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21-22 Oct 2025 | Grand Millennium, Auckland & Virtual

57th One Stop Update for the Accountant in Business

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Why attend?

Join us for our 57th One Stop Update for the Accountant in Business conference. Hear leaders in your profession and technical experts offer insightful updates on global and local economics, tax, employment law, ethics, financial reporting, sustainable reporting, forecasting and much more.  

The One Stop Update conference is designed to provide accountants, finance managers, business owners, industry leaders and key stakeholders an opportunity to come together and explore the latest developments and gain insights into current financial trends or issues in the market. This conference also allows financial professionals to gain their needed CPD hours. 

The CPD conference trusted by accountants & finance professionals for over 28 years

Whether you’re an accountant or other finance professional, this conference offers comprehensive insights on the latest updates in accounting, taxation, business law, and more.

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Our 2025 key lineup features leading voices in accounting and business, sharing timely insights, practical strategies, and bold ideas to keep you ahead.
Check out the full list.

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Stephen Jacobi

Managing Director

Jacobi Consulting

Jarrod Kerr

Chief Economist

Kiwibank

Dave Christie

Director

Synergic Technologies

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We are currently working on the programme and agenda. 
If you would like to have input into our research programme please email xxxx@brightstar.co.nz 

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Address

Grand Millennium Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street, Auckland 1010

Agenda

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8:30

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

9:10

One Stop update on the global macro-economic outlook and trade policies

  • The global economic outlook and implications for New Zealand’s growth

  • Geopolitical shifts, trade tensions, and tariffs: what’s at stake for Aotearoa?

  • Trade policy changes and how they affect New Zealand’s key export relationships

  • Major global trends: sustainability to digital transformation and supply chain

Stephen Jacobi, Managing Director, Jacobi Consulting

9:50

One Stop New Zealand economic update with Jarrod Kerr

  • Understand what lies ahead for businesses and communities across Aotearoa

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

  • What 2025 may bring: recovery, resilience, or uncertainty?

  • Key economic indicators and updated growth forecasts

  • Sector performance: which industries are leading, lagging or transforming?

  • Housing market trends and their business flow-on effects

  • Practical implications for planning, investment, and risk

Jarrod Kerr, Chief Economist, Kiwibank

10:30

Q&A session with Jarrod Kerr

10:40

Morning break

11:10

Supply chain risk and resilience: What New Zealand businesses must prepare for

  • Overview of recent global and regional supply chain disruptions and their impacts on New Zealand businesses

  • Identifying financial risks associated with supply chain instability

  • How to identify and manage supply chain risks when planning budgets and reporting on business performance

  • The role of accountants in supporting scenario planning, budgeting, and continuity strategies

  • Considerations around ethical sourcing, ESG reporting, and regulatory compliance in supply chain management

Dave Christie, Director, Synergic Technologies

11:50

Deloitte One Stop tax update

  • Gain insights into recent tax, policy, and regulatory changes in New Zealand, with a forward look at potential developments over the next six months

  • Explore current corporate tax issues and understand compliance obligations for multinational enterprises operating in New Zealand

  • Get the latest intelligence on Inland Revenue audit activities and strategies to ensure your organisation is well-prepared

  • Discover the latest updates in GST and employment tax, focusing on key issues affecting businesses today

  • Learn about global tax developments, and the impact for international business operations

Hamish Tait, Director, Tax, Deloitte

Haidee Watkin, Manager, Tax, Deloitte

12:30

One Stop Employment law update

  • Understand how the gateway test will reshape contractor status

  • Navigate the next phase of Holidays Act reform while ensuring compliance

  • Plan strategic remuneration and dismissal frameworks for senior staff

  • Understanding your policies on personal grievances and industrial action with the new legal landscape

  • Stay ahead on pay-equity eligibility and claims processes

Representative from PwC Legal

13:10

Lunch

14:10

One Stop risk update: Managing risk in a shifting landscape

  • Understanding the macroeconomic shifts affecting financial forecasts, client behaviour, and regulatory thinking

