LEARN ABOUT YOUR

Programme

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.

Tuesday 3 March 2026

LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP

Shared leadership and governance - the future for impactful philanthropy.

Please note this workshop is sold out.

Wednesday 4 March 2026

8.00am

Registration opens

8.30am

Pōwhiri and welcome day one

9.15am

Morning Tea

10.00am

Conference Welcome
Seumas Fantham - Chair, Philanthropy New Zealand
Marcus Akuhata-Brown - MC

10.10am

Opening Keynote Speaker
Precious Clark - Ngati Whatua, Te Uri o Hau, Waikato, Ngati Hē, Ngati Pāoa and Pākehā

10.30am

Addressing complex issues l Panel discussion
Eruera Tarena - Tokona te Raki, Sam Stubbs - Simplicity Foundation and Jamie Tuuta
Chair: Dame Diana Crossan DNZM

This session will explore how philanthropy can move beyond transactional giving to address deeply rooted social, environmental, and economic challenges in Aotearoa today. Issues such as climate change, child poverty, and systemic racism require collaborative, long-term approaches rather than short-term fixes. Philanthropy plays a critical role by providing flexible funding, convening diverse stakeholders, and supporting innovation where government or market solutions fall short. By leveraging resources and influence, philanthropic organisations can help progress complex issues through systems thinking, partnerships with iwi and communities, and investment in capacity-building. This approach ensures that giving is not just charity, but a catalyst for structural change and equity. 

11.45am

Lunch - Kindly Sponsored by SkyCity Community Trust

1.00pm

Concurrent Workshops A

  • As supporters of community mahi we can be a more intentional impact partner. This session shares funder experiences and tools to power up community impact and learning, and to use our role as funders to generate ripples far wider than a grant. 

    Rachael Trotman - Centre for Social Impact, and Donna Provoost - Tūhono Impact  
    Facilitator: Chloe Harwood - Centre for Social Impact

  • Kindly supported by Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation

    Zeke Raui - Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, Stevie-Jean Gear - Clare Foundation, Alice Dimond - Tokona te Raki
    Facilitator: Jane Zintl - Ara Taiohi

    Philanthropists who invest in rangatahi vision and leadership today are progressing a strong and more equitable tomorrow for everyone.  

  • Jeremy Mayall - Creative Waikato, Dr Molly Mullen - Auckland University, Alice Kenealy - Te Pou Theatre, Mark Lang - Tika Pono Toi Gallery
    Facilitator: Dr Alison Taylor

    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.   

  • Eleanor Cater - Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand, Bill Kermode - Centre for Strategic Philanthropy, Makerita Makapelu - Wesley Community Action, Krystian Seibert - Philanthropy Australia
    Facilitator: Simon Bowden - Forsyth Barr

    What role do funders have to grow giving in Aotearoa New Zealand. Where are the opportunities to make your funding more effective. Explore what you can do to build a stronger philanthropic ecosystem. The strategies and conditions that support personal giving to thrive.  

  • Kindly sponsored by Strategic Grants

    Natalie Edwards - Strategic Grants, TK White & Will Mark-Brown - Te Karanga Trust
    Co-Facilitators: Rebecca Harrington and Angelique Tuaputa - Auckland Council

    Securing sustainable funding is a goal shared by every charity - but it can feel out of reach when you’re a small, cash‑strapped community organisation.  This workshop lifts the lid on a successful Council partnership that has equipped hundreds of community groups across Tāmaki Makaurau with practical tools, knowledge, and confidence to strengthen their funding future. Hear first-hand from Te Karanga Trust about their inspiring kaupapa and success in utilising Strategic Grants’ tools to enhance their grant and funding opportunities.

  • Te Kāhui Pūmanawa facilitated conversation with a panel of Māori leaders

2.30pm

Afternoon Tea

3.00pm

Concurrent Workshops B

  • Eruera Tarena - Tokona te Raki, Maria Ngawati - Tapuwae Roa,
    Facilitator and speaker: Gael Surgenor - Peter McKenzie Project

    Funders can support changemakers to re-invent  our systems towards equity and flourishing for all. This session will discuss questions such as: What might we need to change as funders, about ourselves to support systemic work? 
    What is some of the infrastructure philanthropy could support to enable systemic work? 
    What might a learning partnership rather than a traditional evaluation look like and what value does that approach offer? 

