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31 MARCH 2027
GRAND MILLENNIUM, AUCKLAND

Strategic Data, Analytics & AI Conference

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TURNING AI AMBITION INTO INTELLIGENT ENTERPRISE

AI is no longer just about personal productivity tools or isolated experiments – it is actively reshaping how modern organisations operate, make decisions, and drive long-term value. However, scaling from fragmented pilots to an integrated, AI-enabled enterprise presents complex challenges. Success requires far more than acquiring new software; it demands clear strategic alignment, trusted data foundations, resilient cybersecurity, robust governance, and empowered teams.

The Strategy of Data, Analytics & AI Conference brings together senior executives, data and analytics specialists, and transformation leaders to explore how to bridge the gap between AI ambition and enterprise execution. Join us to gain actionable frameworks for navigating emerging risks, building core data capabilities, and leading your organisation into an AI-driven future.

WHAT WE'LL EXPLORE

Key themes

  • AI Transformation: Transitioning from standalone AI tools to fully autonomous, agentic workflows and scalable enterprise capability.

  • Intelligent Organisation: Aligning advanced analytics, AI, and business strategy to drive smarter decision-making and operational value.

  • Data Foundations & Trust: Navigating data sovereignty, cloud architectures, and regulatory frameworks to ensure your data remains a secure strategic asset.

  • Risk, Cybersecurity & Resilience: Safeguarding sensitive assets against AI-driven threats while building proportionate controls that enable innovation.

  • People, Leadership & Culture: Preparing workforce models, establishing executive accountability, and driving sustainable organisational change.

Agenda

31 MARCH 2027

8:30

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcome from the Chair

9:10

Opening Keynote: The future enterprise: Strategy, technology and the changing world of business

  • Examining the global forces reshaping business, technology and workforce models

  • Understanding how New Zealand organisations need to evolve to remain competitive

  • Looking beyond today’s challenges to define future strategy

  • Balancing technology advancement with human capability

  • Challenging how leaders think about AI, automation and the future workforce

  • What visible leadership looks like during transformation

9:40

C-Suite Panel: Putting strategy first: How leaders are navigating the AI transformation

  • How AI is influencing business strategy and decision-making

  • Moving beyond experimentation towards enterprise adoption

  • Defining what success looks like before investing in technology

  • Aligning AI, data and analytics initiatives with business priorities

  • The role of executives in driving transformation

  • Balancing innovation, investment and organisational risk

10.20

Headline: Moving from experimentation to intelligent organisations

  • Identifying the right opportunities for AI adoption

  • Moving beyond Copilot and basic productivity use cases

  • Understanding the rise of AI agents and autonomous workflows

  • Exploring where AI agents can transform business processes

  • Building capability across teams

10:50

Morning break

11:20

Platinum: Data Sovereignty: Taking control of your most valuable asset

  • Understanding why data sovereignty has become a strategic priority

  • Managing where organisational data is stored, accessed and processed

  • Navigating increasing regulatory, privacy and security expectations

  • Understanding the implications of using global AI platforms and cloud providers

  • Ensuring data decisions align with business risk appetite and long-term strategy

11:40

Platinum: Bringing your board and organisation on the AI journey

  • How leaders should communicate AI strategy with their boards

  • Educating directors on opportunities, limitations and risks

  • Establishing clear accountability and governance frameworks

  • Building responsible AI principles

  • Ensuring AI investments align with organisational strategy

12.00

Interactive round tables: Peer-to-peer discussions with practical, real-world insights

  • Moving beyond AI pilots

  • Cyber strategy

  • Data and governance

  • Preparing the workforce for AI

  • Are we data ready?