  • Key updates from RBNZ, FMA, and international standards bodies affecting regulatory requirements, and obligations

  • Understanding the importance and direction of ESG and Climate-Related financial disclosures 

  • Managing ethical and reputational risk by addressing conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and upholding professional standards to protect trust and integrity 

  • Changes in the risk landscape and developments in risk management practices

Malcolm Bruce, Partner - Risk Consulting, Advisory, KPMG

14:50

Forecasting for impact: Turning financial models into business drivers

  • Designing financial models that deliver clarity and insight for decision-makers

  • Building flexibility into your models to respond to shifting variables and uncertainty

  • Using interactive tools to track performance and manage budgets in real time

  • Embedding data-driven practices that strengthen your forecasting accuracy and value


15:30

Afternoon break

15:50

Mitigating the risk of ‘group think’: How to effectively harness neurodiversity in teams

  • Exploring how cognitive diversity contributes to stronger financial decision making

  • Understanding the unique strengths of many neurodivergent individuals in areas such as pattern recognition, attention to detail, and data analysis

  • Gaining insights into invisible barriers that may be limiting individual or team potential, and contributing to blind spots

  • Reviewing the business benefits that organisations like SAP, Microsoft, EY, Deloitte, KPMG, and Xero have experienced through embedding ‘neuro-inclusive’ practices, such as boosted performance and innovation

  • Sharing practical strategies for creating organisations and leadership that supports diverse ways of thinking and working

Jenny Turner, Founder & Director, Human Fabric

16:20

The One Stop health & well-being update: Improving workplace wellbeing and preventing burnout

  • Exploring the relationship between mental wellbeing, personal resilience and business resilience - why workplace wellbeing matters in finance team

  • Strategies for the moulding the work environment and culture to improve the well-being and productivity of all employees

  • Understanding business responsibilities for managing the psychosocial risks of your teams

  • Strategies to minimise burnout: Identifying potential burnout in yourself and in your team

  • Techniques for reducing anxiety and stress and improving self-care to achieve better mental well-being and prevent burnout 

Jay Barrett, Principal Psychologist, Glia

17:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

8:50

Registration and Coffee

9:10

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

9:10

ESG and Strategy: Expanding the Accountant’s role in sustainable business

  • Exploring how Environmental, Social, and Governance factors are reshaping business strategy and expanding the accountant’s role

  • Reviewing key standards and local regulations impacting financial reporting

  • Assessing how ESG factors affect financial performance and decision-making

  • Applying financial controls and validation tools to build trust in ESG disclosures

  • Aligning sustainability data with traditional reporting for consistency and compliance

  • Highlighting the need for collaborating across business and working with sustainability, governance, and operations team for consistent ESG integration

Mark Baker Jones, Climate Change Policy, Transition Planning, & Strategy Development, Te Whakahaere

9:40

One Stop Ethics Update: Delivering the ethical standards required from accounting and finance professionals

  • Understanding the latest updates and revisions and to professional ethical standards

  • Examining case studies, their outcomes, and key insights for the accountant in business to take note of 

  • Understanding and managing conflicts of interest

  • Managing a breach of ethics: Steps to fix the problem, minimise fallout and avoid further breaches in the future

  • What to do when complying with a fundamental principle conflicts with another

Stephen Walker, Executive Director, Audit New Zealand

10:20

Morning break

10:50

Ethics, governance and legal implications for Data and AI use in Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Defining ethics in the context of data and AI and why ethical considerations matter in digital transformation 

  • The Evolving Role of Accountants in the Age of AI

  • Highlight the accountant’s responsibility in understanding, following, and upholding AI-related laws, standards, and internal policies

  • Ensuring that AI systems used in finance align with regulatory expectations and ethical business practices

  • Practicing responsible data collection and use by ensuring transparency, user consent, data minimization, and clear ownership and accountability

