Speakers
Our speakers bring serious expertise and fresh thinking to the challenges facing local government. From politicians to policy experts and community leaders, they’ll share insights on economic growth, infrastructure, reform, and ways to find efficiencies and boost performance. Expect real-world strategies and practical takeaways to help you drive change in your own community.
Keynote speakers >
Natalie de Boursac
A British/Turkish global citizen, Natalie de Boursac spent her childhood in Singapore and Hong Kong before pursuing higher education in New York.
Mark Di Somma
Mark Di Somma is a strategist with a passion for helping organisations become more innovative and impactful.
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Christopher Luxon is the 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Jason Paris
Jason Paris is a proud New Zealander and Southlander, currently leading One New Zealand (formerly Vodafone NZ) as CEO.
MC >
Miriama Kamo
Award winning journalist, Miriama Kamo, is the presenter and a reporter for TVNZ’s flagship current affairs programme, Sunday and a presenter on TVNZ’s bilingual Māori and English current affairs show, Marae.
Political guests >
Hon Chris Bishop
Chris Bishop is the Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister of Transport, Leader of the House, Associate Minister of Finance and Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation.
Hon Paul Goldsmith
Paul Goldsmith is the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Minister of Justice, Minister for Media and Communications and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations.
Chris Hipkins
Chris Hipkins is the Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Remutaka.
Tangi Utikere
A former Deputy Mayor and Palmerston North’s first Pasifika councillor, Tangi Utikere brings a wealth of experience in local government and education.
Hon Simon Watts
Simon Watts is the Minister of Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for Local Government and Minister of Revenue.
Local government speakers >
Hon Dr Nick Smith
First-term Mayor of Nelson, Hon Dr Nick Smith, is well known in the Nelson-Tasman region after more than three decades as an MP, firstly in the former Tasman electorate and then as the MP for Nelson.
Rehette Stoltz
Rehette Stoltz has over 12 years of experience in local government, driven by a passion to represent families with young children and ensure their voices are heard on issues like walkways, libraries, museums, and playgrounds.
Justin Tipa
Justin Tipa (Ngāi Tahu) is the elected Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.