  • Partnering and contracts

  • AI and FinOps

12:50

Lunch

1:50

The hallmarks of good AI governance: From legislation to pratical control

  • Understanding where NZ's current legislation, regulatory guidance, and international developments actually create obligations

  • Translating high-level responsible AI principles into policies their organisation can actually operate

  • Applying a governance model for agentic AI

  • Mapping governance responsibilities across board, executive, technology, data, and business-owner roles

  • Designing proportionate controls that scale with risk rather than blocking adoption outright

2:20

Panel discussion: Cyber security, protecting the intelligent organisation

  • How AI is changing cyber threats and vulnerabilities

  • Understanding the risks of increased automation and AI agents

  • Protecting sensitive organisational data[PC1]

  • Building a cyber security culture across your organisation

  • Educating employees to become part of your defence strategy

  • New battleground of AI vs AI: Balancing innovation with responsible risk management

3.00

Afternoon break

3:30

From data to intelligence: Turning insights into better business decisions

  • How organisations are using analytics to improve decision-making

  • Applying AI to forecasting, insights and business performance

  • Identifying the tools delivering real value

  • Building data-driven decision-making cultures

  • Ensuring analytics supports business outcomes

4:00

When transformation gets hard: Lessons from AI, Data and Digital change

  • Why technology initiatives fail

  • Common mistakes when implementing AI and analytics

  • Managing expectations and avoiding over-reliance on technology

  • Learning from setbacks and adapting quickly

  • Building resilience into transformation journeys

4:30

Closing keynote: Leading the future of work in a data-driven world

  • How the workforce needs to evolve as data and AI become embedded into everyday decision-making

  • The changing role of data leaders in building capability, trust and collaboration across organisations

  • Creating a culture where people, data and technology work together to drive better outcomes

5:00

Chair's summary remarks and end of conference followed by networking reception

Speakers

To be announced

Lynda Coppersmith

National Sales and Marketing Manager
CRV New Zealand

Freya Hill

Head of Strategy and Commercial Partnerships
DairyNZ

St John Craner

Founder & Owner
Agrarian - Rural Sales Success
St John Craner is an international rural sales psychology coach based in NZ who works with agri-clients in Australia, NZ, Canada, US, Ireland and the UK. St John has taught and trained Bayer, DeLaval, MSD Merck, John Deere, DeLaval (North America), CNH, CRV Ambreed, Nufarm, AGnVET, Nutrien and Elders to name a few. He is an author of three published books on rural sales and runs the #1 rural sales podcast (The Rural Sales Show). He comes to us here at Rural Connect Forum highly recommended as a former speaker and Chair.

Nicole Scott

Head of Retail Sales and Marketing
Gallagher Animal Management

Lisa Sutherland

Head of Farmer Communications and Marketing
DairyNZ

Loren Aberhart

Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications
Farmlands
Loren transitioned is Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications at Farmlands Co-operative Society, New Zealand’s largest rural supplies company. In this role she leads brand, marketing, partnerships and sponsorship, the Farmlands Card go-to market plan, and both internal and external communications – most recently launching Farmlands new brand “Rural Never Rests”, securing Farmlands’ national partnership with all 14 NZ Provincial Rugby Unions and developing RST ignite, a digital platform delivering free online mental health and wellbeing sessions to rural communities.

Nadim Truter

Head of Commercial and Strategy
STIHL
Nadim is an accomplished commercial and strategic advisor who brings a unique breadth of experience across industries, markets and functions. He has held senior roles in leading organisations across Oceania, including STIHL, Nestlé, Lion and Spark, consistently driving value creation for customers, suppliers and internal teams. He is passionate about helping organisations make better, faster and more confident decisions by leveraging modern data ecosystems, technology and analytics to lift insight quality and strengthen customer outcomes.

