Day 1 – NZEF schedule

Mihi whakatau

Led by Whetū Taukamo, Pou Tūhono Manager – Strategy and Implementation, University of Waikato

Formal welcome

Matt Bolger, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Waikato Management School

9.10am

Keynote

Hon. Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance

9.45am

Morning break (20 mins)

Monetary Policy: The Great Debate (Panel)

A session focused on debating what we can learn from our dramatic shifts in monetary policy in recent years, what the outlook is, and how monetary policy will play into New Zealand’s economic outlook. 

Brad Olsen, CEO and Principal Economist, Infometrics

Sharon Zollner, Chief Economist, ANZ

Nick Tuffley, Chief Economist, ASB

Artificial Intelligence: Overhyped or the Great Disruption? (Panel)

This session will explore the impact of AI, examining whether it is the greatest disruption of our time, or more hype than substance, and what implications this holds for us.

Brandon Hutcheson, CEO, Aware Group

Dr. Amanda Williamson, Associate Director - Generative AI, Deloitte

Glen Willoughby, CEO, Staples VR

Keynote: Resetting the Public Service with Sir Brian Roche

Sir Brian Roche, Public Service Commissioner, Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission

Where Next for Local Government: How should the model evolve to meet society's changing needs? (Panel)

Local city and regional councils are currently facing significant challenges. In this session, we aim to examine the key strategic policy issues impacting the local government sector, and discuss what might need to change to ensure the continued wellbeing of our communities. 

Hon. Anne Tolley, Chair of board, Horizon Energy Group, and former Government Minister

Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Strategic advisor and former Government Minister

Prof. Frank Scrimgeour, Professor of Economics, Waikato Management School

Jeremy Hay, Managing Director, RCP

Gene Technologies: The new frontier for health, agriculture and the environment (Panel)

The revolution in gene editing technologies is simplifying the alteration of genetic material, while also raising both ambitions and concerns about its use. This session aims to better understand the social, cultural, legal, and economic considerations of New Zealand’s shift to more openness to genetic technologies.

Prof. David Frame, Professor of Physics, University of Canterbury

Prof. Emily Parker, Professor of Chemical Biology, Victoria University of Wellington

Dr. William Rolleston, Co-founder, South Pacific Sera Ltd.

Afternoon tea (20 mins)

University Examinations: A sector under review (Panel)

This session will look deeper into the current review of New Zealand’s universities, and how they might evolve to meet the needs of our society in the future. 

Prof. Neil Quigley, Vice-Chancellor, University of Waikato

Prof. Rawinia Higgins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori & Engagement, Victoria University of Wellington

America at the Crossroads (Panel)

The next four years is set to be a critical period for U.S. and global society and politics. In this session, we aim to discuss the potential impact this will have on New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.

Hon. Tim Groser, Former NZ Ambassador to the United States of America, former Minister of Trade and Climate Change

Leon Grice, Co-founder and Director, Tara Science; former New Zealand Consul General, Los Angeles (2023-2017); and former Chairman, NZ-US Council (2016-2023)

Drinks and dinner served in The Pā

Featuring a fireside chat with the Hon. Scott Morrison, Former Australian Prime Minister. Mr. Morrison will share stories from his time in office and offer reflections on leadership and decision-making during constrained times.