AOTEAROA 2026
Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI
Event overview
As Aotearoa heads into an election year, the public sector is operating under tight fiscal conditions, rising public expectations, and increasing pressure to lift productivity and trust in government services. At the same time, AI is rapidly reshaping how agencies operate, collaborate and deliver outcomes—creating both new opportunities and new risks.
In 2026, Government Innovation Week Aotearoa returns with four cornerstone events: the Government Innovation Showcase, Cyber Security Showcase, Digital Leadership Day, and Local Government Focus Day. Together, these events bring public sector leaders and trusted partners together to tackle the real-world challenges of modernising government in a leaner, faster-moving environment.
Across the week, the program will explore how agencies and councils are moving from ambition to delivery through:
- AI, digital and data innovation that improves service outcomes while protecting privacy and trust
- Cyber resilience built into the foundations of government systems and critical infrastructure
- Leadership and operating model reform to break down silos and enable connected Government 3.0 delivery
- Local government transformation as councils prepare for evolving governance expectations and future service models
From strategic insights to case-led discussion and cross-sector collaboration, Government Innovation Week Aotearoa is designed to help leaders strengthen capability, align investment with impact, and shape a more resilient, modern and trusted public sector for all New Zealanders.
Events at a glance
Government Innovation Showcase Aotearoa
The 2026 Government Innovation Showcase brings public sector executives, digital and data leaders, and industry together to pressure-test what’s working now, and what’s next for Aotearoa’s public sector. With streams focused on Digital Services & Customer Experience, Technology, Data & AI Integration, the showcase connects innovation with strategy and execution to further unlock measurable service improvements as we look ahead to deliver smarter, faster, and more equitable outcomes for all New Zealanders.
12 MAY 2026
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Government Cyber Security Showcase Aotearoa
In the race to outpace evolving cyber threats, government organisations must stay one step ahead to protect critical systems, data, and services. As the frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks continue to grow, Australian and Aotearoa governments face the critical challenge of safeguarding their digital environments while maintaining public trust. The Cyber Security Showcase Series provides a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions, exchange insights, and discuss strategies to strengthen cyber resilience across government organisations.
12 MAY 2026
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Digital Leadership Day Aotearoa
Building on the momentum of 2025, this year’s Digital Leadership Day will focus on empowering Aotearoa's government leaders to drive transformation through automation, secure digital systems, and inclusive leadership. Designed for forward-thinking public sector executives, this event will equip attendees with the strategies and confidence to lead people, processes, and technology in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
13 MAY 2026
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Local Government Focus Day Auckland
Join us at the Local Government Focus Day in Auckland, where local leaders will come together for a day of collaboration, innovation, and strategic insight. This event tackles the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing local councils today.
14 MAY 2026
Learn more
Government Innovation Showcase Aotearoa
The 2026 Government Innovation Showcase brings public sector executives, digital and data leaders, and industry together to pressure-test what’s working now, and what’s next for Aotearoa’s public sector. With streams focused on Digital Services & Customer Experience, Technology, Data & AI Integration, the showcase connects innovation with strategy and execution to further unlock measurable service improvements as we look ahead to deliver smarter, faster, and more equitable outcomes for all New Zealanders.
12 MAY 2026
Learn more
Government Cyber Security Showcase Aotearoa
In the race to outpace evolving cyber threats, government organisations must stay one step ahead to protect critical systems, data, and services. As the frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks continue to grow, Australian and Aotearoa governments face the critical challenge of safeguarding their digital environments while maintaining public trust. The Cyber Security Showcase Series provides a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions, exchange insights, and discuss strategies to strengthen cyber resilience across government organisations.
12 MAY 2026
Learn more
Digital Leadership Day Aotearoa
Building on the momentum of 2025, this year’s Digital Leadership Day will focus on empowering Aotearoa's government leaders to drive transformation through automation, secure digital systems, and inclusive leadership. Designed for forward-thinking public sector executives, this event will equip attendees with the strategies and confidence to lead people, processes, and technology in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
13 MAY 2026
Learn more
Local Government Focus Day Auckland
Join us at the Local Government Focus Day in Auckland, where local leaders will come together for a day of collaboration, innovation, and strategic insight. This event tackles the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing local councils today.
14 MAY 2026
Learn more2026 Featured Speakers
Paul James
Secretary for Internal Affairs and Government Chief Digital Officer, Department of Internal Affairs
Suzanne Stew
Deputy Secretary, Te Whakatairanga Service Delivery, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment NZ
Tracey Taylor
Chief Executive, Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities
Robert Te Moana
Director Māori Digital and Crown Relationships - Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Department of Internal Affairs
Kari Jones
Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director - Operational Excellence and Enablement, Executive Director - Transformation & Operations, Financial Markets Authority
Emma MacDonald
Director, Stats NZ
Why attend?
Actionable Insights
Gain valuable insights from keynotes, case studies, and expert panels. Leave with practical strategies and knowledge to apply directly to your agency’s digital transformation journey.
Fostering Collaboration
Participate in interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration across agencies. Work together on shared challenges, learn best practices, and explore solutions that drive collective impact.
Unmatched Networking
Meet and connect with fellow government leaders, innovators, and industry experts. Build relationships and grow your professional network with peers dedicated to advancing public service.
Who will be there?
Share your case studies and collaborate with peers to ethically guide AI, integrate citizen feedback into policy, and lead cross-agency efforts for streamlined, inclusive government services.
- Guide ethical AI implementation within government for increased transparency and accountability.
- Integrate citizen feedback effectively into policy-making through digital platforms.
- Lead cross-agency collaborations to boost public service delivery efficiency.
- Promote resilient digital infrastructure that supports continuous innovation in public services.
- Adopt data analytics for smarter procurement decisions and cost-efficient government operations.
- Strategically bridge the digital divide to ensure equitable access to government services.
Connect with peers to scale secure, responsible AI and modern platforms across government.
- Govern ethical AI and data privacy.
- Modernise legacy systems and improve interoperability.
- Strengthen cyber resilience and platform reliability.
Collaborate to design inclusive services and improve public trust and uptake.
- Build accessible, user-centred digital journeys.
- Embed feedback loops to continuously improve services.
- Deliver seamless omni-channel experiences.
Share practical delivery wins to streamline operations and lift service outcomes.
- Simplify workflows and reduce service bottlenecks.
- Support adoption with training and change management.
- Use insights to improve service performance.
Vendors, boost your presence
Becoming a partner for the Government Innovation Week Aotearoa offers unique opportunities to connect with decision-makers, showcase innovative solutions, and align with transformative public sector goals. As a partner, you’ll have access to influential government leaders, providing a valuable platform to demonstrate your expertise and contribute to critical conversations on public sector modernization. With a focus on Federal Government’s specific needs, partnership enables you to collaborate directly with key players, co-develop solutions for the state’s challenges, and reinforce your commitment to advancing government services in impactful ways.
