2026 – where are we heading next?

  • Discussing sectoral performance and their unique opportunities and challenges

  • Understanding the key sectors driving economic momentum and those facing challenges

  • Implications of the current economic situation for businesses

Tony Alexander, Economic Thought Leader

10:40

Morning break

11:10

The One Stop Ethics Update: Tax Planning, Sustainability, Use of Experts, Disciplinary Decisions and more

  • Understand the latest proposed updates to NZICA’s Code of Ethics and the outlook for future developments

  • Gain practical insight into ethical matters by exploring recent decisions from NZICA’s disciplinary bodies

Tracy Bignell, Principal Advisor - NZ Professional Standards and Member Care, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

11:50

Leading with impact: Essential leadership skills for accountants in business

  • How accountants are stepping up as strategic leaders shaping business decisions

  • Mastering communication and influence to drive impact across the organisation

  • Inspiring and leading teams to deliver exceptional performance

  • Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion for stronger, high performing teams

  • Leading with integrity and embedding ethics at the heart of every decision

  • Cultivating resilience for yourself and your team to thrive under pressure

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

12:30

Lunch

13:30

The One Stop Employment Law Update

  • Key changes in New Zealand employment law

  • Understanding changes regarding the high income threshold, unfair dismissal and recruiting highly paid roles

  • A practical overview of the upcoming Holidays Act reforms, outlining likely changes to leave entitlements and calculations

  • The costs of terminating employment – redundancy compensation, agreed exits, and unlawful dismissals

Emma von Veh, Partner, Buddle Findlay

14:10

Effective communication and influencing skills for Accountants

  • Why reports written for accountability often fail the people who need to make decisions

  • How to get clear on the business problem and who's in the room before you start communicating

  • A practical tool for turning financial findings into clear recommendations

  • How to design data visuals that support your narrative rather than replace it

Kat Greenbrook, Data Storyteller and Founder, Rogue Penguin

15:00

Afternoon break

15:30

Balanced Decisions: Aligning Audit, Risk and Board Governance

  • Enhance board understanding of risk and audit fundamentals to support informed decision-making

  • Clarify the role of risk and audit functions in governance and strategic oversight

  • Apply practical strategies to improve board audit or risk literacy and engagement

  • Communicate risk and audit matters effectively to support decision making

Malcolm Bruce, Partner, KPMG

16:10

The One Stop C-Suite Interview: Adding value to business partners

  • Making the leap to CFO: shifting from detail to big-picture thinking, and from control to leading through ambiguity, risk, and incomplete information

  • Leading strategy, forecasting, and influence: how CFOs shape direction and decide “what next”

  • From technical expert to organisational leader: building culture, managing people challenges, and partnering effectively with CEOs and executives

  • What to build now: critical skills, mindset shifts, and lessons CFOs wish they knew before stepping into the role

Julia Fink, CFO, Climate Change Commission

16:50

Summary remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

17:00

Day 1 close & networking drinks

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

9:10

Startup Story: From Idea to Revenue – Lessons for Accounting & Finance Leaders

  • Hear practical lessons from building an idea into a profitable business, with insights for accountants supporting innovative clients

  • Financial lessons learned in managing cash flow, funding, and scaling operations

  • Challenges in compliance, reporting, and accounting in a startup environment

  • How accountants can add value and support business growth in early-stage companies

  • Practical takeaways for translating startup experiences into professional insights

Cormac Denton, Managing Director, Playdough

9:50

One Stop Tax Update

  • Key updates and emerging issues in income tax, employment tax, and GST

  • Inland Revenue’s current compliance activity and audit focus areas — and what these mean for organisations in 2026

  • Recent Inland Revenue statements and rulings and the practical implications for taxpayers

  • Looking ahead to the Government’s refreshed Tax Work Programme and Budget 2026 predictions in an election year

Robyn Walker, Partner, and Hiran Patel, Director, Deloitte

10:30

Morning break

11:00

AI in Accounting & Finance

  • Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to accounting and finance

  • How AI automates repetitive tasks and enables more strategic work

  • How AI is transforming financial reporting and analysis

  • How AI can streamline tax preparation and compliance

  • Practical guidance for implementing AI solutions and overcoming challenges

James Carolan, Senior Manager, PwC

11:40

Case Study: Technology in Action—Solving Real Business Problems

  • The challenge - A real-world business problem that required a more efficient, scalable solution

  • The implementation - How innovative technology was selected, introduced, and integrated into existing workflows

  • Overcoming roadblocks - Common barriers such as resistance to change, data issues, or system compatibility and how they were addressed

  • Results & Lessons Learned - Measurable efficiencies gained, business impact, and practical tips for successfully adopting new technology

Hannah Howard, GM Finance & Commercial, Technology and AI, One New Zealand

12:20

Protecting Financial Data: Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Accountants

  • Understanding current cybersecurity threats and emerging attack types such as ransomware and deepfakes highlighting cyber risk as a core business risk

  • Assessing AI use, supply-chain due diligence, data protection, insurance considerations, and the legal and financial consequences of cyber incidents

  • Strengthening people, processes, and leadership to reduce human risk and embed cyber security beyond a tick-box approach

Liz Knight, Head of Cyber Security, Theta

1:00

Lunch

14:00

Forecasting and Performance Management in Complex Environments

  • Exploring the difficulty around forecasting with volatile or sector-specific variables

  • Managing rising costs while income streams remain fixed or externally controlled

  • Strategies to improve accuracy in budgeting and performance tracking

  • Tools, strategies and AI to support robust scenario planning and decision-making


14:40

One Stop IFRS Update: Exploring global consistency and local flexibility

  • Exploring the vision of IFRS as a single global accounting and sustainability language

  • How jurisdictions, including New Zealand, adapt IFRS to local contexts

  • The role of the IASB, ISSB, and regulators in balancing alignment and flexibility

  • Practical strategies to maintain global credibility while ensuring local relevance

David Pacey, Partner, Grant Thornton

15:10

Building Resilience and Wellbeing for You and Your Finance Team

  • Strategies to enhance personal resilience and manage stress in a high-pressure finance environment

  • Promoting mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing within finance teams

  • Techniques to create a supportive, adaptable, and productive team culture

  • Practical approaches for leaders to foster resilience and wellbeing while maintaining performance

Julie Cressey, General Manager, TelusHealth

15:40

Summary remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

15:45

Conference close

Back to top

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

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

9:55

One Stop New Zealand Economic Update

  • Exploring the current state of New Zealand’s economy and business confidence

  • Predicting what we might see in 2026 – where are we heading next?

