The Public Sector Podcast: Visionary Leaders: Future-Proofing Public Services: Digital Priorities and the Road to 2032

Episode Overview

In this episode, a diverse panel of public sector leaders - Karl Le Quesne, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral Commission, Glenys Talivai, Chief Executive Officer, Public Trust, Megan Main, CEO, ACC, NZ, Jo Healey, VP, Customer, Fujitsu come together to explore what it will take to build a truly future-ready public service for Aotearoa. With 2032 on the horizon, the conversation dives into the key forces shaping the next decade of government — from innovation and iwi partnership to AI adoption and evolving citizen expectations. Together, the panel unpacks how these elements will redefine public service delivery and what must happen now to keep New Zealand’s digital transformation on track.

What You’ll Learn

1. The Roadmap to 2032

Is the public service meeting its digital transformation milestones, and what barriers still stand in the way?

2. Innovation as a Productivity Engine

How fostering innovation inside government can uplift capability, accelerate delivery, and drive performance.

3. Iwi Engagement in Digital Transformation

Why genuine partnership with iwi is essential to shaping equitable, culturally grounded digital services.

4. The Digital Projects Ahead

A look at the major initiatives now underway — and how they’re expected to evolve government services over the next 5–10 years.

5. Designing Future Citizen Experiences

What a truly citizen-centric service vision looks like, and how government can better connect people with the services they rely on.

6. The Role of AI in Public Service Transformation

How AI will influence decision-making, service delivery, and operational efficiency over the next five years.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is essential for anyone working in public sector innovation, digital government, Māori partnership, or service design. It offers a forward-looking, strategic exploration of the technologies, relationships, and cultural foundations required to create a modern, inclusive public service for Aotearoa — and the practical steps the sector must take now to prepare for the decade ahead.