Event overview
Public Sector Network is proud to present the Government Innovation Showcase Aotearoa 2026, part of Government Innovation Week. Senior leaders and change makers will come together for two days of conferences, networking, and masterclasses focused on accelerating smarter, fairer, and more accessible public services.
Heading into an election year, New Zealand’s public sector is operating under tight fiscal settings and heightened public expectations. Agencies are being asked to deliver more with less, amid ongoing workforce reductions and restructures across departments, while lifting productivity and trust in government services.
Against this backdrop, the 2026 Government Innovation Showcase will bring public sector executives, digital and data leaders, and industry together to pressure-test what’s working now, and what’s next, in a leaner operating environment. We’ll examine how AI, data, and digital are being applied responsibly to unlock measurable service improvements, and how shared platforms, smarter procurement and collaboration can reduce duplication and cost while protecting resilience and privacy.
With a dedicated focus across two defining tracks, Digital Services, CX, and AI Innovation; and Technology, Data, and AI Integration, the Showcase connects intent with execution. Sessions dive into practical ways to build inclusive, life-event-centred services; scale AI safely and affordably; strengthen information management and privacy; and align IT foundations to support the next wave of modernisation. The aim: help agencies meet immediate pressures and build long-term, trusted public service capability.
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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.
Discover best practices for implementing predictive analytics, ensuring data security, and the leading AI projects that drive efficiency and optimise service delivery.
- Identify when and where to deploy AI: exploring potential areas where AI practices can drive both operational efficiencies and innovations.
- Achieve ROI on AI investments: explore how to scale secure AI deployment and generative AI tools into everyday activity
- Navigate privacy, regulation & ethics to maintain public trust and adopt responsible and ethical AI practices
- Drive responsible, transparent and explainable AI workflows, today and for the future
- Accelerate trusted data delivery, continuous monitoring and improvements to harness the full capability of your data and drive AI accuracy and impact
- Advance the development and adoption of AI to maximise efficiencies in service delivery and CX
Explore ways to improve digital service accessibility, enhance user-centered design, and engage citizens through inclusive and interactive platforms.
- Improve digital customer service platforms for a seamless user experience.
- Utilise mobile government services to reach underserved communities.
- Measure customer satisfaction and use feedback to drive service improvements.
- Promote digital inclusivity and accessibility in government services.
- Integrate user-centric design into public service platforms.
- Enhance citizen engagement through interactive and transparent digital solutions.
Define your strategy for modernisation to achieve agility, resilience and innovation.
- Modernise legacy ICT infrastructure to support innovation agility and meet the needs of continued digital advancement
- Deliver scaled technology change transformation and unlock ICT as an enabler of change
- Build a flexible and adaptive ICT infrastructure to sustain agility and innovation
- Implement resilient network, cloud computing, and data centre strategies to strengthen government operations, ensuring scalability and reliability
- Unlock the potential of hybrid IT and Cloud and navigate complexities of its roll-out to drive further efficiencies and enhanced service capabilities
- Create the foundation to deploy more advanced AI technologies and information management uplift
2026 Featured speakers
Tracks at a glance
Digital Services, CX, and AI Innovation
For executives in Digital Services, Customer Experience, and Service Design. Explore how to deliver intuitive, inclusive and citizen-centred services through human-centred design, digital tools, responsible AI and automation
This track explores how digital services, customer experience, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way government engages with Aotearoans. As citizen expectations continue to rise, public sector organisations must evolve to provide intuitive, responsive, and inclusive digital experiences. Sessions will highlight leading-edge approaches to designing and delivering human-centred services—enabled by AI, automation, and behavioural insights. Key topics include digital inclusion, ethical AI in service delivery, omni-channel engagement strategies, and the role of emerging technologies in lifting public trust. Case studies from across government will demonstrate how data-informed design and real-time feedback loops are being used to personalise services, reduce friction, and deliver value at scale.
Technology, Data, and AI Integration
For leaders in Technology, Data, ICT, Architecture and Transformation. Learn how to modernise systems, embed AI, and leverage data to drive smarter, faster and more resilient government operations
This track delves into the integration of technology, data, and AI across the Victorian public sector, with a focus on interoperability, data governance, and sustainable digital infrastructure. As digital maturity grows across departments, the ability to align technologies with strategic priorities—while ensuring privacy, transparency, and accountability—is critical. Sessions will explore how effective technology integration is enabling seamless services, improving decision-making and operational efficiency. We will also explore frameworks for secure data sharing, ethical AI deployment, and inter-agency collaboration, offering a blueprint for scalable, future-ready systems. A key focus will be on building the digital backbone that supports AI adoption: from data warehousing and analytics to machine learning pipelines and integration with legacy systems. This track will also spotlight practical initiatives around whole-of-government platforms, AI governance, and digital twin technologies.
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.
Vendors, boost your presence
Becoming a partner at the Government Innovation Showcase 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 modernisation.
With a focus on the state’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.
Ready to register?
Registration is free for government