Māori Leadership Summit 2027 | 16–19 March, JW Marriott Auckland

He aha kei tua o te oranga? · About the summit

What comes after survival?

Delegates in the room at the Māori Leadership Summit

3rdYear in Tāmaki Makaurau

Aotearoa’s gathering place for Māori leaders navigating leadership in today’s global organisations.

Most Māori leaders in mainstream organisations are doing it on their own. One of a few, often the only one, in a room that was not built with us in mind. For a long time the measure of success has been survival: hold your ground, get through the restructure, keep the kaupapa alive another year.

The Māori Leadership Summit 2027 asks what comes after survival. Not just lasting in these spaces, but prospering in them, and building that prosperity so it holds beyond any one of us.

For your approver

Make the case to your manager

What you’ll bring back

Two days on leading in mainstream systems, from individual success to collective prosperity, with speakers including Cliff Curtis, Rawinia Higgins, Luana Nickles and Lawrence Maxwell, and an optional evening with Tāme Iti at the MLS Dinner.

Who you’ll be in the room with

300+ registrations across our 2025 and 2026 summits, including teams from ACC, Kiwibank, Mercury, AA Insurance, Hato Hone St John, Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Kāinga Ora.

What it costs, and how it’s covered

Conference only is $1,999 + GST until 27 November, then $2,399. Group and sector rates are available. You can send a colleague in your place at no extra cost, and the sessions are livestreamed and recorded.

Get the ready-made email for your managerPrices in NZD, excluding GST.

Ngā kōrero a ngā māngai o mua · Past delegates

What delegates say after the summit

“The best conference I’ve ever been part of — being in a room where Māori success was the norm and not the exception was powerful.”

Delegate, Māori Leadership Summit2025

“Ria was amazing — loved how she facilitated. Just beautiful, and her reo is all good.”

Delegate, Māori Leadership Summit2026

“Humble, honest, down to earth and real talk. Love love love.”

Delegate on Tāme Iti, Māori Leadership Summit2026

“A huge mihi to Ria — the way she held us all as a massive audience over two days, with care, love, understanding, and also clear instruction when required. What a woman!”

Delegate, Māori Leadership Summit2025

“You nailed it, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Delegate, Māori Leadership Summit2026

“Stunning, professional and inspiring. LOVED her kōrero.”

Delegate, Māori Leadership Summit2026

“This was brilliant — I’m already looking forward to the next summit, and bringing more of our non-Māori leaders with us too!”

Delegate, Māori Leadership Summit2025

“Loved his honesty and strong stance on things. Loved his ‘I don’t know answers’ — genuine leadership in action.”

Delegate, Māori Leadership Summit2026

300+ registrations across our 2025 and 2026 summits, including teams fromACC, Kiwibank, Mercury, AA Insurance, Hato Hone St John, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Kāinga Ora

Kaikōrero matua · Keynotes, speakers and facilitators

Leaders who have walked this road

Tāme Iti

Ngāi Tūhoe | Ringatoi, Kaiwhakatūtū, Kiripuaki, Rangatira ā-iwi · Artist, Political Activist, Actor, Iwi Leader

Special guest · MLS Dinner

Cliff Curtis

Te Arawa, Ngāti Hauiti | Actor and Producer

Closing keynote · Day 1

Rawinia Higgins

Ngāi Tūhoe | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori & Engagement, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington · Chair and Commissioner, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori

Speaker

Luana Nickles

Ngāi Tai, Whakatōhea | Pouhere Māori, Director Māori Strategy, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited

Speaker

Wiremu Moffitt DSD

Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui | Warrant Officer of the Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force

Fireside kōrero

Lawrence Maxwell

Te Āti Awa, Taranaki, Ngāi Tai | General Manager Credit Optimisation, Kiwibank

Keynote

Ngira Simmonds

Ngāti Raukawa | Kaihautū Strategic Māori, Waipā District Council

Speaker

Suzie Anderson

General Manager Service Delivery, KiwiRail

Speaker

Jack Bourke

Ngāti Tonga | Head of Strategic Engagement, RCP

Panellist

Te Pere Araroa

Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi | Founding Director, Whakaaro

Pre-conference workshop facilitator

John Kingi

Ngā iwi o te hiku o te ika, Muriwhenua puta noa, Ngāi Tūhoe | Senior Consultant, Soften Up Bro

Post-conference workshop facilitator

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

Mana whenua | Speaker to be announced

Speaking organisation

Ria Apiata

Ngāpuhi | Managing Director, Whakaaro

Summit Chair and Emcee

Hui taumata · The programme

Four days, from kōrero to action

Confirmed sessions so far. Pick a day, then tap any session for the details. He kaikōrero anō kei te haere mai · The full programme, with session times and every speaker, is released in November.

