Māori Leadership Summit 2026

Pre-Conference Workshop | 11th March

09:00 Māori Leadership Journey

• This one-day interactive workshop invites Māori leaders and aspiring changemakers to embark on a transformative journey of growth and empowerment, guided by the enduring wisdom of Māori philosophies, values, and practices combined with modern day leadership concepts.
• A space for safe self-reflection, where participants can connect with their cultural identity, embrace the essence of tino rangatiratanga, and identify the limitless potential within whānau, hapū, and iwi contexts.
• Through thoughtful and interactive dialogue, this program empowers participants to explore the profound connection between self-awareness, behavioural patterns, and the quality of relationships that define effective leadership. By embracing these insights, attendees will learn to navigate the challenges of leadership with greater vision, shaping decisions that honour both their cultural heritage and the aspirations of those they serve.
• Above all, this workshop aspires to nurture cultural confidence and inspire participants to lead authentically from a place of humility and higher consciousness. By drawing strength from their heritage and fostering collective growth, participants will not only transform their own leadership journeys but realise the foundation for empowering the next generation of leaders.

Conference Day 1 | 12th March

9:45 AM: Opening Remarks and Introduction from Emcee

Welcome address and framing of the summit theme: He Ara Hou – Forging New Pathways for Māori Leadership.

SESSION 1: KEYNOTE CONVERSATION 10:05 AM: The Power of New Pathways in Māori Leadership

A thought-provoking fireside discussion on how Māori values can create bold new directions for leadership in Aotearoa and beyond

10:35 AM: Networking & Morning Tea

SESSION 2: PANEL DISCUSSION 11:00 AM: Embedding Te Ao Māori in Organisational Culture

A panel of leaders share practical approaches to weaving tikanga and Māori values into workplaces, ensuring cultural authenticity and belonging.

SESSION 3: KEYNOTE ADDRESS

11:50 PM: Representation Matters – Elevating Māori Voices in Leadership

Exploring how increasing Māori representation in governance, business, and community leadership creates stronger, more inclusive futures.

12:50 PM: LUNCH

SESSION 4: CASE STUDY 1:50 PM: Practical Tools for Embedding Māori Values in Leadership

Interactive session where participants explore frameworks, tools, and strategies for incorporating Māori values into everyday leadership practice

SESSION 5: CASE STUDY PRESENTATION 2:35 PM: Pathways to Representation

A practical case study from an organisation that has successfully created pathways for Māori to thrive in leadership roles.

3:20 PM: AFTERNOON TEA

SESSION 6: INTERACTIVE PANEL 3:40 PM: Redefining Success – Māori Leadership in Action

Speakers explore what success looks like through a Māori worldview, highlighting resilience, representation, and innovation.

SESSION 7: CLOSING KEYNOTE OF DAY 1 4:20 PM: He Ara Hou – Leading with Purpose and Identity

An inspiring keynote to close Day 1, bringing together stories of leadership, culture, and the journey of forging new pathways.

5:20 PM: END OF DAY ONE & NETWORKING DRINKS

Conference Day 2 | 13th March

09:00 Opening Remarks and Introduction from Emcee

SESSION 1: KEYNOTE CONVERSATION 9:10 AM: Whanaungatanga in Leadership – Building Genuine Partnerships

An opening kōrero exploring how authentic relationships with iwi, hapū, and communities create long-lasting impact.

SESSION 2: FIRESIDE CHAT 10:00 AM: Partnerships that Work

A candid discussion with leaders who have built successful Māori–corporate or Māori–government partnerships that balance cultural values with practical outcomes.

SESSION 3: KEYNOTE ADDRESS

11:20 AM: Ngā Uri Whakatupu – Empowering the Next Generation

An inspiring keynote on supporting rangatahi Māori into leadership roles and ensuring succession pathways are strong and future-focused.

SESSION 4: WORKSHOP 12:10 PM: Mentoring and Succession in Practice

An inspiring keynote on supporting rangatahi Māori into leadership roles and ensuring succession pathways are strong and future-focused.

1:10 PM: LUNCH

SESSION 5: PANEL DISCUSSION 2:10 PM: Leading for People and Planet

Panel of experts discuss how Māori leadership principles, such as kaitiakitanga, can guide solutions to environmental and social challenges.

SESSION 6: CASE STUDY PRESENTATION 3:00 PM: Te Ao Māori Approaches to Sustainability

A real-world example of how Māori worldviews are shaping innovation, business, and environmental stewardship.

SESSION 7: CLOSING KEYNOTE OF THE SUMMIT

4:00 PM: He Ara Hou – A Shared Vision for the Future

A powerful closing address bringing together the themes of the summit and setting out a vision for Māori leadership in Aotearoa and globally.

4:00 PM: CLOSE OF CONFERENCE

Post-conference Workshop | 14th March