  • Discussing sectoral performance and their unique opportunities and challenges

  • Understanding the key sectors driving economic momentum and those facing challenges

  • Implications of the current economic situation for businesses

Tony Alexander, Economic Thought Leader

10:40

Morning break

11:10

The One Stop Ethics Update: Tax Planning, Sustainability, Use of Experts, Disciplinary Decisions and more

  • Understand the latest proposed updates to NZICA’s Code of Ethics and the outlook for future developments

  • Gain practical insight into ethical matters by exploring recent decisions from NZICA’s disciplinary bodies

Peter Vial, New Zealand Country Head, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

11:50

Leading with impact: Essential leadership skills for accountants in business

  • How accountants are stepping up as strategic leaders shaping business decisions

  • Mastering communication and influence to drive impact across the organisation

  • Inspiring and leading teams to deliver exceptional performance

  • Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion for stronger, high performing teams

  • Leading with integrity and embedding ethics at the heart of every decision

  • Cultivating resilience for yourself and your team to thrive under pressure

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

12:30

Lunch

13:30

The One Stop Employment Law Update

  • Key changes in New Zealand employment law

  • Understanding changes regarding the high income threshold, unfair dismissal and recruiting highly paid roles

  • A practical overview of the upcoming Holidays Act reforms, outlining likely changes to leave entitlements and calculations

  • The costs of terminating employment – redundancy compensation, agreed exits, and unlawful dismissals

Emma von Veh, Partner, Buddle Findlay

14:10

Effective communication and influencing skills for Accountants

  • Communicating technical information and financial data clearly and concisely for your audience

  • Framing solutions and problem solving to support impactful outcomes

  • Leveraging smart data, reporting and partnerships to maximise business value

  • Practical tips for building influence at executive and board level

Debbie D'Souza, Financial Controller/FP&A Manager, Mars

15:00

Afternoon break

15:30

One Stop IFRS Update: Exploring global consistency and local flexibility

  • Exploring the vision of IFRS as a single global accounting and sustainability language

  • How jurisdictions, including New Zealand, adapt IFRS to local contexts

  • The role of the IASB, ISSB, and regulators in balancing alignment and flexibility

  • Practical strategies to maintain global credibility while ensuring local relevance

David Pacey, Partner, Grant Thornton

16:10

The One Stop C-Suite Interview: Adding value to business partners

  • Work habits and practices that maximise individual and team effectiveness

  • Approaches to managing people issues, building culture, and resolving conflict

  • Practical strategies for interacting with the CEO and other executives to influence and collaborate effectively

  • Key learnings and lessons from the experiences that have made these CFOs successful

Stephen Morgan, General Manager - Finance and Commercial, Champion Flour Milling and 2025 NZ CFO of the Year

16:50

Summary remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

17:00

Day 1 close & networking drinks

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

9:10

Startup Story: From Idea to Revenue – Lessons for Accounting & Finance Leaders

  • Hear practical lessons from building an idea into a profitable business, with insights for accountants supporting innovative clients

  • Financial lessons learned in managing cash flow, funding, and scaling operations

  • Challenges in compliance, reporting, and accounting in a startup environment

  • How accountants can add value and support business growth in early-stage companies

  • Practical takeaways for translating startup experiences into professional insights

Mike Mandis, Co-CEO, Oxygen

9:50

One Stop Tax Update

  • Key updates and emerging issues in income tax, employment tax, and GST

  • Inland Revenue’s current compliance activity and audit focus areas — and what these mean for organisations in 2026

  • Recent Inland Revenue statements and rulings and the practical implications for taxpayers

  • Looking ahead to the Government’s refreshed Tax Work Programme and Budget 2026 predictions in an election year

Alex Kingston, Partner, Deloitte

10:30

Morning break

11:00

AI in Accounting & Finance

  • Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to accounting and finance

  • How AI automates repetitive tasks and enables more strategic work

  • How AI is transforming financial reporting and analysis

  • How AI can streamline tax preparation and compliance

  • Practical guidance for implementing AI solutions and overcoming challenges

Nick Johnson, Senior Manager, KPMG

11:40

Case Study: Technology in Action—Solving Real Business Problems

  • The challenge - A real-world business problem that required a more efficient, scalable solution

  • The implementation - How innovative technology was selected, introduced, and integrated into existing workflows

  • Overcoming roadblocks - Common barriers such as resistance to change, data issues, or system compatibility and how they were addressed

  • Results & Lessons Learned - Measurable efficiencies gained, business impact, and practical tips for successfully adopting new technology

Hannah Howard, GM Finance & Commercial, Technology and AI, One New Zealand

12:20

Protecting Financial Data: Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Accountants

  • Understanding current cybersecurity threats and emerging attack types such as ransomware and deepfakes highlighting cyber risk as a core business risk

  • Assessing AI use, supply-chain due diligence, data protection, insurance considerations, and the legal and financial consequences of cyber incidents

  • Strengthening people, processes, and leadership to reduce human risk and embed cyber security beyond a tick-box approach

Liz Knight, Head of Cyber Security, Theta

1:00

Lunch

14:00

Forecasting and Performance Management in Complex Environments

  • Exploring the difficulty around forecasting with volatile or sector-specific variables

  • Managing rising costs while income streams remain fixed or externally controlled

  • Strategies to improve accuracy in budgeting and performance tracking

  • Tools, strategies and AI to support robust scenario planning and decision-making

Cameron Fraser, Director, Fraser Strategic Solutions

14:40

Balanced Decisions: Aligning Risk, Audit, and Board Governance

  • Strengthening board capability through a clear understanding of risk management and assurance fundamentals

  • Practical approaches to lift board risk literacy, enabling more confident challenge, oversight and engagement

  • Defining and differentiating the role of risk and assurance functions in strategic oversight, governance and informed board decision‑making

  • Leveraging risk and assurance capability to support balanced, value‑focused decisions that protect and enhance organisational performance

Nigel Toms, GM Risk and Assurance, Watercare Services Limited

15:10

Building Resilience and Wellbeing for You and Your Finance Team

  • Strategies to enhance personal resilience and manage stress in a high-pressure finance environment

  • Promoting mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing within finance teams

  • Techniques to create a supportive, adaptable, and productive team culture

  • Practical approaches for leaders to foster resilience and wellbeing while maintaining performance

Julie Cressey, General Manager, TelusHealth

15:40

Summary remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

15:45

Conference close

Back to top

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

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

9:55

One Stop New Zealand Economic Update

  • Exploring the current state of New Zealand’s economy and business confidence

  • Predicting what we might see in 2026 – where are we heading next?

