Presents
Women in Leadership Summit
Leadership is changing, and with change comes opportunity
Event Overview
Turning today's challenges into tomorrow's progress
Leadership is changing fast. AI is reshaping how we work, organisations are transforming, expectations are evolving, and leaders are being asked to deliver in more complex environments than ever before.
But change also creates opportunity — to lead differently, build stronger teams, embrace new ways of working and shape what comes next.
The Women in Leadership Summit Wellington 2027 brings together leaders from across government, business, public sector and community organisations to explore how we can turn today's challenges into tomorrow's progress. From AI and organisational transformation to building trust, strengthening leadership capability and creating sustainable careers, the focus is firmly on moving forward.
Across two days, hear from leaders who are navigating change, challenging old ways of working and creating new possibilities for their people, organisations and communities.
The same inspiration. Even more application.
Attend and Learn
Nine themes across two days
- 01The Leadership OpportunityWhat great leaders are doing differently and what leadership requires now
- 02Leading with Clarity & ConfidenceBuilding trust, communicating well, and making good decisions through complexity
- 03AI & the Future of WorkHarnessing AI while keeping people, judgement and trust at the centre
- 04Leading Through Constant ChangeLeading transformation, bringing people with you and building stronger organisations through change
- 05Leadership That Leaves a LegacyCelebrating leaders who have built, changed, and created something meaningful
- 06Aotearoa on the World StageGlobal ideas, perspectives and leadership lessons we can bring home
- 07Changing the ConditionsHow allyship, culture and opportunity shape progress
- 08Accelerating Leadership CapabilityThe skills, behaviours, and mindsets that will define the next generation of great leaders
- 09Sustainable LeadershipInvesting in your career, wellbeing and financial future to build success that lasts
Top Speakers
Leaders you will hear from
Rosemary Banks
Former & First Female New Zealand Ambassador to the United States
Former Ambassador to France & Portugal
Read more →
Frances Cook
Best-Selling Author & Award-Winning Journalist
Host of NZ's #1 Podcast
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Summer Collins
Chief AI & Data Director
One NZ
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Nadine Kilmister
Deputy Chief Executive, People & Capability
Ministry of Social Development
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Andrew McLeod
Chief Executive Officer
Northpower
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Dr Mai Chen
Prominent Barrister, Chair, NZ Asian Lawyers
President, Superdiversity Institute
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Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone
Secretary & Chief Executive Officer
Ministry for Pacific Peoples
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Linda Clay
Chief Executive Officer
Māori Women's Development Inc
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Kate Gatfield-Jeffries
Founder, Moodi, New Zealand's Number #1 Wellness Drink
2025 EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year
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Audrey Sinerson
Director-General of Health & Chief Executive
Ministry of Health
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Sarah ‘Norm’ Stuart Black
Secretary-General
New Zealand Red Cross
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Utufa’asisili Rosemary Mose
Deputy Chief Executive Pasifika
NZQA
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Venue Information
Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, New Zealand
Join us in Wellington for two days of keynotes, panels and networking, with the IWD Impact and Progress Evening and a post-summit workshop.
- Tuesday 2 – Wednesday 3 March 2027
- Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, New ZealandThe full venue address is confirmed closer to the event.
Speakers
The 2027 line-up
Rosemary Banks
Former & First Female New Zealand Ambassador to the United States
Former Ambassador to France & Portugal
Read more →Frances Cook
Best-Selling Author & Award-Winning Journalist
Host of NZ's #1 Podcast
Read more →Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone
Secretary & Chief Executive Officer
Ministry for Pacific Peoples
Read more →Summer Collins
Chief AI & Data Director
One NZ
Read more →
Parekawhia McLean
Chief Executive
Criminal Cases Review
Read more →
