THE PEOPLE FACTOR 2026
About this Event
Conference Overview - Resilience Today. Readiness for Tomorrow.
Economic conditions remain challenging. Customer expectations are changing. Technology is evolving rapidly, and workforce expectations continue to shift.
The organisations that thrive over the next decade won't simply survive today's pressure, they'll build the capability, culture, leadership and commercial resilience needed to seize tomorrow's opportunities.
The People Factor 2026 brings together business leaders, workplace specialists, employment experts and industry innovators to explore the people, performance and possibility factors that drive future success.
Attendees will gain practical insights into employment law, health and safety, AI, workforce trends, customer experience, organisational performance and future opportunities, all through the lens of preparing organisations for growth when confidence returns.
What to Expect
This action-packed day features expert keynotes, dynamic panel discussions and practical insights across three key themes:
Understanding Change - Understanding the trends shaping tomorrow's workplaces.
Building Performance - Creating organisations where people and businesses thrive.
Leading Forward - Turning today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities
You'll hear from a diverse line-up of respected leaders and subject matter experts, including:
- Caroline Harvie-Teare – Chief Executive, Venues Ōtautahi
- Sarah Munro – General Manager, Matatū Rugby
- Gareth Abdinor – Employment Lawyer, Abdinor Employment Law Limited
along with more industry experts and business leaders sharing their insights throughout the day.
This is a free event.
Spaces are limited. Reserve your seat today and join us for a day of expert insights, real conversations and genuine connections with fellow professionals.
Register Now
Agenda
UNDERSTANDING CHANGE ───────────────────────────
Info: Understanding the trends shaping tomorrow's workplaces
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration & Arrival Coffee
Info: Welcome networking and registration check-in.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Info: An introduction to the day and the opportunities and challenges shaping New Zealand organisations in 2026 and beyond.
🕑: 09:10 AM - 09:40 AM
Employment Law Update - What Every Employer Needs to Know in 2026
Host: Speaker: Gareth Abdinor
Info: The employment landscape continues to evolve.
This practical update examines emerging legal developments, workplace obligations and key employment issues organisations need to understand to confidently navigate the year ahead.
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Panel Discussion - The Workplace of Tomorrow
Info: The Workplace of Tomorrow: What We're Learning About Our Work, People and Performance.
Drawing on leadership experience and workplace insights, this panel explores what businesses are learning about attracting, engaging and retaining people in a changing world of work, and the workplace practices helping build stronger cultures and better performance.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Morning Tea & Networking
🕑: 11:05 AM - 11:35 AM
AI & The Modern Workplace - From Curiosity to Capability
Host: Speaker: Jess Astor
Info: Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is already influencing how organisations work.
This practical session explores how businesses are using AI to improve productivity, support decision-making and create better employee experiences while maintaining trust, accountability and human connection.
🕑: 11:40 AM - 12:05 PM
New Zealand's cyber-crime crisis, who, what and why.
Host: Speaker: Paul Barge
Info: Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it is a business issue. In this practical session, Paul Barge explores today's cyber threat landscape, what organisations need to be aware of, and practical strategies to help reduce cyber risk and strengthen business resilience.
BUILDING PERFORMANCE ──────────────────────────────
Info: Creating organisations where people and businesses thrive.
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
What High-Performing Organisations Are Doing Differently
Host: Moderator: Bruce Irvine
Info: Possibility in Practice - What High-Performing Organisations Are Doing Differently.
What separates organisations that simply cope from those that consistently thrive?
Drawing on examples from successful New Zealand organisations, this practical session explores the common behaviours, workplace practices and people strategies that drive engagement, performance and growth.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Health & Safety: Beyond Compliance -Building Workplaces Where People Thrive
Host: Speaker: Garth Gallaway
Info: Health and safety is about more than meeting obligations.
Discover how leading organisations are creating cultures of wellbeing, accountability and care that improve employee experience, organisational performance and workplace outcomes.
🕑: 02:35 PM - 03:05 PM
Why Great Customer Experiences Start with Great Employee Experiences
Host: Speaker: Caroline Harvie-Teare
Info: Growth Through People - Why Great Customer Experiences Start with Great Employee Experiences.
The strongest organisations understand that employee experience and customer experience are closely connected.
This session explores how culture, engagement and leadership influence customer loyalty, reputation and long-term growth.
Attendees will gain practical insights into creating experiences that benefit both employees and customers.
LEADING FORWARD ──────────────────────────────
Info: Turning today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities
🕑: 03:10 PM - 03:55 PM
Panel Discussion - The Power of Possibility
Host: Moderator: Craig Atkinson
Info: Every significant achievement begins with a vision of what could be.
In this inspiring closing keynote, hear the story of a leader who transformed an idea into reality and discover the mindset, resilience and courage required to create meaningful impact.
Attendees will leave energised, optimistic and challenged to think differently about what is possible for themselves, their people and their organisations.
🕑: 03:55 PM - 04:00 PM
Conference Wrap-Up & Close
Host: Speaker: Amy Lawson
Info: Reflections, Key Takeaways, and Next Steps.
🕑: 04:00 PM
Networking Drinks
Info: Continue the conversation with speakers, clients and industry peers while building valuable connections in a relaxed environment.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
NZD 0.00