Awheawhe o mua · Pre-conference workshop: Tue 16 Mar

A one-day workshop with Ria Apiata and Te Pere Araroa

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Awheawhe · WorkshopMāori Leadership JourneyRia Apiata and Te Pere Araroa, Whakaaro

Before the summit asks what comes after survival, this workshop asks a more personal question: what kind of leader are you when you are not just getting through?

Led by Ria Apiata and Te Pere Araroa of Whakaaro, this one-day workshop is a space for honest self-reflection, guided by Māori philosophies, values and practices alongside contemporary leadership thinking. You will look at your own patterns as a leader, the relationships that shape how you lead, and the strength you can draw from your identity, whānau, hapū and iwi.

It is a small room by design. You will work closely with the facilitators and with each other, and you will walk into the summit the next morning already knowing people.

Hui taumata rā 1 · Conference day 1: Wed 17 Mar

9:00 AM pōwhiri, keynotes and kōrero through the day, then the MLS Dinner at 7:00 PM

9:00 AMOpening Pōwhiri

Delegates are welcomed into the summit. The pōwhiri sets the tikanga for the two days that follow.

9:45 AM

WhakatakingaWhakatakinga · Opening remarks from the Summit ChairRia Apiata, Ngāpuhi, Managing Director, Whakaaro

Day 1

Kōrero piriahi · Fireside kōreroThe Personal Cost of LeadershipWiremu Moffitt DSD, Warrant Officer of the Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force

From a 16-year-old cadet to the most senior enlisted member of the New Zealand Defence Force, the senior soldier advising the Chief of Defence Force. Wiremu Moffitt (Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui) spent more than twenty years in the NZSAS and holds the Distinguished Service Decoration for his leadership on operations in Afghanistan.

In conversation with Ria: identity, expectations and belonging across 34 years inside one of Aotearoa’s most hierarchical institutions, and what it costs to carry your people with you.

Day 1

Pae kōrero · Panel discussionFrom Individual Success to Collective ProsperityJack Bourke, Head of Strategic Engagement, RCP · More panellists to be announced

What responsibility comes with being a Māori leader in a position of influence? How do we bring others with us rather than succeed alone? Our panellists on redefining success beyond personal achievement, titles and positions.

Jack Bourke leads strategic engagement at RCP, working on complex infrastructure, environment and community projects in Aotearoa and with Indigenous-led partners in Canada.

Day 1

Pae kōrero matua · Closing keynoteClosing keynoteCliff Curtis, Actor and Producer

Day 1He kaikōrero anō kei te haere maiMore keynotes and kōrero to be announced

Further keynotes and speakers for Day 1 will be announced over the coming weeks. The full programme, with session times, is released in November.

5:10 PMMutunga o te rā 1 & inu ā-whanaungatanga · Close of day one and networking drinks

7:00 PM

Hākari · Separately ticketedMLS Dinner: An Evening with Tāme ItiTāme Iti

New for 2027. Sit down to a hākari with Tāme Iti, Whakaaro and Māori leaders from across Aotearoa. Tāme speaks after the meal, away from the conference stage and off the conference agenda.

The MLS Dinner is separately ticketed and open to everyone: delegates, colleagues, whānau and Whakaaro alumni. $280 per person, or a table of 10 for $2,500. Add it at checkout, or book it on its own.