  • Spotting and Mitigating Bias in Financial Algorithms

Simon Martin, Partner, Hudson Gavin Martin

11:30

One Stop tech update

  • Learn how to automate routine finance tasks to improve accuracy and save time

  • Understand how cloud-based tools can streamline reporting and data access

  • Discover how AI and analytics are enhancing forecasting and decision-making

  • Explore digital tools that support collaboration in remote and hybrid teams

  • Learn how technology can simplify compliance and strengthen audit readiness

Joshua G McLauchlan, Partner, PwC

Megan Nisbet, Finance Transformation Director, PwC

12:10

Lunch

STREAM A

13:10

Leveraging AI for Accountants: Tools, trends, and transformation

  • Understanding AI in the Accounting Context

  • Distinguishing between hype and practical applications

  • Overview of AI tools integrated into Excel, Xero, MYOB, and Power BI

  • Exploring GPT-powered assistants for financial analysis and documentation

  • Ensuring data privacy and maintaining professional integrity


14:00

One Stop Cybersecurity Update: What finance teams must know in 2025

  • Understanding how invoice and payment fraud is evolving, and how to spot the red flags before it is too late

  • Reviewing access controls and learning how multi-factor authentication can strengthen your system defenses

  • Securing AI tools used in finance workflows while maintaining productivity and compliance

  • Knowing your role in the event of a cyber incident or data breach, including who to alert and how to respond quickly and effectively

Robyn Campbell , Partner, Cyber and Privacy - Risk Services, PwC

STREAM B

13:10

Level up: Turning excel skills into Power BI confidence

  • Understanding when to use Power BI instead of Excel and how they work together

  • Building your first report in Power BI using familiar Excel concepts

  • Importing and cleaning data with simple, repeatable steps

  • Creating visual dashboards that highlight trends and variances clearly

  • Connecting Excel data to Power BI for real-time updates

  • Using filters, slicers, and visuals to support better business storytelling

Ingeborg Hawighorst, Digital Productivity Consultant, Spark

14:30

Afternoon break

14:50

Beyond the numbers: Leading with strategic vision

  • Understanding that strategic leadership is the cornerstone of modern finance and how the role of finance leader has evolved beyond financial stewardship

  • Practical tips for emerging finance leaders and on becoming more strategic leaders within their organisations

  • Exploring proven strategies that will empower you to claim your authority, engage others and elevate your impact

  • Developing the soft skills necessary for effective finance leadership and partnership

Annelize du Toit, Country Finance Manager, Colgate-Palmolive NZ

15:20

CFO Interview

  • What key trends are currently shaping the role of accountants in business?

  • How is technology changing the way your finance team operates day-to-day?

  • What do you see as the biggest risks facing finance teams in the next 12 months?

  • What skills or qualities do you value most in your accounting and finance team?

  • How is your organisation preparing for changes in tariffs and global trade dynamics, and what impact are you seeing on financial planning and risk management?

  • What advice would you give to accountants looking to take on more strategic roles in the business?

Jennifer Tupou, Chief Financial Officer , The Fono

16:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & end of the Conference

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Speakers

Speakers to be announced

Jennifer Tupou

Chief Financial Officer
The Fono

Dave Christie

Director
Synergic Technologies
Dave Christie is a leading figure in Aotearoa New Zealand’s supply chain landscape, known as “Mr Supply Chain.” With over 40 years of global and domestic experience, Dave is a strategic advisor, thought leader, and expert in supply chain innovation, technology, and transformation. He brings deep expertise across logistics, infrastructure, FMCG, and government sectors. A dynamic leader and proven change agent, Dave is known for seamlessly connecting strategic thinking with operational execution to drive meaningful and lasting results.

Simon Martin

Partner
Hudson Gavin Martin
Simon Martin is a founding partner of Hudson Gavin Martin, specialising in media, IP, and tech law since 1990. He thrives in collaborative environments, helping clients navigate complex legal challenges and map out innovative futures. His expertise spans joint ventures, telecommunications, and commercial tech arrangements. Recognised in top international legal directories, Chambers and Partners describes him as “highly intelligent and commercial,” with the ability to make complex matters simple and a strong focus on anticipating client needs.

