Plenary sessions
Understand the reform agenda, the funding constraints and how councils are responding on the ground.
Plenary 1: Reimagine – The forces shaping local government
Change is happening fast, and it’s reshaping what councils do and how they do it. Population shifts, economic pressures, climate challenges, ageing infrastructure and major reforms are all having an impact. This opening session brings together experts to set the scene for conference. It features the two major political parties on their vision for local government, with opportunities to ask questions and join the discussion. Together, we'll explore where we are now, what's changed and how councils can respond to the challenges ahead.
Carl Davidson, Chief Curiosity Officer and Critical Thinking Champion, The Curiosity Company
Beyond the Numbers: The New Zealand that’s emerging
Most conversations about the future start with demographics. Carl Davidson looks beyond the numbers to explore the social shifts changing how people engage with institutions, communities and each other. His session will challenge delegates to think differently about the world councils are operating in and the mindset needed to lead through change.
Traci Houpapa, Chair, Te Arawa Group Holdings
When the ground shifts: leading with clarity
Change is constant, and good leadership is about knowing what matters most. Drawing on her experience across governance, business and community leadership, Traci Houpapa will explore how leaders can stay grounded, make sound decisions and provide stability when expectations, politics and priorities are shifting.
Jo Hendy, Chief Executive, Climate Commission
Climate and community: Planning for what’s next
Climate, infrastructure, the economy and communities are all changing at once. Jo Hendy will unpack the forces shaping New Zealand's future and what they mean for the decisions local leaders are making today. Grounded in evidence and focused on practical action, her session will look at how communities can prepare for what lies ahead.
Ben Hayward, CEO, Fulton Hogan
Building for tomorrow
New Zealand faces major infrastructure challenges, from growth pressures and ageing assets to increasing expectations from communities. Ben Hayward will share perspectives from the front line of delivering infrastructure, including the opportunities and obstacles facing the sector and what it will take to build for the future.
Plenary 2: Reset – Creating a stronger local government
Rates caps, regional reorganisation and rising expectations are prompting councils to rethink how they work and where they focus effort.
This session looks at what a stronger, more financially sustainable local government system could look like. Drawing on experiences from New Zealand and overseas, we’ll share practical ideas for delivering regional and territorial authority functions well, while making the most of limited resources and maintaining public trust. We'll also launch new LGNZ polling and hear from representatives of New Zealand’s smaller political parties, whose influence under MMP continues to grow, in a facilitated panel discussion.
Plenary 3: Refocus – What local government needs next
The conference concludes by stepping back to hear from the sectors that rely on strong local government every day.
With infrastructure at the centre of council responsibilities, we’ll explore what’s needed to plan, fund and deliver the projects that support resilient communities and regional economic growth. A panel featuring leaders from business, community organisations and the creative sector will share what they need from local government to succeed. The conference will close with a keynote on leading through uncertainty and the lessons that come with navigating periods of significant change.