Agenda |

Aotearoa 2025

Digital Leadership Day Aotearoa

 Tuesday, 21 Oct 2025
8:00AM

Registration and Networking

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (60 mins)

9:00AM

Opening from Public Sector Network

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM (10 mins)

9:10AM

Welcome from Event Chair: Overview of the Day | Intro to Segment 1: People Leadership in the Digital Age

9:10 AM - 9:20 AM (10 mins)

John Mackenney Director, Adobe Digital Strategy Group, APAC, Adobe
9:20AM
Keynote

Inspirational Keynote: Navigating the Digital Era

9:20 AM - 9:40 AM (20 mins)

9:40AM

Empowering Inclusive Leadership with Tech Innovations

9:40 AM - 10:00 AM (20 mins)

10:00AM
Panel discussion

Panel: Leading Through Complexity: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM (50 mins)

  • As leaders, how can we cultivate a leadership style that thrives amidst the complexities of tech team dynamics?
  • What leadership initiatives effectively promote diversity and drive inclusion within tech teams?
  • How should leaders utilise emotional intelligence to navigate the challenges unique to tech environments?
  • What strategies can leaders implement to attract, develop, and retain top tech talent during rapid industry changes?
  • In what ways can leaders champion ethical technology use within their teams and decision-making processes?
Evelyn Johnston Facilitator
Head of Public Sector New Zealand, Digital Experience, Adobe
Milica Zivanovic
Chief Information Officer, Public Service Commission
Isabeau Korpel
Executive Director People & Culture, Department of Transport WA
10:50AM

Morning Tea & Networking

10:50 AM - 11:20 AM (30 mins)

11:20AM

Welcome Back from Event Chair: Summary of Session 1 | Intro to Segment 2 | Process

11:20 AM - 11:30 AM (10 mins)

John Mackenney Director, Adobe Digital Strategy Group, APAC, Adobe
11:30AM

Leveraging AI in Process Automation for Public Sector Efficiency

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM (20 mins)

11:50AM
Panel discussion

Panel: Strategic Leadership: Transforming Processes for Digital Excellence

11:50 AM - 12:40 PM (50 mins)

  • How can tech leaders align digital initiatives with governmental policies while leading through bureaucratic complexities?
  • In the role of a leader, how do you instil agile thinking to reshape traditional processes within the public sector?
  • As regulations evolve, what leadership strategies are key to balancing innovation with compliance?
  • From a leader's perspective, what are the most effective ways to manage resources to maximise impact in tech projects?
  • How should leaders approach vendor relationships to cultivate fruitful partnerships that drive technological advancement?
Evelyn Johnston Facilitator
Head of Public Sector New Zealand, Digital Experience, Adobe
Emma Jones
Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive for Technology Operations, Commercial & Collections, Stats NZ
Kevin Glynn
General Manager Customer & Digital Experience, Auckland Transport
12:40PM

Lunch & Networking

12:40 PM - 1:40 PM (60 mins)

1:40PM
Roundtables

Leadership Fundamentals: Styles, Vision, and Motivation

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM (60 mins)

1:40PM
Roundtables

Emotional Intelligence and Ethical Leadership

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM (60 mins)

1:40PM
Roundtables

Innovation and Creativity in Government Settings

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM (60 mins)

1:40PM
Roundtables

Strategic Thinking for Effective Governance

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM (60 mins)

1:40PM
Roundtables

Communication Mastery in Leadership Roles

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM (60 mins)

1:40PM
Roundtables

Team Management and Development Techniques

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM (60 mins)

1:40PM
Roundtables

Future Trends: Preparing for the Digital Shifts

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM (60 mins)

1:40PM
Roundtables

Personal Development for Leaders: Skills for the Future

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM (60 mins)

2:40PM

Break

2:40 PM - 2:50 PM (10 mins)

2:50PM

Welcome from Event Chair: Summary of Session 2 | Intro to Session 3 | Technology

2:50 PM - 3:00 PM (10 mins)

John Mackenney Director, Adobe Digital Strategy Group, APAC, Adobe
3:00PM

Leading the Charge in Secure Tech Adoption and Data Management

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM (20 mins)

  • As a tech leader in the public sector, how can you ensure new technologies are integrated effectively and with foresight?
  • What leadership qualities are essential for staying ahead in cybersecurity amidst a fast-evolving threat landscape?
  • How do leaders leverage data analytics to transform public service delivery while maintaining trust and privacy?
  • What barriers to technology adoption do leaders face, and how can strategic leadership overcome these barriers?
  • How can leaders inspire innovation and manage risk in a sector known for its cautious approach to new technologies?
3:20PM
Panel discussion

Visionary Leaders’ Panel: Shaping the Technological Landscape

3:20 PM - 4:10 PM (50 mins)

  • As a tech leader in the public sector, how can you ensure new technologies are integrated effectively and with foresight?
  • What leadership qualities are essential for staying ahead in cybersecurity amidst a fast-evolving threat landscape?
  • How do leaders leverage data analytics to transform public service delivery while maintaining trust and privacy?
  • What barriers to technology adoption do leaders face, and how can strategic leadership overcome these barriers?
  • How can leaders inspire innovation and manage risk in a sector known for its cautious approach to new technologies?
Evelyn Johnston Facilitator
Head of Public Sector New Zealand, Digital Experience, Adobe
David Downs
Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Story Group
Christine Maii Sakuda
Chief Information Officer, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Hawaii
4:10PM

Closing Remarks: Summary of Segment 3 and End of Conference

4:10 PM - 4:20 PM (10 mins)

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