Leaders’ Forum 2023: Shaping the Future

Themed ‘Shaping the Future’, this year’s Forum will be a fantastic opportunity to join fellow leaders and directors at the brand new PwC Experience Centre in Christchurch for a day packed with insights, discussion, debate and networking.

If you have any questions please get in touch with us. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Forum is a full-day programme that includes a range of keynote addresses, panel discussions, open-floor Q&As and presentations from thought-leaders in New Zealand’s business community. Attendees also enjoy ample networking time during breaks, lunch, afternoon tea throughout the event alongside a dedicated networking drinks and canapés session to wrap up the day. 

The programme is ideal of Chairs, CEOs, senior executives, academics and anyone interested in engaging in discussion on the current economic climate and how we can navigate this in the year ahead. 

Hear from thought-leaders and experienced governors and executives from across the business community.

Session	What you can expect
9.30am Registrations	Register your attendance from 9.30am and join us for morning coffee and tea and networking before the Forum kicks off at 10.00am
10.00am Programme begins	Mihi / Karakia
10.05am Welcome Address	We’ll start the day by setting the scene for the day ahead, outcomes and key themes
10.20am Address Local Insights and Expectations Leading up to the Election	Hear from Chief Executive of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, Leeann Watson.
10.35am Panel Discussion Supply Chain Chats: Building Resilience	An experienced panel will explore how business leaders can ensure their supply chains are up to the challenge as we enter the post-pandemic years and another period of economic uncertainty. Panellists: Carl Taylor, Linda Venables, Keith McLaughlin, and David Ross. Facilitated by Peter Chambers
11.20am Presentation A New Zealand Economy Review	PwC Partner (Corporate Treasury Team) Alex Wondergem will set the scene on the current New Zealand economy and share insights on what we can expect in the coming months
12.00pm Presentation Frontier Firms and Economic Resilience: An Update from the Productivity Commission	The Productivity Commission is currently undergoing a follow-on review after the 2020-2021 Productivity Commission inquiry on “New Zealand firms: Reaching for the frontier” inquiry, alongside an inquiry into the resilience of the New Zealand economy to supply chain disruptions. Hear the latest update and insights straight from Dr Ganesh Nana, Chair of the Commission
12.30pm Lunch	Catch up with new and familiar faces over a networking lunch
1.15pm Presentation The Circular Economy	This interactive presentation will exploring the key aspects business leaders need to consider when it comes to the circular economy. PwC subject matter experts, Linda Venables and Melissa MacEwen will set the scene and the role co-operatives play in the circular economy, share common barriers, and discuss implementation and operational insights and how you can keep the momentum and drive results within your organisation
2.00pm Keynote Address	National Party Deputy Leader and Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis will address the Forum in a keynote address followed by an audience Q&A session
3.00pm Afternoon Tea	Continue your networking and fuel up for the final few sessions of the day
3.15pm Presentation Inaugural NZ Co-operative Directors’ Survey: What did we find?	Numerous studies have been conducted into understanding corporate directors’ terms, fees and board makeup but little information is available publicly for those of co-operatives. Roz Henry will share the results of the co-operative director’s survey conducted in 2022 which will reveal these insights and provide a baseline of which the co-operative business community can refer to going forward
3.45pm Panel Discussion Governance through a VUCA Lens	A diverse panel will discuss the ins and outs of best practice governance, the role of the Board throughout challenging periods, and share their on-the-ground insights with a focus on navigating ‘volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity’ Panellists: Murray King, Bindi Norwell, Murray Taggart, and Nathan Wylie Facilitated by Peter Harris
4.30pm Closing Address Celebrating the Co-op Spirit	We’ll wrap up the day with final open-floor questions and discussion, including a final address from the Cooperative Business NZ Board Chair and CEO of Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative, Mike Brown.
5.00pm Networking Drinks	Let’s round off the event with canapés and drinks together!
6.30pm Programme concludes	Time to head home after a fantastic day of learning and discussion

We are thrilled to be hosting the Forum the the newly opened Experience Centre at PwC Christchurch. This is also the first time we’ve hosted a major event in the South Island since pre-2020. If you’re travelling in from out of town to attend, we encourage you to use this as an opportunity to explore the region and catch up with those in the area – a region of New Zealand teeming with co-operatives!

The popular Chairing the Co-operative Board 1/2 Day Workshop facilitated by Westlake Governance will be hosted the morning following the Forum to allow attendees to participate in both events within one trip. Learn more about this programme here.

• General Member: $950 per person
• Non-Member: $1,350 per person
• Student: $225 per person
• Multi (3+ from same member organisation. Discount automatically applied at checkout): $850 per person