Hui taumata rā 2 · Conference day 2: Thu 18 Mar

9:00 AM start, closing kōrero and Whakakapinga from 3:20 PM

9:00 AM

WhakatakingaWhakatakinga · Opening remarks from the Summit ChairRia Apiata, Ngāpuhi, Managing Director, Whakaaro

Day 2

Kaikōrero · KeynoteA Leadership Journey Through Mainstream SystemsLawrence Maxwell, General Manager Credit Optimisation, Kiwibank

With over 25 years of experience across General Electric, ANZ and Kiwibank, Lawrence brings a wealth of leadership lessons from some of New Zealand’s and the world’s most influential financial institutions. In this keynote, he reflects on his personal leadership journey and the insights gained from building influence, developing people and creating enduring success in complex systems.

Day 2Pae kōrero · Panel discussionCollective Māori LeadershipPanellists to be announced

What becomes possible when Māori leaders work across organisational, sectoral and iwi boundaries? How do we ensure the tide rises for our people, not just those who have already reached positions of privilege?

Day 2Awheawhe · Working sessionFrom Kōrero to ActionFacilitated by Whakaaro

How does this become something real, instead of something we talk about once a year? Set out what you are taking back, who you will stay connected to, and what you will do first.

Day 2He kaikōrero anō kei te haere maiMore keynotes and kōrero to be announced

Further keynotes and speakers for Day 2 will be announced over the coming weeks. The full programme, with session times, is released in November.

3:20 PM

Closing kōreroLegacies That Outlast Our Own TenureRia Apiata, Ngāpuhi, Managing Director, Whakaaro

Ria draws together two days of kōrero and returns to the question the summit opened with: creating the conditions for future generations to thrive, not simply survive.

3:55 PMWhakakapinga · Closing karakia

4:10 PMMutunga o te hui taumata · Close of conference

Awheawhe o muri · Post-conference workshop: Fri 19 Mar

A practical day of cultural capability with John Kingi

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Awheawhe · WorkshopAchieving Cultural Awareness, Capability and Competency Throughout Your OrganisationJohn Kingi, Senior Consultant, Soften Up Bro

Cultural awareness only counts if it changes how your organisation works. This one-day workshop supports you and your teams to make systemic change, teaching people to work together in a culture of respect and solidarity. It is open to Māori and non-Māori colleagues alike, and a good day to bring your team to.

Kaupapa Reo Māori: build confidence in the Māori language. Learn the correct terms, pronunciation and use of te reo in everyday life.
Kaupapa Tikanga (Tikanga and Protocols): understand pepeha and identity, the significance of the pōwhiri process and how to bring these protocols into the workplace, and why mana whenua matters.
Kaupapa Kapa Haka: understand the power of haka and how to use it as a vehicle to build cultural awareness and unity within a business.

John Kingi (Ngā iwi o te hiku o te ika, Muriwhenua puta noa, Ngāi Tūhoe) is a Māori leader, cultural facilitator and co-founder of Soften Up Bro. Through wānanga, talks and community work grounded in te ao Māori values, he brings empathy, cultural insight and lived experience to every room he facilitates.

See pricing Download brochure

E ono ngā kōrero matua · Why attend

Six conversations the summit is built around

Every session answers to one of these.

Māori leadership in mainstream systems: leading and influencing in spaces not designed for us

From individual success to collective prosperity: taking others with us and creating opportunities beyond ourselves

From kōrero to action: turning aspirations into action and outcomes

Transforming organisations and systems: creating lasting change from within

Sustained prosperity for our people: building a future where our people thrive

Collective Māori leadership: the power of working together for greater impact

Who should attend

Senior Māori leadersEmerging Māori leadersExecutives and general managersIwi and community leadersPublic sector leadersPeople and culture leaders

Most delegates are Māori leaders working inside mainstream organisations, from business, government, iwi and community. Colleagues who lead alongside them are welcome.

See pricing

Who should attend

Who the summit is for

Most delegates are Māori leaders working inside mainstream organisations, from business, government, iwi and community. Colleagues who lead alongside them are welcome.

Senior Māori leaders

Lead and influence in systems not designed with you in mind, alongside peers who understand.

Emerging Māori leaders

Meet people already doing it, and leave with a clearer path from here.

Executives and general managers

See what prosperity looks like beyond survival, and how to back Māori leaders in your organisation.

Iwi and community leaders

Connect with leaders working inside mainstream organisations, and build partnerships that last.

Public sector leaders

Strengthen Te Tiriti partnership work and Māori outcomes in your agency.

