Transforming enterprises for a digital future through AI innovation, strong data governance, and upskilled teams
In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, CIOs face mounting pressure to scale AI responsibly, optimise technology investments, modernise legacy systems & build future-ready workforces. Balancing these priorities while ensuring governance, resilience & measurable business value has become the defining challenge for IT leaders.
The CIO Leaders Summit will bring together Aotearoa’s most senior digital executives to exchange ideas, explore frameworks & uncover solutions to the pressing issues shaping the future of technology leadership. With the CIO role evolving from technology steward to business strategist, today’s leaders must drive efficiency, foster innovation & deliver competitive advantage in an AI-driven environment. On the second day, the summit will converge with the co-located CISO Leaders Summit for joint discussions on collaboration, shared priorities & the future of digital leadership in Aotearoa.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with peers, discover innovative strategies to streamline operations, elevate data-driven decision making & ensure your organisation is ready to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
We look forward to meeting you in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau in March.
Event themes
AI with ROI: Harness the power of AI to deliver real business value. Learn how to move beyond pilots to enterprise-wide adoption supported by strong governance, ethical frameworks, and compliance, ensuring every AI investment drives measurable outcomes and long-term advantage.
Cloud economics & FinOps: Master the balance between innovation and cost control. Explore how to implement effective FinOps frameworks and hybrid strategies that optimise performance, manage rising costs, and align cloud decisions with business value rather than IT spend.
Data as the foundation: Build data that delivers. Discover how to establish structured, governed, and integrated data systems that enhance decision-making, strengthen trust, and create a culture where data drives growth across the enterprise.
Technology investment & value realisation: Turn technology investment into demonstrable business impact. Learn how to align IT priorities with strategic outcomes, communicate value to the board, and sustain innovation and efficiency under economic and budgetary pressure.
Who should attend?
The CIO Leaders Summit is the perfect platform to network and engage with like-minded, senior digital and technology leaders:
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Digital Transformation
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Digital Strategy
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Technology and Innovation
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IT / IT Operations
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Cyber Security
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Information Systems and Management
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Business Intelligence
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Business Transformation
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Data Analytics
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Data Access
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Data Security
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Data Science
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Data Governance
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Business Enablement
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Continuous Operational Improvement
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Customer Experience
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Customer Analytics
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Corporate Services
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Service Delivery
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Digital Channels
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Agile Transformation
Sponsors
Key Features
Unparalleled networking: Connect with 150+ senior digital transformation, innovation and technology leaders and exchange insights on navigating AI-driven threats, strengthening cyber resilience, and driving secure digital transformation across New Zealand’s enterprise landscape.
Lessons from the 2025 CIO Award Winner: Alexandra Smart, Chief Technology Officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, shares how SCTI rebuilt a core platform under pressure, delivering innovation, agility, and cultural alignment despite tight budgets and timelines.
From Chief Information Officer to Chief Value Officer: Learn from Fidelity Life, Turners Automotive Group, Open Country Dairy, Contact Energy, and Suncorp Group as they share how to translate IT performance into enterprise value, prove ROI, and redefine the CIO role as a business strategist.
Lessons from leading through a cyber attack: Senior technology executives reveal hard-won lessons from real incidents, from crisis response and board communication to rebuilding trust.
Joint CIO & CISO Fireside chat in leading together at TSB Bank: Roxanne Salton and Tony Arnold share how “healthy tension” between technology and security leaders drives trust, innovation, and resilience.