  • Discussing sectoral performance and their unique opportunities and challenges

  • Understanding the key sectors driving economic momentum and those facing challenges

  • Implications of the current economic situation for businesses

Tony Alexander, Economic Thought Leader

10:40

Morning break

11:10

The One Stop Ethics Update: Tax Planning, Sustainability, Use of Experts, Disciplinary Decisions and more

  • Understand the latest proposed updates to NZICA’s Code of Ethics and the outlook for future developments

  • Gain practical insight into ethical matters by exploring recent decisions from NZICA’s disciplinary bodies

Peter Vial, New Zealand Country Head, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

11:50

Leading with impact: Essential leadership skills for accountants in business

  • How accountants are stepping up as strategic leaders shaping business decisions

  • Mastering communication and influence to drive impact across the organisation

  • Inspiring and leading teams to deliver exceptional performance

  • Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion for stronger, high performing teams

  • Leading with integrity and embedding ethics at the heart of every decision

  • Cultivating resilience for yourself and your team to thrive under pressure

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

12:30

Lunch

13:30

The One Stop Employment Law Update

  • Key changes in New Zealand employment law

  • Understanding changes regarding the high income threshold, unfair dismissal and recruiting highly paid roles

  • A practical overview of the upcoming Holidays Act reforms, outlining likely changes to leave entitlements and calculations

  • The costs of terminating employment – redundancy compensation, agreed exits, and unlawful dismissals

Emma von Veh, Partner, Buddle Findlay

14:10

Effective communication and influencing skills for Accountants

  • Communicating technical information and financial data clearly and concisely for your audience

  • Framing solutions and problem solving to support impactful outcomes

  • Leveraging smart data, reporting and partnerships to maximise business value

  • Practical tips for building influence at executive and board level

Debbie D'Souza, Financial Controller/FP&A Manager, Mars

15:00

Afternoon break

15:30

One Stop IFRS Update: Exploring global consistency and local flexibility

  • Exploring the vision of IFRS as a single global accounting and sustainability language

  • How jurisdictions, including New Zealand, adapt IFRS to local contexts

  • The role of the IASB, ISSB, and regulators in balancing alignment and flexibility

  • Practical strategies to maintain global credibility while ensuring local relevance

David Pacey, Partner, Grant Thornton

16:10

The One Stop C-Suite Interview: Adding value to business partners

  • Work habits and practices that maximise individual and team effectiveness

  • Approaches to managing people issues, building culture, and resolving conflict

  • Practical strategies for interacting with the CEO and other executives to influence and collaborate effectively

  • Key learnings and lessons from the experiences that have made these CFOs successful

Stephen Morgan, General Manager - Finance and Commercial, Champion Flour Milling and 2025 NZ CFO of the Year

16:50

Summary remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

17:00

Day 1 close & networking drinks

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

9:10

Startup Story: From Idea to Revenue – Lessons for Accounting & Finance Leaders

  • Hear practical lessons from building an idea into a profitable business, with insights for accountants supporting innovative clients

  • Financial lessons learned in managing cash flow, funding, and scaling operations

  • Challenges in compliance, reporting, and accounting in a startup environment

  • How accountants can add value and support business growth in early-stage companies

  • Practical takeaways for translating startup experiences into professional insights

Mike Mandis, Co-CEO, Oxygen

9:50

One Stop Tax Update

  • Key updates and emerging issues in income tax, employment tax, and GST

  • Inland Revenue’s current compliance activity and audit focus areas — and what these mean for organisations in 2026

  • Recent Inland Revenue statements and rulings and the practical implications for taxpayers

  • Looking ahead to the Government’s refreshed Tax Work Programme and Budget 2026 predictions in an election year

Alex Kingston, Partner, Deloitte

10:30

Morning break

11:00

AI in Accounting & Finance

  • Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to accounting and finance

  • How AI automates repetitive tasks and enables more strategic work

  • How AI is transforming financial reporting and analysis

  • How AI can streamline tax preparation and compliance

  • Practical guidance for implementing AI solutions and overcoming challenges

Nick Johnson, Senior Manager, KPMG

11:40

Case Study: Technology in Action—Solving Real Business Problems

  • The challenge - A real-world business problem that required a more efficient, scalable solution

  • The implementation - How innovative technology was selected, introduced, and integrated into existing workflows

  • Overcoming roadblocks - Common barriers such as resistance to change, data issues, or system compatibility and how they were addressed

  • Results & Lessons Learned - Measurable efficiencies gained, business impact, and practical tips for successfully adopting new technology

Hannah Howard, GM Finance & Commercial, Technology and AI, One New Zealand

12:20

Protecting Financial Data: Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Accountants

  • Understanding current cybersecurity threats and emerging attack types such as ransomware and deepfakes highlighting cyber risk as a core business risk

  • Assessing AI use, supply-chain due diligence, data protection, insurance considerations, and the legal and financial consequences of cyber incidents

  • Strengthening people, processes, and leadership to reduce human risk and embed cyber security beyond a tick-box approach

Liz Knight, Head of Cyber Security, Theta

1:00

Lunch

14:00

Forecasting and Performance Management in Complex Environments

  • Exploring the difficulty around forecasting with volatile or sector-specific variables

  • Managing rising costs while income streams remain fixed or externally controlled

  • Strategies to improve accuracy in budgeting and performance tracking

  • Tools, strategies and AI to support robust scenario planning and decision-making

Cameron Fraser, Director, Fraser Strategic Solutions

14:40

Balanced Decisions: Aligning Risk, Audit, and Board Governance

  • Strengthening board capability through a clear understanding of risk management and assurance fundamentals

  • Practical approaches to lift board risk literacy, enabling more confident challenge, oversight and engagement

  • Defining and differentiating the role of risk and assurance functions in strategic oversight, governance and informed board decision‑making

  • Leveraging risk and assurance capability to support balanced, value‑focused decisions that protect and enhance organisational performance

Nigel Toms, GM Risk and Assurance, Watercare Services Limited

15:10

Building Resilience and Wellbeing for You and Your Finance Team

  • Strategies to enhance personal resilience and manage stress in a high-pressure finance environment

  • Promoting mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing within finance teams

  • Techniques to create a supportive, adaptable, and productive team culture

  • Practical approaches for leaders to foster resilience and wellbeing while maintaining performance

Julie Cressey, General Manager, TelusHealth

15:40

Summary remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

15:45

Conference close

Back to top

Speakers to be announced

Auckland Speakers

Liz Knight

Head of Cyber Security
Theta
Liz Knight is a senior cyber and security leader with ten years’ experience delivering security strategy, operations and compliance across New Zealand and international markets. Since 2016 she’s led engineering and security teams, most recently heading Cyber Security at Theta where she manages a team cyber and network security specialists. She’s an ISO 27001 Certified Lead Auditor and Privacy Officer, and contributes to GenAI governance.

