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.

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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

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Auckland Speakers

Rosie Leadbitter

Workplace Services Development Lead

Inside OUT

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Rosie is a Pākehā queer femme with English, Irish and Scottish ancestry who grew up in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. She is passionate about examining how the communities we belong to and the stories we inherit about identity inform how we engage with the world and ourselves. She supports workplaces across Aotearoa through consultation & education around rainbow inclusivity, equity and safety. InsideOUT is a national rainbow charity whose vision is for an Aotearoa where all rainbow and takatāpui young people feel safe and included in their schools and communities. They aim to achieve this by working with schools, government agencies and workplaces, leading resource development, education, consultation, campaigns and more.

Nick Davis

Deputy Registrar/Senior Legal Advisor

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Nick Davis is the Deputy Registrar for the Council and oversees the fitness to practise functions for the Council (including the conduct, competence and health processes). Nick also provides policy and general legal advice to the Council. Nick was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 2007 and has worked in private legal practice specialising in civil, criminal and family litigation before joining the Nursing Council in 2015. He provides legal advice to the Professional Conduct Committees, Health and Competence Committees as well as the Registrant Quality Committee.

Clare Prendergast

Deputy Registrar/Senior Legal Advisor

Nursing Council of New Zealand

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Clare Prendergast manages the legal team and provides general legal advice to the Council. Clare registered as a nurse in 1977 after completing the Wellington Hospital programme. She completed a law degree while continuing to work part time at Wellington Hospital. Clare commenced work as a legal editor for Brookers in 1992 and has worked at the Nursing Council since 1995. She is a contributing author to Health Care and the Law and the Fundamentals of Nursing 3e on the Evolve website. She has managed the Health and Conduct areas since 2012.

Catherine Byrne

Chief Executive/Registrar

Nursing Council of New Zealand

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Catherine Byrne is the Council’s Chief Executive and Registrar. Catherine is responsible for the executive leadership and the regulatory functions of the organisation. Catherine joined the organisation in February 2019 and has over 30 years’ experience in the health sector. Catherine joined the Council from Taranaki District Health Board where she was the Executive Director of Nursing. While there Catherine drove a number of successful projects to shape and support the professionalism of nurses and set standards of care to protect the safety of the public.

Sarah McGuinness

Founder | Leadership & Wellbeing Strategy Partner

Revolutionaries of Wellbeing

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Sarah McGuinness is a wellbeing disruptor, burnout awareness advocate, and the driving force behind Revolutionaries of Wellbeing (ROW). Combining authentic relatability with deep expertise and relatable storytelling, Sarah brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional acumen to her work. With a wealth of knowledge in human performance, workplace wellbeing, and behaviour change, she has advised and guided national and international organisations, including Sealord, Xylem, and Mitre 10, on enhancing the wellbeing of their people. She draws on her honours degree in psychology and degree in communication, training in health behaviour, coaching, fitness and facilitation, plus two decades working in and with the corporate sector specialising in leadership and organisational development in Australia and New Zealand, across Government, the private sector and not-for-profit. This diverse experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the nuances of workplace dynamics and the inherent challenges to overcome, including navigating organisational systems, managing competing priorities, and fostering effective communication strategies. Her honours research on midlife eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction, published in the New Zealand Journal of Psychology, continues to be cited in leading literature. Sarah is determined to reduce stigma around mental health and improve workplace wellbeing and performance. Her commitment is not only professional but also deeply personal. Her journey through burnout, ADHD, and fibromyalgia, coupled with her father’s struggle with chronic work stress as a Chief Financial Officer, has given her unique insights into the toll that workplace environments can take on individuals. These experiences drive her mission to foster open, supportive conversations about mental health. Her insights are regularly sought after, with features in the media and frequent presentations at workplaces around the globe, where she inspires and motivates individuals and leaders alike to take proactive steps toward positive change. As the founder of Revolutionaries of Wellbeing (ROW), Sarah is on a mission to break burnout culture and unleash sustainable performance and potential in organisations worldwide. With expert-driven strategies and a commitment to making a difference, ROW is the go-to partner for companies aiming for excellence. We’re driving a global movement to ensure workplaces not only succeed but thrive, reshaping the narrative on what it means to truly work well. Outside ROW, Sarah loves hiking in the mountains and doing yin yoga, and was once a fairly decent rower and road cyclist. She’s on the Board of the local Queenstown Coastguard unit in a marketing/fundraising capacity and is proud to support its vital work saving lives on the water. She’s mum to two kids and a cat, and partner to someone much fitter and much more adventurous.