Mike Borrie

Chief Farm Solutions and Engagement Officer
DairyNZ
Mike is the Chief Farm Solutions and Engagement Officer at DairyNZ, joining the team in February 2026. His role includes leadership and oversight of our farm solutions, regional engagement, and on farm advisory functions, ensuring strong connections with farmers and delivering practical solutions that support dairy businesses across the country. Mike brings extensive leadership experience from a long career with Fonterra, where he held senior Regional, National, and General Management positions, including roles at Executive level within Fonterra Farm Source. He has led large, geographically dispersed teams, driven business plans that strengthened market performance, and championed innovation across retail, milk supply, and sustainability. With a deep understanding of the dairy sector, Mike has developed strong relationships with farmers, industry partners, and internal teams. His experience in guiding complex businesses through change and growth, along with his passion for supporting people and rural communities, strongly aligns with DairyNZ’s purpose.

Simon Taylor

Insights Partner
Tracta

Kurt Sandtmann

Managing Partner
Tracta

Delilah Flavell

Dairy Farmer and Content Creator
Delilah Flavell is a Dairy Farmer from Otaua, South Auckland, who is passionate about sharing an authentic insight into life on farm and the people behind modern agriculture. Managing a 150 cow dairy operation, Delilah has a hands on understanding of the realities, challenges and opportunities that come with farming today. Before returning to full-time farming, Delilah worked as a Large Animal Veterinary Technician, developing a strong foundation in animal care, health and welfare. This experience continues to shape her approach to farming and her belief in the importance of responsible, transparent and practical conversations around agriculture. Through her online platforms, Delilah has built a strong connection with audiences both within and outside the rural community by sharing the realities of farming in an honest and relatable way. She is passionate about bridging the gap between consumers and producers, showcasing the dedication, innovation and care that goes into modern farming, while encouraging the next generation to engage with agriculture and share their own stories.

Brett Beagley

General Manager - Commercial and Marketing
New Zealand National Fieldays Society Inc

Amber Carpenter

Director
Grass Roots Media
Amber Carpenter is a dairy farmer, digital marketer and rural sector leader who brings a practical understanding of both farming and communicating with rural audiences. Together with her husband Fraser, Amber farms just under 500 dairy cows in Paparimu, South Auckland, and leases two beef farms. Her hands on involvement across multiple farming systems gives her a grounded understanding of the realities, pressures and opportunities facing farming businesses today. Amber is also the owner and director of Grass Roots Media, a digital marketing agency working across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. Grass Roots Media partners with rural, regional and agribusinesses to create practical marketing strategies and authentic content that builds trust, strengthens connections and helps rural businesses communicate their value. Alongside farming and business, Amber is actively involved in industry leadership. She has served as National Chair of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and is the current Chair of DairyNZ’s Dairy Environment Leaders network, a Farmstrong Ambassador, an Escalator graduate and a Kellogg Scholar. Amber is passionate about strengthening the connection between rural businesses and the people they want to reach, while helping the food and fibre sector share its stories with honesty, confidence and purpose.

Brett Morris

Head of Marketing and Community Engagement
Rabobank NZ

Cheyne Gillooly

Chief Executive
New Zealand Young Farmers
Cheyne Gillooly is Chief Executive of New Zealand Young Farmers and a passionate advocate for the next generation shaping the future of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. His career spans capital markets, government, governance and rural leadership, including senior roles at NZX and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Cheyne brings a practical, future-focused perspective to the opportunities facing farming, from succession and access to ownership to technology adoption, workforce development and new sources of investment. He believes the sector’s future depends not only on what happens behind the farm gate, but on creating genuine pathways for talented young people to lead, innovate and build enduring rural businesses and communities. Through NZ Young Farmers, Cheyne works alongside emerging rural leaders, industry partners and government to help ensure New Zealand agriculture remains ambitious, adaptable and globally competitive.