Emma von Veh

Partner
Buddle Findlay

Emma is a respected employment specialist who advises public and private sector clients on all aspects of the employment relationship. This includes collective and individual employment agreements, disciplinary processes, bullying and harassment investigations, restructuring, personal grievances, employment and industrial aspects of mergers, acquisitions and statutory transfers, contractor/employee disputes, health and safety, and human rights and privacy matters.

 Emma prides herself in assisting parties navigate difficult and complex issues in a way that minimises the risk of litigation, and damage to reputation and relationships.

 Emma has experience in dispute resolution, and has represented clients in the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, Court of Appeal, and Human Rights Review Tribunal.  Emma also regularly represents clients at mediation.

Stephen Morgan

General Manager – Finance and Commercial
Champion Flour Milling
Stephen Morgan is the 2025 NZ CFO of the Year and General Manager – Finance and Commercial at Champion Flour Milling. With over two decades of experience across multinational and local FMCG, manufacturing, and retail sectors, including pivotal roles at Coca-Cola NZ, Tegel Foods, and L’Oréal UK. His expertise covers commercial finance, supply chain, and operational leadership.
Stephen is recognized for his visionary leadership and ability to drive transformation in complex environments. He has steered Champion Flour Milling through global supply shocks, major ERP implementation, and operational crises— building a culture of collaboration and innovation. Stephen’s passion for developing high-performing teams has seen his finance group named finalists for NZ Finance Team of the Year.
Stephen is a trusted advisor, mentor, and advocate for excellence. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership—motivating others to embrace change and make a meaningful impact.

Peter Vial

NZ Country Head
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Peter Vial has been New Zealand Country Head at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand since 2017.   In this role he leads the NZ regulatory, professional conduct and advocacy functions. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and a lawyer.  Earlier in his career Peter worked for PwC and KPMG in Tax and for the NZ Trade Development Board as a Trade Commissioner in Europe.  He has also been an Associate Professor at Auckland University.

Alex Kingston

Partner
Deloitte
Alex is a Partner in Deloitte’s Auckland Corporate Tax team, with over 16 years’ experience advising clients on a wide range of corporate and international tax issues. Alex’s experience includes managing the tax function for a global technology group, and his current focus is on the financial services, technology, and health / aged care sectors.

Julie Cressey

General Manager
TELUS Health New Zealand
Julie Cressey is the General Manager of TELUS Health New Zealand, where she leads the New Zealand business operations and serves as a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing, making a meaningful difference in workplace mental health on a daily basis. As a recognised thought leader in the field, Julie spearheads innovative initiatives that address critical workplace mental health challenges across New Zealand. She brings a unique combination of strategic business leadership, deep mental health expertise, and practical implementation experience and offers audiences actionable insights and real-world business application, making her an invaluable voice in New Zealand’s evolving landscape of workplace mental health and employee wellbeing. Additionally, Julie currently serves as President of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association of Australasia (EAPAA).

David Pacey

Partner
Grant Thornton

Debbie D’Souza

Financial Controller/FP&A Manager
Mars

Cameron Fraser

Director
Fraser Strategic Solutions
Cameron Fraser is a Director of Fraser Strategic Solutions, specialising in financial modelling services.  Prior to that, he was at Electric Kiwi for 8 years, finishing up as Head of Commercial Finance covering financial forecasting, pricing and SQL reporting.  He also worked at PwC in Tax and Consulting.  He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Certificate of Public Practice.  Outside of work, Cameron spends time with his young family, ballroom dancing and competing in international Excel and Financial Modelling competitions.

Nigel Toms

GM Risk and Assurance
Watercare Services

Nigel is the general manager of risk and assurance at Watercare which provides water and wastewater services to 1.7 million people in Auckland. It has 1300 staff, annual revenue of $970 million and a capital programme exceeding $1 billion per year.

Nigel strategically manages the company’s risks, focusing on service quality, business continuity, and incident preparedness including acting as the senior incident controller for responses to major incidents.

Nigel is a former chair of RiskNZ and was named RiskNZ risk professional of the year in 2021 for his industry-leading work on using risk to build strategic advantage and future state preparedness in large organisations. He is also the technical author of PAS 60518, published by the International Standards Organisation (ISO).

Nigel is a qualified accountant with extensive financial and governance experience including chief financial officer roles in New Zealand and United Kingdom. Nigel’s governance roles include Co-Chair for Toi Ora Live Art Trust.

Tony Alexander

Economics Thought Leader
Tony Alexander was Chief Economist at the BNZ for almost 25 years and has been out on his own as an independent economist since late-2019. He distributes the free weekly “Tony’s View” publication to over 29,000 subscribers each week, writes a weekly column for OneRoof, has a weekly video blog, and speaks at about 80 functions a year around New Zealand. He also runs five monthly surveys which give coalface insight into what is happening in NZ industry and the housing market in particular.

Stephen Jacobi

Managing Director
Jacobi Consulting
Stephen Jacobi is Managing Director of Jacobi Consulting Ltd and NZ Director for the Australia NZ Leadership Forum.  A former trade analyst, diplomat and industry association CEO Stephen led the NZ International Business Forum until earlier this year and has served as Executive Director of the NZ/US and NZ/China Councils.  He is a well-known public commentator on trade and industry issues.

Wellington Speakers

James Carolan

Senior Manager
PwC New Zealand
James Carolan is a Senior Manager in PwC New Zealand’s Gen AI Enablement team. He helps organisations upskill their people to use AI effectively and embed practical AI workflows that improve capability, efficiency and decision-making. His work focuses on responsible AI adoption, enablement, automation and helping teams apply AI in real business settings.

Kat Greenbrook

Data Storyteller and Founder
Rogue Penguin
Kat Greenbrook is a Data Storyteller based in Te Whanganui a Tara, and Director of Rogue Penguin. She supports teams to tell clearer, more responsible stories with data.

Robyn Walker

Partner
Deloitte
I am a Partner within the Tax Team at Deloitte in New Zealand. This involves many things, including preparing submissions on behalf of Deloitte and developing thought leadership in the area of tax. I like to think about how tax developments really impact on Deloitte’s clients. I have a particular interest in tax policy and keeping up to date with all the many tax developments. I help Deloitte to advise the Corporate Taxpayers Group.

