Agenda |

Aotearoa 2025

Government Innovation Showcase Aotearoa

 Wednesday, 22 Oct 2025
Digital Services and Customer ExperienceData, Analytics, and AIFuture Ready Tech
8:00AM

Registration and Networking

8:00 AM - 8:35 AM (35 mins)

8:35AM

Mihi

8:35 AM - 8:45 AM (10 mins)

8:45AM

Welcome from PSN

8:45 AM - 8:55 AM (10 mins)

8:55AM

Welcome from the Chair

8:55 AM - 9:00 AM (5 mins)

9:00AM
Ministerial Address

Accelerating Digital Government: Building Future-Ready Services for Citizens

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

Hon Judith Collins Attorney-General, Minister of Defence, Minister for Digitising Government, Minister for the Public Service, Minister Responsible for the GCSB, Minister Responsible for the NZSIS and Minister for Space, New Zealand
9:20AM

Sharing Global Trends in Government Digital Transformation and How Aotearoa Can Adapt

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

9:40AM
Keynote

Government Keynote: Aotearoa as a Digital Nation | Global Trends and Local Opportunities

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

Paul James Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs NZ
  • Modernising government services to be seamless, citizen-centric, and future-ready by drawing on global best practices
  • Strengthening digital identity as a foundation for secure, inclusive, and trusted interactions between people and government
  • Ensuring sustainable investment in digital transformation to drive long-term impact and innovation across Aotearoa’s public sector
10:00AM

Implementing Next-Gen AI to Grow the Public Service

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

10:20AM
Keynote

Inspirational Keynote: Navigating the Digital Era: Essential Skills for Government Leaders

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

The Hon. Victor Dominello Co-Founder, Future Government Institute
10:40AM
Panel discussion

Visionary Leaders’ Panel: Future-Proofing Public Services: Digital Priorities and the Road to 2032

10:40 AM - 11:10 AM (30 mins)

  • Laying out the roadmap for the public service’s digital transformation – are we on target?
  • Fostering innovation within the public service – how does innovation drive productivity?
  • Engaging with Iwi on Aotearoa’s digital transformation journey
  • Looking into digital projects in the pipeline – how will these evolve the public service over the next 5-10 years?
  • Future proofing citizen-centric experiences – what is the vision for citizens regarding connecting them with government services?
  • How will AI impact public service's digital transformation journey over the next 5 years?
David Downs
Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Story Group
Richard Griffiths
Deputy Secretary, Corporate & Digital, Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment
Emma Jones
Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive for Technology Operations, Commercial & Collections, Stats NZ
Karl Le Quesne
Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral Commission
Glenys Talivai
Chief Executive Officer, Public Trust
Megan Main
CEO, ACC, NZ
11:10AM

Morning Tea in the Expo

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM (40 mins)

11:50AM
Digital Services and Customer Experience

Welcome from the Stream Chair

11:50 AM - 12:00 PM (10 mins)

11:50AM
Data, Analytics, and AI

Welcome from the Stream Chair

11:50 AM - 12:00 PM (10 mins)

11:50AM
Future Ready Tech

Welcome from the Stream Chair

11:50 AM - 12:00 PM (10 mins)

12:00PM
Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Enabling Citizens: Advancing Digital Services to Enhance Customer Satisfaction

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM (20 mins)

Milica Zivanovic Chief Information Officer, Public Service Commission
  • Laying the foundations for citizen-focused digital services through strong leadership, governance, and system-wide coordination
  • Creating consistent and seamless digital experiences by aligning efforts across agencies and service delivery channels
  • Strengthening digital capability across the public sector to better respond to evolving citizen expectations
  • Embedding a culture of continuous improvement and innovation to future-proof service delivery for all New Zealanders
12:00PM
Data, Analytics, and AI

Deploying the National AI Framework to Improve Capabilities and Thrive as a Digital Nation

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM (20 mins)