People and culture leaders

Build the culture, development and retention that Māori leaders in your organisation need.

Leaders who work alongside Māori colleagues and partners

Understand what Māori leaders navigate, and how to be a stronger ally and partner.

Bringing a team? See group and sector ratesNeed your manager’s OK? Get our email template

Utu · Pricing

Book now at First In rates

First In rates run until 27 November 2026 and are the lowest price this summit will be. Every pass is in person at JW Marriott Auckland, and the two conference days are also livestreamed.

Save $700

Conference only

Both conference days, 17–18 March

$1,999

First In rate until 27 Nov · NZD ex GST

First In, until 27 November $1,999
Early Bird, until 5 February $2,399
Standard, from 6 February $2,699

Save $700

Conference + one workshop

Both conference days plus the pre or post-conference workshop

$2,899

First In rate until 27 Nov · NZD ex GST

First In, until 27 November $2,899
Early Bird, until 5 February $3,299
Standard, from 6 February $3,599

Best value · Save $800

All four days

Both conference days and both workshops, 16–19 March

$3,599

First In rate until 27 Nov · NZD ex GST

First In, until 27 November $3,599
Early Bird, until 5 February $3,999
Standard, from 6 February $4,399

Save $200

Workshop only

The pre-conference or post-conference workshop day

$1,099

Per workshop day · First In rate until 27 Nov · NZD ex GST

First In, until 27 November $1,099
Early Bird, until 5 February $1,199
Standard, from 6 February $1,299

Tāpiritia ki tō tīkiti · Add to your ticket

MLS Dinner: An Evening with Tāme Iti, Wednesday 17 March, 7:00 PM: $280 per person, table of 10 $2,500. Open to non-delegates. About the dinner
Whakaaro Group Coaching, monthly over three to six months: on application

Group and sector discounts

5% off for 3–4 attendees, 10% off for 5–7. Bringing 8 or more? A corporate table is your best price.
20% off for iwi, hapū, Māori trusts, Māori not-for-profits and other not-for-profits
20% off for Māori-owned businesses and SMEs (under about 50 staff)
Sector rates are 20% from Early Bird onward. During First In pricing (to 27 November) they are 10% off.
10% off for local government
Discounts are not on the registration page. Call +61 2 8294 2044 or email kiaora@theleadershipinstitute.co.nz and our team will arrange it. Discounts cannot be combined.
Need your manager’s OK first? Get our email template

Corporate table of 8

Conference only: $13,999 first in, $14,999 early bird, $15,999 standard
All four days: $21,999 first in, $22,999 early bird, $23,999 standard

Pāhotanga · Livestream

Conference only: $1,799 first in, $1,899 early bird, $1,999 standard
Team of 8: $9,999 first in, $10,499 early bird, $10,999 standard

Lock in the First In rate Get the email for your manager

Prices are in New Zealand dollars and exclude GST. Group and sector discounts are claimed through our team, not at checkout, cannot be combined with each other, and do not apply to corporate tables, livestream passes, the MLS Dinner or group coaching. To claim a discount, call +61 2 8294 2044 or email kiaora@theleadershipinstitute.co.nz.

Hākari · MLS Dinner · Wednesday 17 March · 7:00 PM

An evening with Tāme Iti

Kai, whanaungatanga and kōrero. One table, one kaupapa, and a conversation you won’t hear from the conference stage.

New for 2027. When Day 1 closes, stay on at the JW Marriott for a seated dinner with Tāme Iti, Whakaaro and Māori leaders from across Aotearoa. Tāme speaks after the meal, off the agenda and in his own time: about what fifty years of refusing to disappear has taught him, and what he wants the next generation to stop settling for.

Then the guitar comes out. Day 1 panellist Jack Bourke sings for the room, and waiata is the way the night ends.

It is the room where the real connections of the summit get made. Bring your team, bring your whānau, bring the colleague who couldn’t get to the conference. You don’t need a summit ticket to come.

Āhea · WhenWednesday 17 March 2027, 7:00 PM
Kei hea · WhereJW Marriott Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau
Mā wai · WhoOpen to everyone, delegates and non-delegates

Add the dinner to your summit ticket at checkout, or book it on its own. Prices in NZD. Seats are limited to the room, so book early.