Robyn Campbell

Partner, Cyber and Privacy - Risk Services
PwC
Robyn is passionate about the human impact of technology and data use, with a strong focus on balancing transparency and privacy. She supports organisations in protecting information while aligning with people’s expectations and values, including tikanga Māori. Robyn works across cyber and privacy disciplines at a governance level, delivering strategies and frameworks across public, health, and other sectors. She is committed to improving information protection for Aotearoa and empowering women to pursue leadership roles in cybersecurity.

Megan Nisbet

Finance Transformation Director
PwC

Megan is a Finance Transformation Director and Digital Upskilling Leader at PwC New Zealand. She helps businesses streamline processes through technology and citizen-led solutions. Megan leads PwC’s Alteryx Alliance and is passionate about empowering teams to own their transformation. Outside work, Megan enjoys bush and beach adventures with her family in Thames, Coromandel.

Jay Barrett

Principal Psychologist
Glia
Jay is a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s in Psychology and a passion for helping organisations align performance with strategic goals. Drawing on his experience as a world-class athlete, performance psychologist, and superyacht captain, he supports businesses of all sizes in enhancing psychological health, safety, and culture. Jay uses evidence-based tools to tackle complex organisational challenges and is a committee member of the Industrial and Organisational Psychology Special Interest Group under the New Zealand Psychologists Board.

Hamish Tait

Director, Tax
Deloitte
Hamish has over 10 years’ experience corporate tax, helping clients to navigate complex tax challenges and meet compliance obligations. He works across a wide range of businesses, from large corporates to smaller enterprises, with a particular focus on the financial services, funds, and property sectors. He also specialises in advising on the tax aspects of infrastructure, mergers & acquisitions, and other projects. Hamish is a Chartered Accountant and an enrolled barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.  

Ingeborg Hawighorst

Digital Productivity Consultant
Spark Digital
Ingeborg Hawighorst is a Microsoft MVP and Digital Productivity Consultant known for her deep expertise in Excel and the M365 suite. She helps organizations transform data into insights using Excel, Power BI, Power Query, and DAX, with a focus on built-in tools and minimal code. With over 15 years’ experience in SharePoint and process automation, Ingeborg works at Ignite in Taranaki and is passionate about making complex tech accessible and empowering professionals to work smarter.  

Stephen Walker

Executive Director
Audit New Zealand

Stephen (Steve) is the Executive Director of Audit New Zealand, with over 35 years of experience spanning audit, governance, financial reporting, and public sector management. Formerly Director of Operations at IFAC in New York, he is a Chartered Accountant and was CA ANZ President in 2019. Steve chairs the NZICA Regulatory Board and is a CA ANZ Fellow. He also holds honorary memberships with the UK’s CIPFA and the NZ Institute of Directors.

Annelize du Toit

Country Finance Manager
Colgate-Palmolive New Zealand
Annelize du Toit FCMA, CGMA is the Country Finance Manager for New Zealand at Colgate-Palmolive, where she plays a pivotal role in driving financial excellence and strategic leadership. Originally from South Africa, Annelize has been based in Auckland since 2018, bringing a wealth of global expertise to her role. With a distinguished career spanning the automotive and FMCG industries, Annelize is known for her ability to “think future” & foster strong partnerships and provide visionary leadership through management accounting. Her exceptional contributions were recently recognised by AICPA & CIMA, where she was honoured as the Asia Pacific Champion for Leadership in 2024—a testament to her impactful leadership and dedication to advancing the profession.

Joshua G McLauchlan

Partner
PwC

Josh McLauchlan is a Partner at PwC New Zealand, specialising in finance transformation and virtual CFO advisory for growth-focused businesses. With over 11 years at PwC, he has led finance functions, driven tech-enabled improvements, and supported private businesses. Outside work, Josh enjoys time with his young family and improving his golf short game.

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.

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