  • Understanding Aotearoa’s National AI Framework and its role in the public service
  • Paving the path for AI adoption within the public sector in Aotearoa
  • Discussing opportunities for collaboration cross agency whilst adhering to safe use of data
12:00PM
Keynote Data, Analytics, and AI

Establishing Robust Data Ecosystems to Govern an Automated Environment

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM (20 mins)

  • Laying out the role of data in a government digital transformation strategy
  • Discussing strategies for ensuring data quality, privacy, and security in an automated environment
  • Providing insights into best practices for building and maintaining these ecosystems
12:00PM
Keynote Future Ready Tech

Keynote: From Legacy Systems to Embracing AI Technology | Aotearoa’s Public Service Technology Transformation Journey

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM (20 mins)

Richard Griffiths Deputy Secretary, Corporate & Digital, Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment
  • Upscaling public service technology to deliver efficient services
  • Looking at the potential for improved and enhanced digital infrastructure to foster collaboration
  • Moving away from legacy and traditional systems
  • Getting the buy-in from leadership to enable more efficient operations to improve digital infrastructure
12:20PM
Digital Services and Customer Experience

Simplifying CX for Aotearoa

12:20 PM - 12:40 PM (20 mins)

12:20PM
Data, Analytics, and AI

Harnessing Data Intelligence: Innovations in Analytics and AI for Enhanced Governance

12:20 PM - 12:40 PM (20 mins)

12:20PM
Future Ready Tech

Are you AI-Ready? A Roadmap for Future-Proofing Your IT Infrastructure

12:20 PM - 12:40 PM (20 mins)

12:40PM
Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Panel: Enhancing Customer Experience to Strengthen Regional Communities in New Zealand

12:40 PM - 1:10 PM (30 mins)

Daniel Soughtton Deputy Chief Executive, Central, Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities
  • Ensuring equitable access to government services for regional and rural communities, focusing on both digital and in-person service models
  • Partnering with local stakeholders to co-design customer-centric services that reflect the unique needs and cultural values of regional communities
  • Leveraging data and insights to improve accessibility, responsiveness, and overall service delivery in regional areas.
  • Strengthening collaboration between central and local government, iwi, and community organisations to create seamless, place-based customer experiences
12:40PM
Panel discussion Data, Analytics, and AI

Panel: Elevating Customer Experiences with the Data, Analytics, and AI Trifecta

12:40 PM - 1:10 PM (30 mins)

Andy Neale Deputy Chief Executive – Access & Digital Services, Parliamentary Counsel Office
Atilio Ranzuglia Head of Data and AI, Palmerston North City Council
  • How can we leverage data to provide end-to-end digital services?
  • Where are the biggest opportunities and use cases to leverage AI for service delivery
  • Ensuring AI in the public service moves at the pace of trust and not excitement!
12:40PM
Panel discussion Future Ready Tech

Panel: Elevating Government Collaboration Through Cloud

12:40 PM - 1:10 PM (30 mins)

Graeme Simpson Chief Technology Officer, Stats NZ
Waylon Kenning Director - Emerging Technology, Ministry of Social Development
  • Shedding light on the opportunities for collaboration between departments and organisations through cloud capabilities
  • Highlighting the role of collaboration in the digital transformation journey
  • Developing policies to enable high-level security to sensitive data
1:10PM

Lunch in the Expo

1:10 PM - 2:20 PM (70 mins)

2:20PM
Digital Services and Customer Experience

Welcome Back from the Stream Chair

2:20 PM - 2:25 PM (5 mins)

2:20PM
Data, Analytics, and AI

Welcome Back from the Stream Chair

2:20 PM - 2:25 PM (5 mins)

2:20PM
Future Ready Tech

Welcome Back from the Stream Chair

2:20 PM - 2:25 PM (5 mins)

2:25PM
Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Government Keynote: Productivity, Quality, and Efficiency | The Path Ahead for the Public Services in Aotearoa and its Impact on Citizens

2:25 PM - 2:45 PM (20 mins)

