Forward Motion – leveraging collective strength to shape change

As trusted business advisors, HR leaders are relied upon to navigate change within their businesses, sectors and communities. Leadership is a behaviour that can inspire change and create a meaningful impact on people. The 2026 New Zealand HR Leadership Summit will encourage attendees – people and culture leaders – to examine what change looks like in their organisations and how they can influence decision-making and drive positive change for the benefit of their organisations, workforces, and the communities they serve.

Embedded with the theme Forward Motion – leveraging collective strength to shape change, the program will explore topics such as building a sustainable people strategy, fostering skills- and work-based talent, integrating Kaupapa Māori for change, balancing human and digital capabilities, aligning values across business and leadership, and empowering a diverse, multigenerational workforce.

Key discussion topics:

• Navigating the evolving people landscape – HR shaping change for the benefit of their organisations, workforces, and the communities they serve
• Leveraging human potential, collaboration, knowledge, and data – developing a future-ready organisation
• Embedding Kaupapa Māori to deliver organisational change
• Strategic workforce planning – developing a sustainable people strategy
• Fostering a work- and skills-based workforce – building an adaptable and effective workforce
• Empowering a multigenerational workforce – fostering an inclusive environment and enhancing collaboration, innovation, and overall performance
• Neurodiversity in the workplace – practical guidance for organisations to benefit from all types of minds
• Assessing the use of AI in HR functions – risks, opportunities, skills and governance considerations
• AI adoption, human capabilities and trust – incorporating AI in the workplace meaningly and impactfully
• Creating a safety-first environment – the interconnection of HR, safety and leadership
• The future of talent management – creating an engaged and high-performing workforce
• Leadership development – identifying and developing top talent and future leaders
• What's next? Trends and expectations that might shape the way HR influences business outcomes, inspires future leaders and contributes to a wider ecosystem
• + more

For information about registration, partnership or speaking opportunities, please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.