Forum Agenda 2025

9:00 AM – 9:35 AM | Opening Keynote: The Role of HR in Leading Organisational Growth – A Governance Perspective
Paula Bennett, Chair of Pharmac and Director of Strategic Advisory at Bayleys Commercial and previous Deputy Prime Minister

Join Paula Bennett as she opens the Forum with a powerful keynote exploring how HR leaders can influence boards and executive teams to unlock long-term, sustainable growth. Drawing on her unique experience across politics, governance, and leadership, Paula will delve into the strategic role HR plays in shaping organisational direction, aligning people strategy with business outcomes, and elevating the voice of HR at the highest levels. A must-attend session for HR professionals ready to step into greater influence and impact.

9:35 AM – 10:15 AM | Keynote: Economic & Labour Market Outlook
Shamubeel Eaqub, Chief Economist, Simplicity, author, media commentator and thought leading public speaker.

Renowned economist Shamubeel Eaqub will share his expert insights into the current and future state of the economy and labour market. This session will unpack key economic trends, workforce challenges, and emerging opportunities affecting New Zealand businesses. Gain a sharper understanding of what lies ahead—and what it means for HR and organisational strategy in a rapidly shifting landscape.

10:15 AM - 10:25 AM | Table Discussion Brain Break

10:25 AM – 11:00 AM | Fireside Chat: Building a High-Impact CEO-CPO Partnership

What does it take to create a truly strategic partnership between the CEO and Chief People Officer? In this engaging fireside chat, we’ll explore how aligning leadership at the top can supercharge organisational performance. From navigating disruption to driving culture and capability, this session will unpack what great collaboration looks like—and how HR leaders can earn their seat at the table and shape the future of the business. Essential for any HR professional ready to think big, lead boldly, and influence at the highest level.

12:00 PM – 12:35 PM | Panel Discussion: Navigating Organisational Disruption – An HR Perspective

Facilitated by Te Radar, Master of Ceremonies
Panelists: 
Claire Walker, Chief People Officer, Genesis 
Roz Urbahn, Chief People Officer, LIC
Jeanette Kehoe-Perkinson, Chief People Officer & CHRO | Fractional Executive | ‘Globalizer’ | Director | Board Advisor | Leadership Coach

As disruption becomes more complex and less predictable, HR must lead with foresight. In this forward-focused panel, senior HR leaders share how they’re preparing for the next wave of unseen challenges—drawing on hard-won experience to build agile, opportunity-ready organisations. Explore how lessons from past disruptions can fuel future innovation, resilience, and strategic impact.

12:35 PM – 1:15 PM | Future Talent & Capability: Securing Future Talent

This session unpacks the strategic HR implications of evolving workforce trends and talent shortages across industries and regions. With a focus on demographic change—such as the ageing workforce and shifting immigration patterns—as well as capability gaps in areas like digital fluency, leadership, ESG, and AI, this session equips HR leaders with practical strategies to respond.

This discussion is grounded in future-focused organisational capability, from workforce planning and pipeline building to inclusive talent development and targeted learning.

1:15 PM - 1:25 PM | Table Discussion Brain Break
 

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Indigenous Perspectives on Leadership
Dan Whenua-Walker, Global Co-Chair of Indigenous at Microsoft 

What can Te Ao Māori teach us about leading for the long term? In this thought-provoking keynote, Dan Whenua-Walker explores Indigenous leadership principles rooted in intergenerational thinking, collective wellbeing, and deep connection to purpose. As many organisations struggle with short-term pressures, this session offers a powerful lens for HR and people leaders to reimagine what it means to lead with foresight, resilience, and responsibility. Discover how Te Ao Māori can help future-proof your workplace and guide people strategy in an uncertain world.

3:00PM - 3:45 PM | HR's role in the Tech evolution
Melissa Crawford, Director, Tech with Heart

As technology transforms the workplace at unprecedented speed, HR sits at a pivotal crossroads. This thought-provoking session explores the evolving tech landscape, and the vital role HR must play. Not just in adoption, but in guiding the human shifts that come with it. From unintended consequences to emerging workforce behaviours, you'll gain fresh insights and practical tips to ensure HR leads the way in building a future-ready, human-centred organisation.

3:45 PM – 3:55 PM | Table Discussion Brain Break

3:55 - 4:40 PM | Keynote: Future-Focused Leadership – Cultivating a Growth Mindset & Sustainable Leadership
Craig Hudson, Business Leader, champion for wellbeing in business 

In a world of constant change, future-focused leadership is about more than agility—it’s about mindset. Craig Hudson shares lessons in building resilience, leading with values, and fostering sustainable growth—for your people, your organisation, and yourself. Walk away with renewed clarity and commitment for the road ahead.