Prashant Bakshi Deputy Chief Executive Strategic and Corporate Services, New Zealand Qualifications Authority
  • Exploring strategies to streamline government processes, harness technology, and empower the workforce to enhance productivity
  • Reinforcing the importance of maintaining high standards in public service delivery while balancing innovation and good governance
  • Defining key priorities for the future, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and setting measurable goals for a high-performing public sector
2:25PM
Case Study Data, Analytics, and AI

Insights from Using Synthetic Data and Digital Twin for Modelling Disease Spread and Impact

2:25 PM - 2:45 PM (20 mins)

Jan Sheppard Chief Data and Analytics Officer, ESR – Science for Communities
  • Understanding ESR’s approach to modelling disease spread to prepare for another outbreak
  • Providing insights into how ESR designed the model and how it can inform decision making
  • Delving into the key learnings from this modelling exercise
2:25PM
Keynote Future Ready Tech

International Keynote: Redefining Workforce Transformation | Insights into Digital Skillset and Digital Transformation in the People Capability Function

2:25 PM - 2:45 PM (20 mins)

Isabeau Korpel Executive Director People & Culture, Department of Transport WA
  • Elevating the people capability function to drive organisational change and embed digital skills at every level
  • Aligning people capability with your organisation’s transformation vision – what is the role the HR function in your wider organisational transformation vision?
  • Balancing human connection with digital innovation
  • Encouraging your workforce to embrace AI and its capabilities
2:45PM
Digital Services and Customer Experience

Leveraging Tech Disruption to Elevate Customer Experience

2:45 PM - 3:05 PM (20 mins)

2:45PM
Data, Analytics, and AI

Building a Secure and Ethical AI Framework

2:45 PM - 3:05 PM (20 mins)

2:45PM
Future Ready Tech

From Zero to Hero: Driving Capabilities Through Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure

2:45 PM - 3:05 PM (20 mins)

3:05PM
Panel discussion Digital Services and Customer Experience

Delivering Seamless Citizen Experiences in Aotearoa

3:05 PM - 3:35 PM (30 mins)

Vanessa Dudley General Manager, Retail, Public Trust
Kevin Glynn General Manager Customer & Digital Experience, Auckland Transport
  • How can the public sector create digital and in-person experiences that are intuitive, efficient, and accessible to all New Zealanders?
  • What strategies can government agencies use to collaborate more effectively and break down silos to provide seamless services?
  • How can public sector leaders better understand citizen needs and expectations to design services that truly meet them?
  • What role does technology play in enhancing service delivery, and how can agencies ensure it supports—not complicates—the citizen experience?
  • How can government measure and improve service performance to build trust and engagement with citizens?
3:05PM
Panel discussion Data, Analytics, and AI

Harnessing Data-Driven Decision-Making in Government: Unlocking Collaboration, Governance, and Innovation

3:05 PM - 3:35 PM (30 mins)

  • What role does data play in improving service delivery and making government more responsive to citizen needs?
  • What are the primary obstacles to implementing data-driven decision-making in government departments, and how can they be overcome?
  • How can public sector leaders make data a core asset for decision-making processes?
  • How can different departments collaborate to ensure seamless data utilisation while maintaining data privacy?

Can you share examples of successful cross-agency data initiatives?

Ganesh Selvaraj
Head of Data and AI, NZTA
Louise Miller
Chief Executive Officer, Napier City Council
Wendy Hamilton
General Manager – Strategic Engagement, Māori Partnerships & Data Capability, Stats NZ
3:05PM
Panel discussion Future Ready Tech

Empowering Next Generation Public Sector: Transforming Public Sector Through Technology

3:05 PM - 3:35 PM (30 mins)

Vicki Scott Deputy Chief Executive – People Services & Delivery, Parliamentary Counsel Office
  • Highlighting the critical importance of technological transformation in the Public Sector
  • Developing a comprehensive understanding of the strategic roadmap for upgrading technologies used by the Public Service
  • Identifying challenges and barriers to IT transformation and cloud adoption – what are the solutions to overcome them?
3:35PM
Digital Services and Customer Experience

Enhancing Customer Experiences in a Digitally Connected Era | Overcoming Challenges to Accessibility