Drew Divehall

Senior Wellbeing Advisor

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai

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Jill Heaslip

Wellbeing and Psychological Health Advisor

Hato Hone St John | Aotearoa New Zealand

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Jill has been a member of Hato Hone St John since 2006 and spent 16 years working as a frontline ambulance officer at various locations across Auckland and Northland. She transitioned to the HHStJ Wellbeing Team as a Peer Support Programme Advisor in mid-2022 and started her current role as a Wellbeing and Psychological Health Advisor in January 2024. Jill is a Registered Paramedic and is currently studying towards a Master of Health Psychology at the University of Auckland.

Dr Tessa Bailey

Chief Executive Officer & Principal Psychologist

The Opus Centre for Psychosocial Risk

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Dr. Tessa Bailey is a leading expert in psychosocial safety and workplace mental health. As CEO and Principal Psychologist at the OPUS Centre for Psychosocial Risk, she develops evidence-based strategies to enhance worker health and productivity. With over a decade of experience in research and applied practice, her expertise involves building organisational systems and sustainable workplace interventions to better manage psychosocial risk. She has collaborated with diverse industries, government agencies, and academic institutions to create healthier and more productive workplaces. A published author and sought-after speaker, Dr. Bailey’s work has been cited in national policy reports, international publications and in 2019 she won the Ian Davey award for the most outstanding PhD thesis at the University of South Australia.

Hansini Gunasekara

Founder and Lead Organisational Development Consultant

Upthrive Leadership

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Hansini Gunasekara is an organisational behavior specialist, leadership researcher, and management consultant with a passion for fostering psychological safety in the workplace. Growing up, Hansini was fearless and curious, unafraid to ask questions and often shared ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas. Once she entered the workforce, she experienced a range of leadership and organisational factors that, at times, increased her sense of psychological safety and, at other times, shattered it. Hansini’s curiosity in organisational behavior and leadership began during this time, as she saw firsthand the positive and tangible impacts of meaningful employee and leader development strategies.

After completing a Bachelor of Psychology with first-class honours at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA, Hansini moved to the UK to pursue a Master of Research Methods in Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, where she received the Faculty of Science and Technology Scholarship. Following the completion of her Master’s, Hansini spent nearly a decade working in leadership and management consulting prior to embarking on a Ph.D. She also has extensive experience in research methods, having taught the subjects at the university level.

In her industry and academic work, Hansini has created strategies around a range of areas, including psychological safety, leadership, employment relations, change management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Upon receiving the prestigious AUT Doctoral Scholarship, Hansini embarked on her Ph.D. in management in 2023 at the School of Management at the Auckland University of Technology, researching the role of leaders in fostering psychological safety among diverse employees in Aotearoa New Zealand. Hansini is committed to helping organisations create environments where all people can thrive. Today, via her work at Upthrive Leadership, Hansini collaborates with organisations to develop effective, people-centric management strategies, aiming to create research-backed, everyday psychological safety for all.

Dr Philip Voss

Partner

Leading Safety

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Philip is a respected leadership coach, facilitator, and speaker. Passionate about the role leaders can play in effecting positive change, Philip’s empathic approach and ability to translate the complex into the practical have contributed to his success in supporting organisational leaders lift their game when it comes to rangatiratanga (leadership) and manaakitanga (looking after people). Philip co-founded Leading Safety with Hillary Bennett in 2011 after careers in academia and professional services. Philip has a PhD in Psychology and is a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

Keri Woods

Partner

Leading Safety

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Keri is an accredited Global Leadership Wellbeing Survey (GLWS®) practitioner who has a passion for helping senior leaders achieve their leadership potential by protecting and sustaining their wellbeing. Keri has a knack for asking the searching questions that take conversations where they need to go. Keri’s background is in human resources, organisational psychology, counselling, facilitation, and executive coaching. She holds an MA in psychology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling, a Diploma in Teaching, and is a mother of three

Vanessa Matakatea

Senior Safety Manager – New Zealand

Linfox Australia and New Zealand

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Vanessa is an experienced Safety, Health, and Wellbeing Leader with recognized success across various industries in Maritime, Telecommunications, Construction, Health and has recently joined the Transport and Logistics sector. Vanessa recognizes the importance of enhancing the health and well-being of workers to achieve better safety outcomes, and more effective worker engagement and participation. She does this by empowering the workers voice, applying her positive influence in leadership, and places significant focus on organizational culture, visible leadership, and effective working relationships. Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology, a Diploma in Business Management, a Nebosh IGC in OSH and was awarded the 2023 Safeguard Practitioner of the Year.