  • Rachael Monks - SkyCity Community Trust, Kate Thomas - Thriving Communities Aotearoa, Dr Julie Wharewera-Mika - MAS Foundation, Mafi Funaki-Tahifote - MAS Foundation
    Facilitator: Zeke Raui - Te Rourou, One Aoteroa Foundation

    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.   

  • Maria Ramsay - Toi Foundation, Lizzie Makalio - Wesley Community Action, Makerita Makapelu - Wesley Community Action
    Facilitator: Kat Dawnier - Centre for Social Impact

    Focusing on the characteristics of mana-enhancing partnerships. Within the context of impactful giving, mana-enhancing relationships are those where funder and ngā kaikōkiri (communities, funded groups, grantees) enact a culture of reciprocity. Working together in service of a kaupapa or shared purpose, in ways that ensure all parties have agency and voice, feel understood, and are trusted, respected, and valued for what they bring into the relationship. 

  • Haimona Waititi - Tūmanako Consultants, Peggy Luke-Ngaheke - Te Āti Awa, Horiana Irwin-Easthope - Te Rau Aroha/Wellington Community Fund, Melissa Gibson - Len Reynolds Trust
    Facilitator: Kate Fykberg - Tūmanako Consultants

    How to deepen understanding of Te Tiriti and what it means for philanthropic practice.   

  • Alice Montague - Clare Foundation, Sibyl Bloomfield - JR McKenzie Trust, Barbara Blake, Cheryl Spain - The Gift Trust
    Facilitator - Genevieve Timmons

    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. It will also talk about how you approach your philanthropic practice, engaging the next generation perspectives, and how you seek to understand the difference you are making. 

  • Rose Jamieson - Internet NZ, Ana McAlister - Internet NZ, Karena Waiwiri - Toi Foundation, Cain Kerehoma - Tāiki e!
    Facilitator: Nicola Brehaut - Foundation North

    We'll showcase examples where decisions about funding are actively involving the people with lived experience, creating more equitable, effective and community-led solutions by valuing local knowledge and building trust.   

4.30pm

Giving - its more than money l Panel discussion
Celia Caughey, Sharon Shea, Angela Gattung, Caitlin Green
Facilitator: Sue McCabe - Wellington Community Fund

Philanthropy is evolving rapidly—shaped by technology, social movements, and a growing call for equity and inclusion. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how giving beyond traditional grantmaking to embrace approaches that amplify impact, resource and partner with communities, and reflect our unique cultural context.  

5.30pm - 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 - 8.40am

Auckland Girls Grammar Samoan Group
Grab a coffee, and come enjoy a performance Auckland Girls Grammar Samoan Group

8.50am

Welcome to Day 2

9.00am

Keynote presentation
Josiah Tualamali’i
Introduction by: Pulotu Tupe Solomon-Tanoa’i

9.30am

Keynote presentation
Hon Louise Upston - Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Disability Issues, Minister for Social Development and Employment, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Minister for Child Poverty Reduction and Deputy Leader of the House

9.45am

Morning Tea

10.15am

Concurrent Workshops C

  • Esther Whitehead and Arohanui West - Climate Action Aotearoa, Dennis Turton - Climate Action Aotearoa and Trust Waikato, Kaeden Watts
    Facilitator: Karinia Lee - Centre for Social Impact

    In this breakout session, we will outline the Funders’ Commitment on Climate Action (FCCA) and how it supports organisations to move from intent to action. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi & a Tika Transition - we’ll share practical examples of how members collaborate, through shared learning, peer support, co-designed frameworks and coordinated efforts across Aotearoa. Whether you’re early in your climate journey or looking to deepen your impact, this session offers a clear picture of what it means to be part of the network and how you can get involved and accelerate and sustain your impact as a funder. 

  • Facilitators: Genevieve Timmons and Dr Alison Taylor

    To explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in philanthropy, and co-create a shared vision for Philanthropy NZ’s role in the next decade. 

  • Katie Beith - Forsyth Barr, and Michelle Tsui - Foundation North
    Facilitator: Peter Verhaart - Nikau Foundation

    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. 

  • Facilitators: Lotima Vaioleti, Pulotu Tupe Solomon-Tanoa’i, and Josiah Tualamali'i

    This Talanoa invites participants to listen, learn, and contribute to a shared exploration of how philanthropy can better support Pacific aspirations.