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM (20 mins)

3:35PM
Data, Analytics, and AI

Leveraging Generative AI for Aotearoa

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM (20 mins)

3:35PM
Future Ready Tech

Delivering Scaled Technology Change Transformation

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM (20 mins)

4:05PM
Keynote Digital Services and Customer Experience

Designing Japan’s Digital Policies from Next Generation Japanese Citizens

4:05 PM - 4:25 PM (20 mins)

Chikako Masuda Head of Intelligence Research, Digital Agency, Government of Japan
  • Identifying opportunities for growth based on international perspectives – how is Japan creating international collaboration opportunities in achieving this?
  • Understanding the role of modern technology in shaping Japan’s future policies
  • Developing strategies in shaping Japan’s future
4:05PM
Keynote Data, Analytics, and AI

Embracing Data and AI with One Lens | Stats NZ Perspective

4:05 PM - 4:25 PM (20 mins)

Rachael Milicich Deputy Chief Executive and Deputy Government Statistician Insights and Statistics, Stats NZ
  • Providing insights into how Stats NZ is currently using data and AI within their functions
  • Looking into the challenges that pose as a result of AI and how parameters are in play to overcome them
  • Discussing collaboration opportunities with data and AI
4:05PM
Keynote Future Ready Tech

Keynote: Modernising our Digital Environment: Building the Future of Land Transport

4:05 PM - 4:25 PM (20 mins)

Liz Maguire Chief Digital Officer, NZTA
  • Where we started: Challenges and limitations of our traditional digital environment
  • The journey so far: Key milestones and lessons learned in modernising our digital capabilities
  • What’s next: Our vision for a fully connected, agile, and future-ready digital shop
4:25PM
Interactive Digital Services and Customer Experience

Digital Identity and AI, and its Impact on Citizen Services

4:25 PM - 4:55 PM (30 mins)

Join an engaging debate-style session designed to spark lively discussions and encourage audience participation. Led by an expert facilitator, this session will dive deep into the topic at hand, prompting thought-provoking exchanges among peers. You'll have the opportunity to actively contribute your insights, ask questions, and engage in spontaneous discussions with fellow participants, creating a collaborative and insightful experience.

4:25PM
Interactive Data, Analytics, and AI

Designing Ethical AI: Balancing Innovation and Accountability

4:25 PM - 4:55 PM (30 mins)

Join an engaging debate-style session designed to spark lively discussions and encourage audience participation. Led by an expert facilitator, this session will dive deep into the topic at hand, prompting thought-provoking exchanges among peers. You'll have the opportunity to actively contribute your insights, ask questions, and engage in spontaneous discussions with fellow participants, creating a collaborative and insightful experience.

4:25PM
Panel discussion Future Ready Tech

Panel: Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Shaping Talent for a Modern Public Sector

4:25 PM - 4:55 PM (30 mins)

Meghan White General Manager, Service Design and Implementation, Ministry of Education
Craig Le Quesne Chief Information Officer, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
  • How can the public sector foster a workforce culture that is adaptable, innovative, and prepared for future challenges?
  • What new approaches can be leveraged to attract and retain emerging talent in key areas such as digital transformation and public service innovation?
  • How can the government create a learning environment that encourages continuous development and growth, ensuring the workforce is equipped to meet future demands?
  • In what ways can leadership and talent management strategies evolve to cultivate a workforce that is both diverse and future-focused?
4:55PM
Digital Services and Customer Experience

End of Track Highlights & Insights

4:55 PM - 5:00 PM (5 mins)

4:55PM
Data, Analytics, and AI

End of Track Highlights & Insights

4:55 PM - 5:00 PM (5 mins)

4:55PM
Future Ready Tech

End of Track Highlights & Insights

4:55 PM - 5:00 PM (5 mins)

4:55PM

Showcase Close and Networking Drinks in the Expo

4:55 PM - 5:55 PM (60 mins)

Questions?

See our FAQs or get in touch

Ready to register?

Registration is free for government