Pete Frizzell

Chief Marketing Officer
Farmers Mutual Group
Pete is a passionate supporter of the mutual model and how FMG is striving to help grow strong and prosperous rural communities. Joining FMG in 2010, he is responsible for our Marketing and Propositions team and Chairs the Farmstrong Governance Group – the rural wellbeing programme co-founded by FMG. Pete’s role also involves overseeing sustainability, focussed on ensuring the Mutual can continue to provide support for another 120 years. Prior to joining FMG, he completed a PhD in Operations Research at Massey University and has worked in a number of technology-based management and consulting roles across various industries in New Zealand Aotearoa and the United Kingdom

Kara Tait

Head of Communications and Engagement
Pāmu
Kara Tait is Head of Communications and Engagement at Pāmu, New Zealand’s largest farming business. She leads communications strategy, reputation management, media and government relations, stakeholder engagement, and internal communications across a nationwide farming portfolio. With extensive experience advising boards, chief executives, Ministers, and senior leaders, Kara specialises in helping organisations build and maintain trust in complex operating environments. Her work spans crisis and issues management, social licence, community and stakeholder relationships, sustainability communications, and the growing intersection between reputation, technology, and public expectations. Kara has a particular interest in how artificial intelligence is changing the way people discover, assess, and trust information. She is exploring how organisations can strengthen their reputation signals, increase visibility in AI-assisted search environments, and turn stakeholders and communities into authentic advocates. Kara brings a practical perspective drawn from leading communications in a highly scrutinised primary sector business operating at the intersection of food production, environmental stewardship, public policy, and community expectations.

Bryan Gibson

Editor
AgriHQ
Bryan is managing editor at AgriHQ, and has led the team that produces Farmers Weekly for 12 years. He previously worked as a communications adviser at Massey University and as a reporter at RNZ. Bryan is passionate about sustainable food production and always has an eye on the horizon, looking at new ideas and innovations that can help NZ farmers stay at the forefront of farming. As well as helping produce Farmers Weekly, Bryan hosts the Farmers Weekly and Ideas That Grow podcasts. He was awarded the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award in 2022 and in 2024 he and his colleagues won the Rongo – the supreme award for agricultural journalists in NZ. He has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), a Graduate Diploma in Journalism and a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Management, all from Massey University. Bryan has also completed the Kellogg Rural Leadership programme, gaining a Postgraduate Certificate in Commerce from Lincoln University. Away from work, Bryan can be found battling it out on the bowling greens or making an unholy racket in his post-punk band.

Hamish Gow

Sir Graeme Harrison Professorial Chair in Global Value Chains and Trade
Lincoln University

amish is the Sir Graeme Harrison Chair in Global Value Chains and Trade at Lincoln University.

He has spent the past 30 years working globally in industry, government, and academia riding the waves of market liberalisation around the world.

He passionately applies design-led innovation to assist farmers and regional SMEs build innovative customer-focused business models and value chains that can successful launch agricultural, food, and technology products and services into local, regional and international markets.

He founded the International Business Immersion Program at University of Illinois, Food Safety Knowledge Network at Michigan State University, and Global Markets Program at Global Food Safety Initiative.

He was seconded to the Meat and Livestock Australia Donor Company as their business design in residence where he led the Australia Young Food Innovators program.

He also supported the Producer Innovation Fast Track program at the World Bank where he led the establishment of the Global Food Safety Partnership.

Hamish holds a BCom (Ag) from Lincoln University, New Zealand, and a MS in Agricultural Finance and Ph.D. in Marketing and Food Distribution from Cornell University, USA.

Previously, he was on the faculty and staff positions at Massey University, the University of Illinois, Michigan State University and Cornell University in the USA, KU Leuven in Belgium, Slovakian Agricultural University in Nitra, Slovakia, and Managing Director of Partnerships for Food Industry Development – Fruits and Vegetables at USAID.

He is currently supporting the Supply Chain Integrity Program for the Ministry of Primary Industries.