    Through storytelling and discussion, attendees will engage with lived experiences, reflect together, and share insights while exploring their own role in enabling meaningful, culturally grounded support.

     This session offers a space to deepen understanding, strengthen relationships, and identify practical ways to support Pacific-led outcomes and futures.

  • Melissa Gibson – Len Reynolds Foundation, and Duncan Matthews – Rule Foundation
    Facilitator: Liz Gibbs - Burnett Foundation

    Rainbow Takatāpui communities make up 5% of Aotearoa’s population however the levels of stigma and discrimination are growing in an increasingly complex environment. In this workshop, the Rainbow Funders Rōpū share data, insights and experience of effective engagement and funding to support Rainbow communities.  We’ll hear examples and explore ideas of new approaches, including collaboration and innovative initiatives. 

11.45am

Lunch

Philanthropy New Zealand AGM

1.00pm

Concurrent Workshops D

  • Lani Evans - Fundsorter, Jade Tang-Taylor - Design Futures Aotearoa, Eteroa Lafaele - Fibre Fale and Facilitator: Arron Perriam - Craigs Investment Partners

    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. 

  • Kim Jones - Mountains to Sea, Samara Nicholas - Mountain to Sea, Pip Wheaton - The Climatics, Miranda Cassidy-O’Connell - Centre for Social Impact
    Facilitator: Theresa Moore - Catalytic Foundation

    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. 

  • Natalia Sexton - Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua, Joe Wilson - Lots of Little Fires, Malcolm Mersham - Trust Tairāwhiti
    Facilitator: Donna Provost - Powerdigm

    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. 

  • Nicola Nation - Rei Kōtuku, Blair Gilbert - Rotorua Trust, Noah Shiltknecht - Makao Investments
    Facilitator: Alice Montague - Clare Foundation

    Insights and opportunities for investing in progressing people and place. Diving into practical examples of investing in impact while still garnering a financial return.  

  • Connie Lee - Foundation North, Shawn Elise Tierney - Sustainable Business Network, Izabela Joshi - Auckland Council,
    Facilitator: Nicola Hedge - Auckland Council

    Learn how council, private investment, and philanthropic organisations can come together to resource sustainable solutions for regional environmental needs. The Tāmaki Taiao Alliance is an example of people working in place to progress landscape-scale regeneration across the Tāmaki Auckland region. 

  • Wharehoka Wano - Toi Foundation, Dr Alison Taylor , Dr Chelsea Grootveld - JR McKenzie Trust
    Facilitator: Jenny Gill - MAS Foundation

    This session highlights frameworks and practices that foster resilient, fair decision-making, and empower diverse voices in shaping sustainable futures. 

2.30pm

Afternoon Tea

3.00pm

Keynote presentation | How exponential AI is shaping Aotearoa’s future…and what we can do about it
Ben Reid - Futurist, Memia

Artificial intelligence is reshaping every sector at extraordinary speed — and philanthropy is no exception. This session offers a sharp, accessible overview, framing the latest developments. Ben will take us on a tour of the latest AI trends, technologies and what is coming next. There’ll be real‑world AI and robotics case studies, along with data on AI adoption in various industries and how New Zealand compares to other countries. We’ll also examine the risks, challenges, and ethical considerations that funders must navigate as AI becomes increasingly central to our work. 

Ben will offer practical steps you can take to advance responsible AI adoption and innovation in your role — no matter where your organisation is starting from.

3.45pm

Whenua, Moana; people place progress possibilities l Panel discussion
Linda Faulkner - New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, Alice Dimond - Tokona te Raki, Izzy Horrocks - Aotearoa Lifecourse Fund
Chair: Kaeden Watts

In the delicate balance of our ecosystem, the health of our land (Whenua) and our waters (Moana) is inseparable from the wellbeing of our communities. As we face a changing climate and evolving social landscapes, philanthropy sits at a critical crossroads: how do we fund the future of the places we call home? 

This keynote panel explores the vital intersection of environment and humanity. We will dive into how the way we live—our infrastructure, and our connection to the natural world—shapes our collective progress.

4.30pm

Closing keynote presentation | To shape tomorrow’s world: philanthropy in Aotearoa New Zealand - working together
Jenny Gill ONZM

5.00pm

Closing and karakia

5.15pm

Conference concludes

LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP

Shared 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.

Leadership and Governance Workshop Registration

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

Our purpose is to grow and celebrate effective giving.