Liz Knight

Head of Cyber Security
Theta
Liz Knight is a senior cyber and security leader with ten years’ experience delivering security strategy, operations and compliance across New Zealand and international markets. Since 2016 she’s led engineering and security teams, most recently heading Cyber Security at Theta where she manages a team cyber and network security specialists. She’s an ISO 27001 Certified Lead Auditor and Privacy Officer, and contributes to GenAI governance.

Emma von Veh

Partner
Buddle Findlay

Emma is a respected employment specialist who advises public and private sector clients on all aspects of the employment relationship. This includes collective and individual employment agreements, disciplinary processes, bullying and harassment investigations, restructuring, personal grievances, employment and industrial aspects of mergers, acquisitions and statutory transfers, contractor/employee disputes, health and safety, and human rights and privacy matters.

 Emma prides herself in assisting parties navigate difficult and complex issues in a way that minimises the risk of litigation, and damage to reputation and relationships.

 Emma has experience in dispute resolution, and has represented clients in the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, Court of Appeal, and Human Rights Review Tribunal.  Emma also regularly represents clients at mediation.

Julie Cressey

General Manager
TELUS Health New Zealand
Julie Cressey is the General Manager of TELUS Health New Zealand, where she leads the New Zealand business operations and serves as a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing, making a meaningful difference in workplace mental health on a daily basis. As a recognised thought leader in the field, Julie spearheads innovative initiatives that address critical workplace mental health challenges across New Zealand. She brings a unique combination of strategic business leadership, deep mental health expertise, and practical implementation experience and offers audiences actionable insights and real-world business application, making her an invaluable voice in New Zealand’s evolving landscape of workplace mental health and employee wellbeing. Additionally, Julie currently serves as President of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association of Australasia (EAPAA).

David Pacey

Partner
Grant Thornton

Julia Fink

CA ANZ
Vice President
ulia is the Chief Financial Officer at the Climate Change Commission and a small business owner. She started her accounting career at Deloitte in Audit, moving into Deloitte Private. Julia was heavily involved in the roll out of public benefit entity financial reporting standards for registered charities in her former role at DIA Charities Services. This role led to her current position as a Board member of the External Reporting Board. Julia has been involved with CA ANZ since she was a provisional member, serving on the Women Accountants and Not for Profit Special Interest Group committees in Wellington, the Charities and Not for Profit Trans-Tasman Advisory Committee and the Wellington Local Committee and as a New Zealand Councillor. Julia was instrumental in setting up the CA ANZ Charity Reporting Awards and the Charity Law, Accounting and Regulation Conference.

Malcolm Bruce

Partner
KPMG
Malcolm is an experienced professional, having been held multiple roles, from being an Audit partner – signing off on financial statements for a range of clients – to being the Chief Risk Officer at Kiwibank, and more recently providing Advisory and Consulting advice to clients across Governance, Risk and Compliance services. This gives Malcolm an exceptionally wide perspective to bring to his conversations.  Malcolm specialises in the financial services sector but has advised clients across a range of industries.  Malcolm leads a team with extensive experience in non-financial risk management, ranging from Conduct and Remediation, to meeting laws and compliance obligations to managing regulatory expectations.  Malcolm has significant experience working with Boards, Executives and Regulators. Businesses are facing increasing numbers of challenges from both handling existing business requirements, doing more for less, to facing a raft of new expectations, requirements and emerging threats.  He will share some of his learnings.

Tony Alexander

Economics Thought Leader
Tony Alexander was Chief Economist at the BNZ for almost 25 years and has been out on his own as an independent economist since late-2019. He distributes the free weekly “Tony’s View” publication to over 29,000 subscribers each week, writes a weekly column for OneRoof, has a weekly video blog, and speaks at about 80 functions a year around New Zealand. He also runs five monthly surveys which give coalface insight into what is happening in NZ industry and the housing market in particular.

Stephen Jacobi

Managing Director
Jacobi Consulting
Stephen Jacobi is Managing Director of Jacobi Consulting Ltd and NZ Director for the Australia NZ Leadership Forum.  A former trade analyst, diplomat and industry association CEO Stephen led the NZ International Business Forum until earlier this year and has served as Executive Director of the NZ/US and NZ/China Councils.  He is a well-known public commentator on trade and industry issues.

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The 58th One Stop has two stops - Auckland & Wellington

+ virtual tickets available for the Auckland agenda / dates 20-21 May, 2026

Get the essential update tailored to accountants in business at this bi-annual event & earn up to 15 CPD hours.

The rapid pace of economic shifts, regulatory change, technological disruption, and evolving business expectations continues to shape the work of accountants in Aotearoa New Zealand. The 2026 One Stop Update for the Accountant in Business brings together the essential insights, tools, and practical knowledge you need to stay ahead.

Join us to:

  • Hear global and local economic updates and what they mean for New Zealand organisations
  • Understand the latest developments in tax, employment law, IFRS, technology and more
  • Explore ethical expectations and real-world dilemmas facing today’s accounting professionals
  • Strengthen your leadership, communication, resilience, and people-focused skills to elevate your impact as a finance leader

 

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
  • Gain up to 15 CPD points 
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Earn a majority of your annual verifiable CPD including ethics in our punchy, informative conference.

Venue - Wellington

Address:

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
147 The Terrace, Wellington Central

 

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Address:

Four Points by Sheraton
396 Queen Street and
Main Reception Entrance:
110 Mayoral Drive, Auckland

Virtual Ticket Option on 21-22 May, 2026.

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

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

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Agenda 2026

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

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

9:55

One Stop New Zealand Economic Update

  • Exploring the current state of New Zealand’s economy and business confidence

  • Predicting what we might see in 2026 – where are we heading next?