Todd Charteris

CEO
Rabobank New Zealand
Todd has headed Rabobank, New Zealand’s only specialist food and agri bank, since January 2018. He leads a team of more than 500 banking professionals, backed by a global research team of 75 experts, supporting food and agri producers through a network of 30 offices and offering online retail savings and deposit services. Todd served more than 15 years in regional roles in New Zealand and as a former National Manager of Country Banking in Australia. He brings a wide knowledge of diverse farming systems, the realities facing producers and the importance of sustainability for the sector as it responds to a changing environment. Todd grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Otago. He joined Rabobank in 2000, following his Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) studies at University of Otago and early career experience as a livestock agent, and in investment banking in London.


Why your school will value this investment:

The Kura Conference is designed for maximum institutional impact, tailored specifically for Primary & Secondary School Leaders, HODs, Lead Teachers, and Educational Innovators.

Because this is a multi-streamed event covering curriculum, tech, and wellbeing simultaneously, the most effective strategy is to send a leadership cohort to divide and conquer the program. By customising your team’s experience and swapping between streams, your school will walk away with a comprehensive return on investment:

Actionable Curriculum Blueprints:

Your curriculum leads and HODs will gain ready-to-implement frameworks for the refreshed national curriculum, moving seamlessly from policy to classroom practice.

Workload Reduction through Tech:

Your educational innovators will discover verified AI and tech use cases specifically vetted to give teachers time back and streamline administration.

Strategic Alignment & Value Protection:

Your senior leadership team will acquire the change-management tools needed to align incoming national priorities with your school’s unique local values.

Staff Resilience & Wellbeing:

Your leadership cohort will bring back practical, systemic strategies to combat teacher burnout, navigate complex student behaviours, and support neurodivergence.

National Networking:

Your staff will connect and collaborate with primary and secondary peers from across Aotearoa who are successfully navigating the exact same transitions.

Tickets Opening Soon — Register Your Interest

We are currently finalising our ticketing tiers, including exclusive early-bird rates and team package discounts. Register your interest below.

register your interest

This event is ideal for:

  • Executives and leaders: Those responsible for driving strategic change and organisational transformation.
  • Change management professionals: Individuals who specialise in managing and leading change initiatives.
  • HR professionals: HR leaders and practitioners interested in fostering a culture of change and employee engagement.
  • Consultants and advisors: Professionals who support organisations in their change and transformation journeys.
  • Anyone seeking to develop their leadership skills and ability to navigate change.
 
register your interest

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

Grand Millennium
71 Mayoral Drive, 
Auckland

Tickets

DOUBLE PASS

.
$ 1499 + gst Price Per Person
  • Must be from the same organisation & book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 19 October, 2026.
Buy ticket

SINGLE TICKET

Super Early Bird
$1299
$ 499 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 30 October 2026.
Buy ticket

SINGLE TICKET

Standard Price
$2199
$ 1899 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 21 September, 2026.
Buy ticket

SINGLE TICKET

Last Minute
$ 2199 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 19 October, 2026.
Buy ticket

SUPER EARLY BIRD

Per Person
$2199
$ 1499 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 24 July, 2026.
Buy ticket
Registration Conditions

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

Thanks to our Media Partners

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Align Your Brand with Data, Analytics
& AI Decision-Makers

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

Connect with the executive decision-makers defining New Zealand’s AI and data future.

The Strategy of Data, Analytics & AI Conference gathers C-suite leaders, tech executives, and transformation leads across NZ enterprise. This is your platform to showcase your solutions directly to key buyers as they navigate AI adoption, agentic workflows, data sovereignty, and governance.

A limited number of sponsorship and exhibition packages are available—delivering targeted brand exposure before, during, and after the event, alongside direct access to budget-holding decision-makers.

Partner with New Zealand’s premier enterprise AI event. Contact us today to discuss a tailored sponsorship package.

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Live B2B events are your chance to shine. Showcase your thought leadership, solidify your market position, and forge valuable connections with potential customers – all at once.

This exclusive event puts you in front of a highly skilled audience hungry for insights. Get ready for meaningful engagement that drives results.

Plus, we have some unique opportunities to put your company, products, and services in the spotlight.

Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot at this leading event.

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