Navigating the Tough Times

Keynote Speakers

Sir Ashley Bloomfield

Sir Ashley Bloomfield brings over 25 years of distinguished leadership in public health, policy, and global health governance. Best known for his calm, clear-eyed leadership as New Zealand’s Director-General of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2022), Sir Ashley played a pivotal role in guiding the nation through one of the most challenging health crises of our time. His leadership earned widespread respect and trust, both nationally and internationally.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Sir Ashley was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) in the 2023 New Year Honours.

From 2022 to 2024, he served as Co-Chair of the World Health Organization’s Working Group for Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005), continuing his long-standing engagement with global health policy, including his earlier work at the WHO headquarters in Geneva.

Currently, Sir Ashley is a Professor at the University of Auckland's School of Population Health and serves as Chief Executive of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), bringing academic insight and strategic leadership to the intersection of science and public policy.

At Navigating the Tough Times, Sir Ashley will draw on his wealth of experience to explore the theme of leadership in tough times—sharing lessons on resilience, clarity, and compassion under pressure, and offering insight into how leaders can navigate uncertainty while upholding public trust.

Dave Letele

Having grown up with a father who was the president of the Mongrel Mob and in and out of prison throughout his childhood, Dave understands what it means to struggle.

It took Dave a near-death experience to pull him out of a downward spiral. From there, he embarked on a journey that led to him owning several businesses, playing rugby league all over the world, becoming a professional boxer, losing almost 100 kg in body weight, and starting over.

Dave is an inspiration to thousands of Kiwis, achieving his transformation purely through hard work and dedication. Starting his platform via his private Facebook group where over 10,000 people have achieved life-changing levels of weight loss, Dave went on to found his company Buttabean Motivation (BBM), where he and his team are currently working with public health and social service providers across Auckland to deliver his highly effective BBM programs to improve the health outcomes for obese people.

Often consulted by the media, and even the former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, Dave’s bold and no-nonsense approach has changed thousands of lives in his community and around New Zealand. In 2022, Dave was awarded with the Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the year Award for his incredible work across Aotearoa.

Nothing quite beats a real story straight from the heart, Dave will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions where you will come out the other side understanding the power of determination, perseverance, hard work, taking that first step and hope! Let Dave inspire your audience.

Cam Calkoen

Cam Calkoen is a dreamer, a doer, and a champion of possibility. Born with Cerebral Palsy and told that walking and talking would be his greatest challenges, Cam was determined not to let these predictions define his future. He dreamed big, taking on the world with a spirit of resilience and ambition that would shape every step of his journey.

From an early age, Cam set his sights on extraordinary goals. He became an athletic gold medalist, showcasing his ability to push beyond physical limitations and inspiring those around him to do the same. His passion for making a difference extended into philanthropy, where he proved himself a highly effective charitable fundraiser and a creative force in the social enterprise space. With every milestone, he showed that dreams fuel progress and that authenticity and attitude can overcome even the greatest odds.

Driven by a belief that life is what we make it, Cam has made it his mission to embrace every opportunity and challenge. His story is a testament to strength, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Through charisma, artistic flair and real-world experience, Cam lights up every room he enters, leaving people with a renewed sense of belief in their own potential and a clear reminder that dreaming big is not just for the lucky few – it’s for everyone willing to turn opportunity into achievement.