  • Discussing sectoral performance and their unique opportunities and challenges

  • Understanding the key sectors driving economic momentum and those facing challenges

  • Implications of the current economic situation for businesses

Tony Alexander, Economic Thought Leader

10:40

Morning break

11:10

The One Stop Ethics Update: Tax Planning, Sustainability, Use of Experts, Disciplinary Decisions and more

  • Understand the latest proposed updates to NZICA’s Code of Ethics and the outlook for future developments

  • Gain practical insight into ethical matters by exploring recent decisions from NZICA’s disciplinary bodies

Peter Vial, New Zealand Country Head, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

11:50

Leading with impact: Essential leadership skills for accountants in business

  • How accountants are stepping up as strategic leaders shaping business decisions

  • Mastering communication and influence to drive impact across the organisation

  • Inspiring and leading teams to deliver exceptional performance

  • Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion for stronger, high performing teams

  • Leading with integrity and embedding ethics at the heart of every decision

  • Cultivating resilience for yourself and your team to thrive under pressure

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

12:30

Lunch

13:30

The One Stop Employment Law Update

  • Key changes in New Zealand employment law

  • Understanding changes regarding the high income threshold, unfair dismissal and recruiting highly paid roles

  • A practical overview of the upcoming Holidays Act reforms, outlining likely changes to leave entitlements and calculations

  • The costs of terminating employment – redundancy compensation, agreed exits, and unlawful dismissals

Emma von Veh, Partner, Buddle Findlay

14:10

Effective communication and influencing skills for Accountants

  • Communicating technical information and financial data clearly and concisely for your audience

  • Framing solutions and problem solving to support impactful outcomes

  • Leveraging smart data, reporting and partnerships to maximise business value

  • Practical tips for building influence at executive and board level

Debbie D'Souza, Financial Controller/FP&A Manager, Mars

15:00

Afternoon break

15:30

One Stop IFRS Update: Exploring global consistency and local flexibility

  • Exploring the vision of IFRS as a single global accounting and sustainability language

  • How jurisdictions, including New Zealand, adapt IFRS to local contexts

  • The role of the IASB, ISSB, and regulators in balancing alignment and flexibility

  • Practical strategies to maintain global credibility while ensuring local relevance

David Pacey, Partner, Grant Thornton

16:10

The One Stop C-Suite Interview: Adding value to business partners

  • Work habits and practices that maximise individual and team effectiveness

  • Approaches to managing people issues, building culture, and resolving conflict

  • Practical strategies for interacting with the CEO and other executives to influence and collaborate effectively

  • Key learnings and lessons from the experiences that have made these CFOs successful

Stephen Morgan, General Manager - Finance and Commercial, Champion Flour Milling and 2025 NZ CFO of the Year

16:50

Summary remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

17:00

Day 1 close & networking drinks

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

9:10

Startup Story: From Idea to Revenue – Lessons for Accounting & Finance Leaders

  • Hear practical lessons from building an idea into a profitable business, with insights for accountants supporting innovative clients

  • Financial lessons learned in managing cash flow, funding, and scaling operations

  • Challenges in compliance, reporting, and accounting in a startup environment

  • How accountants can add value and support business growth in early-stage companies

  • Practical takeaways for translating startup experiences into professional insights

Mike Mandis, Co-CEO, Oxygen

9:50

One Stop Tax Update

  • Key updates and emerging issues in income tax, employment tax, and GST

  • Inland Revenue’s current compliance activity and audit focus areas — and what these mean for organisations in 2026

  • Recent Inland Revenue statements and rulings and the practical implications for taxpayers

  • Looking ahead to the Government’s refreshed Tax Work Programme and Budget 2026 predictions in an election year

Alex Kingston, Partner, Deloitte

10:30

Morning break

11:00

AI in Accounting & Finance

  • Overview of AI technologies and their relevance to accounting and finance

  • How AI automates repetitive tasks and enables more strategic work

  • How AI is transforming financial reporting and analysis

  • How AI can streamline tax preparation and compliance

  • Practical guidance for implementing AI solutions and overcoming challenges

Nick Johnson, Senior Manager, KPMG

11:40

Case Study: Technology in Action—Solving Real Business Problems

  • The challenge - A real-world business problem that required a more efficient, scalable solution

  • The implementation - How innovative technology was selected, introduced, and integrated into existing workflows

  • Overcoming roadblocks - Common barriers such as resistance to change, data issues, or system compatibility and how they were addressed

  • Results & Lessons Learned - Measurable efficiencies gained, business impact, and practical tips for successfully adopting new technology

Hannah Howard, GM Finance & Commercial, Technology and AI, One New Zealand

12:20

Protecting Financial Data: Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Accountants

  • Understanding current cybersecurity threats and emerging attack types such as ransomware and deepfakes highlighting cyber risk as a core business risk

  • Assessing AI use, supply-chain due diligence, data protection, insurance considerations, and the legal and financial consequences of cyber incidents

  • Strengthening people, processes, and leadership to reduce human risk and embed cyber security beyond a tick-box approach

Liz Knight, Head of Cyber Security, Theta

1:00

Lunch

14:00

Forecasting and Performance Management in Complex Environments

  • Exploring the difficulty around forecasting with volatile or sector-specific variables

  • Managing rising costs while income streams remain fixed or externally controlled

  • Strategies to improve accuracy in budgeting and performance tracking

  • Tools, strategies and AI to support robust scenario planning and decision-making

Cameron Fraser, Director, Fraser Strategic Solutions

14:40

Balanced Decisions: Aligning Risk, Audit, and Board Governance

  • Strengthening board capability through a clear understanding of risk management and assurance fundamentals

  • Practical approaches to lift board risk literacy, enabling more confident challenge, oversight and engagement

  • Defining and differentiating the role of risk and assurance functions in strategic oversight, governance and informed board decision‑making

  • Leveraging risk and assurance capability to support balanced, value‑focused decisions that protect and enhance organisational performance

Nigel Toms, GM Risk and Assurance, Watercare Services Limited

15:10

Building Resilience and Wellbeing for You and Your Finance Team

  • Strategies to enhance personal resilience and manage stress in a high-pressure finance environment

  • Promoting mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing within finance teams

  • Techniques to create a supportive, adaptable, and productive team culture

  • Practical approaches for leaders to foster resilience and wellbeing while maintaining performance

Julie Cressey, General Manager, TelusHealth

15:40

Summary remarks from the Chair

Scott Wright, Founder, The HI Company

15:45

Conference close

Back to top

Speakers to be announced

Auckland Speakers

Speakers

Liam Scopes

Chapter Lead – Wellbeing, Injury Management & Prevention | People Safety & Aviation Medicine
Air New Zealand

Suzie McDonald

Principal Advisor (Health & Wellbeing) Welbeing, Health & Safety
Te Kaporeihana Āwhina Hunga Whara | ACC

Chris Eastham

Principal Advisor Health - Safety and Wellbeing
Department of Corrections
Chris Eastham is an experienced HSW professional who has worked in small business, healthcare, oil and gas.  Chris has worked at the Department of Corrections for five years with a focus on HSW and organisational improvement.  Chris is also a husband and parent of two and volunteers in the community as Chair of Adventure School Board as a member of Paekakariki surf club.

