Navigating the Tough Times

Programme

Wednesday 12 November 2025

  • Kia ora and welcome to conference. Please sign in at the registration desk

  • Whakatau
    Kapahaka
    Welcome
    Introductions and House Keeping

  • Sir Ashley Bloomfield
    Leadership in tough times

    Explore what it takes to lead in challenging times. This session helps us think about how we can lead with clarity, care, and confidence when things are uncertain.

  • Join us in the foyer for morning tea

  • Panelists:

    Jo Wrigley, CEO of GO ECO
    Jeremy Mayall, CEO of Creative Waikato
    Slay Way, Education Coordinator at Rainbow Hub Waikato
    Maria Bagshaw
    Ellie Wilkinson

    Hearing from leaders across diverse sectors who are doing things differently. This session brings new ideas and ways of thinking that can inspire us as leaders to try new approaches in our own work.

  • Presenters:

    Gary Thompson
    Shannon Te Huia

    Stories of two people leading real change in their communities. These examples show what’s possible when people lead others; to work together with purpose, passion, and a strong sense of connection.

  • To invite all voices into the conversation—surfacing questions, themes, and insights that matter most to the people in the room.

  • Join us for lunch in the restaurant

  • To create space for people to choose the conversations that matter most to them, and to learn from each other.

  • To wrap up the day, highlight what we’ve learned, and prepare for Day Two.

    Karakia Whakamutunga

  • Join us for drinks and nibbles at Ibis Hamilton Tainui for drinks and nibbles overlooking the Waikato River

 

Thursday 13 November 2025

  • Sign in at the regsitration desk for Day 2 of conference

  • Opening of Day 2, Housekeeping
    Mihi and Karakia
    Summary of Day 1 - themes and key ideas

  • Dave Letele
    Motivation and Momentum

    A powerful, emotional story of resilience and hope. This session reminds us that even small steps can lead to big change, and that perseverance, purpose, and people can carry us through the hardest times.

  • Panelists:

    Garth Nowland-Foreman
    Jenny Calley
    Joanne Turner
    Rangimahora Reddy
    Tony Marsters

    Hearing from leaders who have guided their organisations through uncertainty and change. This session shares lessons on adapting, staying focused, and leading with heart when things don’t go to plan.

  • Join us in the foyer for morning tea

  • Presenters:

    Laura Casey, Founder of The Cake Detective
    Lindo Roil

    Two inspiring stories of grassroots leadership. These women-led organisations show what’s possible when passion and purpose drive action—even without funding or formal support.

  • To keep the conversation going, giving people more time to explore ideas that are important to them  

  • Join us in the restaurant for lunch

  • Facilitated by Karen Stockmann

    To reflect on what we’ve heard across both days and start thinking about what’s next

  • Cam Calkoen
    Possibility into Action

    Setting an inspiring and forward-focused tone, encouraging us to move from constraint to possibility—and reminding us that our mindset and actions shape the future we want to create.

  • Wrap up
    Final words of Farewell
    Karakia Whakamutunga