LEARN ABOUT YOURProgramme
We have designed the programme with a holistic approach considering the diverse needs and interests of our sector.
We’ll continue to add updates as the conference approaches, so check back regularly.
THIS IS A DRAFT PROGRAMME
There are more sessions to be confirmed.
Tuesday 3 March 2026
LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE WORKSHOPShared leadership and governance - the future for impactful philanthropy.
Registrations are separate for this workshop and will open middle of January.
Wednesday 4 March 2026
8.00am
Registration opens
8.30am
Pōwhiri and welcome day one
9.15am
Morning Tea
10.00am
Welcome to our Philanthropy New Zealand Conference
10.10am
Opening Plenary Speaker
10.25am
Progressing complex issues: The role of Philanthropy l Panel discussion
11.45am
Lunch
1.00pm
Concurrent Workshops A
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As kaitiaki - trustees it’s imperative that we understand and celebrate the impact of our funding decisions. This session offers tools and techniques that allow you to measure more than the $$.
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Philanthropists who Invest in rangatahi’s vision and leadership today are progressing a strong and more equitable tomorrow for everyone.
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Insights and opportunities for investing in progressing people and place. Diving into practical examples of investing in impact while still garnering a financial return.
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What motivates individuals to give and what conditions can NZ create to purposefully enable personal giving to thrive? Join Krystian Siebert (Philanthropy Australia), Simon Bowden (Forsyth Barr) and Eleanor Cater (Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ) as they explore growing giving strategies for Aotearoa NZ.
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How to deepen understanding of Te Tiriti and what it means for philanthropic practice.
2.30pm
Afternoon Tea
3.00pm
Concurrent Workshops B
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Funders can support changemakers to re-invent our systems towards equity and flourishing for all. This session will discuss what can and is being doing to support communities to address root causes and with prevention focused approaches to inspire further action.
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Where business and community meet and thrive. Where they determine mutual benefit through understanding each other’s world, translating their opportunities and challenges into transformative change.
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To explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in philanthropy, and co-create a shared vision for Philanthropy NZ’s role in the next decade.
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Hear how funders are progressing how they are engaging with their communities to deeply understand core needs, values, and goals they can use to ensure their strategies are aligned with community vision.
4.30pm
Giving - its more than money l Panel discussion
5.15pm - 7.00pm
Forsyth Barr Cocktail Party
Thursday 5 March 2026
8.00am
Join us for a tea or coffee prior to the conference starting.
8.30am
Welcome day two
9.00am
Keynote panel discussion
9.45am
Morning Tea
10.15am
Concurrent Workshops C
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Family philanthropy is a pou in Aotearoa’s philanthropic landscape. This session will explore the value of collaboration and cohesive responses to the issues rooted in a family’s values.
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Balancing accountability, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of trustee stewardship. This session highlights frameworks and practices that foster resilient, fair decision-making, and empower diverse voices in shaping sustainable futures.
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Item description
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This session explores how funders can engage communities meaningfully, grow shared knowledge, and build collective capacity for impact. Together we’ll consider practical approaches for collaboration, highlight examples of community‑driven initiatives, and discuss how trustees can support long‑term, values‑aligned action. The focus is on moving beyond isolated efforts toward shared strategies that inspire resilience and flourishing for all.
11.45am
Lunch
Philanthropy New Zealand AGM
1.00pm
Concurrent Workshops D
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As technology reshapes our world, how can philanthropy harness the power of Artificial Intelligence to serve people, place, and purpose? This session explores the promise and responsibility of AI—moving beyond algorithms to create solutions that amplify impact, foster equity, and empower communities. Join thought leaders as we reimagine how innovation can drive social good and transform the future of giving.
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This session explores how trustees can balance trade-offs and opportunities, make sound investment decisions, and ask the gritty questions that matter. Together, we’ll unpack how to evaluate investment and distribution policies. The focus is on equipping trustees to be effective stewards; aligning investment strategies with long term goals.
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Hear from funders who are gathering data differently, using cultural values and te Ao Māori to strengthen accountability and amplify positive change. This session highlights practical approaches to aligning evidence with cultural values in the grant-making sector.
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Participation in community arts has proven time and again to have deep and long-lasting impact. This session will progress funders’ understanding of how creativity and art can transform the lives of those who need it most.
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Learn how council, private investment, and philanthropic organisations can come together resource sustainable solutions for regional environmental needs
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2.30pm
Afternoon Tea
3.00pm
Whenua, Moana; people place progress l Panel discussion
4.00pm
Conference closing keynote session
4.30pm
Conference concludes
LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE WORKSHOPShared leadership and governance - the future for impactful philanthropy.
Whether you're here to share your expertise, challenge your thinking, or connect with peers, we’re thrilled to have you with us.
Join us to dive into the biggest challenges facing our communities today and Philanthropy’s role in making lasting and transformational impact.
A panel-focused conference with facilitated discussions and plenty of
Q and A so we can hear your voice the whole way through.
Hands-on breakout sessions will bring you closer with your peers and come away with tools to bring back to your mahi.
OUR CONFERENCE THEME IS: Reimagining the Future Together
People. Place. Progress.
A snapshot of our programme
Key challenges we’ll explore include:
Climate and environment
Social cohesion
Supporting rangatahi and tamariki
Funding practise and sector-based topics include but are not limited to:
Growing giving, the donor journey, and philanthropic advising
Corporate philanthropy, the barriers and opportunities
Co-funding and collaboration, lessons from case studies
New models for giving, including venture philanthropy
Engaging community action and sharing community knowledge
Structural frameworks surrounding giving
Data and research, what’s new and how can we use it?
Impact investing and innovative finance
Impact measurement beyond the SROI