Kath Luoni

Principal
Menzies College

Kath Luoni is the principal of Menzies College, a coeducational school with 360 Year 7-13 students in rural Southland. She is an active member of the Southland Secondary Schools Principals Association having been Treasurer for the last six years. She also convenes the Southland Rural Principals Association and is a Beginning Principal Mentor.

Kath views leading as a privilege that comes with layers of responsibility that is often hard to grasp until it is experienced. She believes we owe it to ourselves and our communities to be as prepared as possible before taking on the role. As a Beginning Principal her number one focus was building a Senior Leadership that felt valued, trusted and supported as part of building the resilience needed to effectively lead change.

Millie Thompson

Manager Workplace Wellbeing - Health Safety Security & Wellbeing
Ministry of Social Development
Millie has a background in work‑related mental health and wellbeing, previously working for the New Zealand Defence Force and WorkSafe New Zealand to support better health, safety and wellbeing performance. More recently, Millie worked for was the Principal Adviser Mentally Healthy Work for the Government Health and Safety Lead, leading their Mentally Healthy Work programme. Millie is now the Manager Workplace Wellbeing at MSD, leading their focus on psychological health and safety. Millie is also completing her Masters in Industrial/Organisational Psychology, focusing on Executive perspectives of psychological health and safety.

Jenny Jago

Science Partnerships and Impact Advisor
DairyNZ
Jenny plays a pivotal role in shaping DairyNZ’s science direction, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring research delivers meaningful, practical outcomes for dairy farmers. She is responsible for driving cross-sector partnerships, seeking external investment opportunities, overseeing the DairyNZ Independent Science Panel, and championing initiatives that connect research with on-farm outcomes. Throughout her distinguished career at DairyNZ, Jenny has delivered numerous programmes that have created positive progress for farmers. She has held senior leadership roles, including seven years as leader for strategy and investment, and most recently as a principal scientist. Beyond DairyNZ, she has contributed to the global sector through service on the International Dairy Federation’s standing committees for farm management and animal health and welfare. Jenny is widely respected, nationally and internationally, for her expertise in farm systems, milking efficiency, animal welfare, digital technologies in animal management, and workplace productivity. She has particular expertise in pastoral automatic milking systems and dairy cattle learning behaviour, and she developed milking routines that have reduced milking times in conventional dairies. She holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science and Technology in Animal Sciences, and a PhD in Animal Sciences from the University of Waikato. Following her PhD, she completed post-doctoral research at AgResearch, the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) in France, the Danish Institute of Agricultural Science, and spent 12 months at Teagasc Ireland.

Justin Tighe-Umbers

Chief Executive
National Road Carriers
Justin is Chief Executive of National Road Carriers, joining the team in August 2022. Prior to joining NRC, Justin was Executive Director at the Board of Airline Representatives NZ, where he helped steer the airline industry through the international border closure during the pandemic, and the jet fuel pipeline outage in 2017. He has extensive experience working on infrastructure of national significance at the government-private sector interface. Before joining the transport industry Justin worked in senior management roles in the telecommunications industry for 13 years, including working on the Telecom demerger and the Chorus ultra-fast broadband project. Justin is a post-graduate from the University of Auckland business school with a master’s degree in International Business.

Jonathan Deegan

Technical Risk Manager
Occidental Petroleum Corporation

Bettina Reiter

Board Member
RiskNZ
Bettina Reiter is a senior risk and compliance leader with over two decades of experience across central and local government. She specialises in developing and implementing enterprise, programme and project risk management frameworks, business continuity frameworks, and is recognised for her ability to uplift organisational risk and business continuity maturity, and deliver clear, strategic insights to Boards, Executive Leadership Teams and Ministers. Bettina has held senior roles at ACC, Waka Kotahi, Auckland DHB, North Shore City Council, Inland Revenue, Public Trust and Regional Facilities Auckland, where she has led teams, embedded risk and business continuity culture, and enabled major programmes including the NZ Upgrade Programme, National Ticketing Solution and Road to Zero. She also brings specialist expertise in climate-related risk, integrity risk, and culturally responsive risk approaches. She currently serves on the Board of RiskNZ, contributing to governance and sector leadership. Bettina holds an MSc (Hons) in Environmental Science.

Sarah Bogle

General Manager, Co-Convenor
Toitū Envirocare & Aotearoa Society of Adaptation Professionals
With over 30+ years across financial services, infrastructure and the public sector, Sarah has led enterprise programmes that lift performance, reduce cost and build resilience to climate and market risks. She works closely with boards, executives and ministers to clarify outcomes, set governance that sticks, and align delivery with benefits. She helps organisations transform – so strategy, operating model, technology and culture pull in the same direction and value shows up in the numbers.

Sarah Singleton

Senior Financial Crime Specialist
Fisher Funds
Sarah is an experienced Senior Financial Crime Specialist. Has a demonstratable history of working in the finance industry. Skilled in Fraud Detection & Investigation, Assurance, Risk Assessment & Management, Counter-Terrorism & AML and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS). She is a confident professional with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Criminology & Sociology from Victoria University of Wellington.

Chris Hawksworth

Founder, Co-Founder
Speculo & CyberTeam
Chris Hawksworth is the founder of Speculo, a cybersecurity risk management platform built for New Zealand’s public sector and enterprise organisations, and CyberTeam Ltd, a specialist cybersecurity consulting practice. He advises government agencies and regulated businesses on frameworks including MCSS, PSR, NZISM, ISO 27001, and NIST, with a focus on making cyber risk accessible and actionable for non-technical decision-makers. Chris is also a co-founder of CyberTechNZ, a community initiative under Tech New Zealand supporting the local cybersecurity ecosystem.

Wellington Speakers

Liam Scopes

Chapter Lead – Wellbeing, Injury Management & Prevention | People Safety & Aviation Medicine
Air New Zealand

Suzie McDonald

Principal Advisor (Health & Wellbeing) Welbeing, Health & Safety
Te Kaporeihana Āwhina Hunga Whara | ACC

Chris Eastham

Principal Advisor Health - Safety and Wellbeing
Department of Corrections
Chris Eastham is an experienced HSW professional who has worked in small business, healthcare, oil and gas.  Chris has worked at the Department of Corrections for five years with a focus on HSW and organisational improvement.  Chris is also a husband and parent of two and volunteers in the community as Chair of Adventure School Board as a member of Paekakariki surf club.

Kath Luoni

Principal
Menzies College

Kath Luoni is the principal of Menzies College, a coeducational school with 360 Year 7-13 students in rural Southland. She is an active member of the Southland Secondary Schools Principals Association having been Treasurer for the last six years. She also convenes the Southland Rural Principals Association and is a Beginning Principal Mentor.

Kath views leading as a privilege that comes with layers of responsibility that is often hard to grasp until it is experienced. She believes we owe it to ourselves and our communities to be as prepared as possible before taking on the role. As a Beginning Principal her number one focus was building a Senior Leadership that felt valued, trusted and supported as part of building the resilience needed to effectively lead change.

Millie Thompson

Manager Workplace Wellbeing - Health Safety Security & Wellbeing
Ministry of Social Development
Millie has a background in work‑related mental health and wellbeing, previously working for the New Zealand Defence Force and WorkSafe New Zealand to support better health, safety and wellbeing performance. More recently, Millie worked for was the Principal Adviser Mentally Healthy Work for the Government Health and Safety Lead, leading their Mentally Healthy Work programme. Millie is now the Manager Workplace Wellbeing at MSD, leading their focus on psychological health and safety. Millie is also completing her Masters in Industrial/Organisational Psychology, focusing on Executive perspectives of psychological health and safety.

Jenny Jago

Science Partnerships and Impact Advisor
DairyNZ
Jenny plays a pivotal role in shaping DairyNZ’s science direction, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring research delivers meaningful, practical outcomes for dairy farmers. She is responsible for driving cross-sector partnerships, seeking external investment opportunities, overseeing the DairyNZ Independent Science Panel, and championing initiatives that connect research with on-farm outcomes. Throughout her distinguished career at DairyNZ, Jenny has delivered numerous programmes that have created positive progress for farmers. She has held senior leadership roles, including seven years as leader for strategy and investment, and most recently as a principal scientist. Beyond DairyNZ, she has contributed to the global sector through service on the International Dairy Federation’s standing committees for farm management and animal health and welfare. Jenny is widely respected, nationally and internationally, for her expertise in farm systems, milking efficiency, animal welfare, digital technologies in animal management, and workplace productivity. She has particular expertise in pastoral automatic milking systems and dairy cattle learning behaviour, and she developed milking routines that have reduced milking times in conventional dairies. She holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science and Technology in Animal Sciences, and a PhD in Animal Sciences from the University of Waikato. Following her PhD, she completed post-doctoral research at AgResearch, the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) in France, the Danish Institute of Agricultural Science, and spent 12 months at Teagasc Ireland.

Justin Tighe-Umbers

Chief Executive
National Road Carriers
Justin is Chief Executive of National Road Carriers, joining the team in August 2022. Prior to joining NRC, Justin was Executive Director at the Board of Airline Representatives NZ, where he helped steer the airline industry through the international border closure during the pandemic, and the jet fuel pipeline outage in 2017. He has extensive experience working on infrastructure of national significance at the government-private sector interface. Before joining the transport industry Justin worked in senior management roles in the telecommunications industry for 13 years, including working on the Telecom demerger and the Chorus ultra-fast broadband project. Justin is a post-graduate from the University of Auckland business school with a master’s degree in International Business.

Jonathan Deegan

Technical Risk Manager
Occidental Petroleum Corporation

Bettina Reiter

Board Member
RiskNZ
Bettina Reiter is a senior risk and compliance leader with over two decades of experience across central and local government. She specialises in developing and implementing enterprise, programme and project risk management frameworks, business continuity frameworks, and is recognised for her ability to uplift organisational risk and business continuity maturity, and deliver clear, strategic insights to Boards, Executive Leadership Teams and Ministers. Bettina has held senior roles at ACC, Waka Kotahi, Auckland DHB, North Shore City Council, Inland Revenue, Public Trust and Regional Facilities Auckland, where she has led teams, embedded risk and business continuity culture, and enabled major programmes including the NZ Upgrade Programme, National Ticketing Solution and Road to Zero. She also brings specialist expertise in climate-related risk, integrity risk, and culturally responsive risk approaches. She currently serves on the Board of RiskNZ, contributing to governance and sector leadership. Bettina holds an MSc (Hons) in Environmental Science.

Sarah Bogle

General Manager, Co-Convenor
Toitū Envirocare & Aotearoa Society of Adaptation Professionals
With over 30+ years across financial services, infrastructure and the public sector, Sarah has led enterprise programmes that lift performance, reduce cost and build resilience to climate and market risks. She works closely with boards, executives and ministers to clarify outcomes, set governance that sticks, and align delivery with benefits. She helps organisations transform – so strategy, operating model, technology and culture pull in the same direction and value shows up in the numbers.

Sarah Singleton

Senior Financial Crime Specialist
Fisher Funds
Sarah is an experienced Senior Financial Crime Specialist. Has a demonstratable history of working in the finance industry. Skilled in Fraud Detection & Investigation, Assurance, Risk Assessment & Management, Counter-Terrorism & AML and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS). She is a confident professional with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Criminology & Sociology from Victoria University of Wellington.

Chris Hawksworth

Founder, Co-Founder
Speculo & CyberTeam
Chris Hawksworth is the founder of Speculo, a cybersecurity risk management platform built for New Zealand’s public sector and enterprise organisations, and CyberTeam Ltd, a specialist cybersecurity consulting practice. He advises government agencies and regulated businesses on frameworks including MCSS, PSR, NZISM, ISO 27001, and NIST, with a focus on making cyber risk accessible and actionable for non-technical decision-makers. Chris is also a co-founder of CyberTechNZ, a community initiative under Tech New Zealand supporting the local cybersecurity ecosystem.

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Wellington Tickets (12-13 May)

PRE SALE

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$ 1699 +gst
  • For valid ticket, register by 30 January, 2026.
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SUPER SAVER

$2499
$ 1999 +gst
  • For valid ticket, register by 27 March, 2026.
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$2499
$ 1699 per person +gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, register by 12 May, 2026.
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Auckland Tickets (20-21 May)

PRE SALE

$2499
$ 1699 +gst
  • For valid ticket, register by 30 January, 2026.
BUY TICKET

SUPER SAVER

$2499
$ 1999 +gst
  • For valid ticket, register by 27 March, 2026.
BUY TICKET

Group 3+

$2499
$ 1699 per person +gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, register by 20 May, 2026.
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Virtual Tickets (20-21 May)

EARLY BIRD

$2199
$ 1999 +gst
  • For valid ticket, register by 17 April, 2026.
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SUPER SAVER

$2199
$ 1799 +gst
  • For valid ticket, register by 27 March, 2026.
BUY TICKET

Group 3+

$2199
$ 1599 per person +gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, register by 20 May, 2026.
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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

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