Tāme Iti raising his hat to delegates at the Māori Leadership Summit 2025

Tāme Iti sharing a laugh with a delegate at the Māori Leadership Summit 2025

Networking drinks at the Māori Leadership Summit 2025

A group of delegates at the Māori Leadership Summit 2025

Past event highlights

See our summits for yourself

Pick a reel to watch the room, the speakers and the conversations from our past Indigenous Leadership Summits and Women in Leadership Summits.

Now showing

Indigenous Leadership Summit highlights

The room, the speakers and the conversations

Whakaaro · Our partnership

Kaitiaki of the kaupapa

Whakaaro

About this partner

Whakaaro was founded from a simple reality: as Māori in leadership, we often found ourselves navigating those spaces alone. While many leadership programmes offered valuable frameworks, few reflected who we are, where we come from, or the responsibilities we carry to our people.

Today, Whakaaro works alongside organisations and leaders across Aotearoa through leadership programmes, facilitation and coaching, weaving leadership practice together with Te Ao Māori.

For the past three years, Whakaaro and The Leadership Institute have partnered to deliver this summit. The Leadership Institute brings deep expertise in delivering leadership events across Aotearoa and Australia and a strong network of leaders. Whakaaro serves as kaitiaki of the kaupapa, shaping the theme, programme and overall experience.

From speakers to workshops, from the stage to the spaces in between, our role is to create an environment where Māori leaders can connect, challenge one another and grow.

From Survival to Sustained Prosperity is our invitation to explore how we create enduring success for those who come after us. We are grateful to partner with The Leadership Institute to bring this kaupapa to life.

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Good to know

Questions before you book

Can’t find what you need? Call +61 2 8294 2044 or email kiaora@theleadershipinstitute.co.nz.

When and where is the summit?

The conference runs on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 March 2027 at JW Marriott Auckland, 22–26 Albert Street, Auckland CBD 1010. Day 1 runs from 9:00 AM to 5:10 PM and Day 2 from 9:00 AM to 4:10 PM. The pre-conference workshop is on Tuesday 16 March and the post-conference workshop is on Friday 19 March.

Can I attend online?

Yes. Both conference days are livestreamed. Choose the Livestream Pass at checkout to join the mainstage sessions from your workplace or home and take part through the event app. The workshops and the MLS Dinner are in person only.

What is the MLS Dinner?

New for 2027. On the evening of Day 1, Wednesday 17 March, from 7:00 PM, sit down to a hākari with Tāme Iti, Whakaaro and Māori leaders from across Aotearoa. Tāme speaks after the meal, off the conference agenda.

The dinner is separately ticketed and open to non-delegates: $280 per person, or a table of 10 for $2,500. Add it at checkout, or book it on its own.

Are there discounts for groups or my sector?

Yes. Groups save 5% for 3–4 attendees and 10% for 5–7, and a corporate table of 8 is our best group price. Iwi, hapū, Māori trusts and Māori not-for-profits save 20%, as do other not-for-profits and Māori-owned businesses and SMEs (under about 50 staff). Sector rates are 20% from Early Bird onward, and 10% during First In pricing (to 27 November). Local government saves 10%. Discounts cannot be combined, and do not apply to corporate tables, livestream passes, the MLS Dinner or group coaching.

These discounts are not on the registration page. Request a call, phone +61 2 8294 2044 or email kiaora@theleadershipinstitute.co.nz and our team will arrange it and send a written quote within one business day.

Do prices include GST?

No. All listed prices are in New Zealand dollars and exclude GST.

Will I get an invoice?

Yes. Once we receive your registration you will get a confirmation email that includes your invoice and the details of the event you are registered for.

What if I can no longer attend?

You can send a colleague in your place at no extra cost, or transfer your registration to another Leadership Institute event. If you cancel, email kiaora@theleadershipinstitute.co.nz and you will receive a credit note valid for 12 months. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the event receive a credit note less a $300 service fee. We do not provide refunds for cancellations.

Will the sessions be recorded?

The conference days are livestreamed and recorded, and we aim to give every delegate access to the recording afterwards.

Sponsors and exhibitors

Put your business in front of Māori leaders and the people who work beside them.

300+ registrations across our 2025 and 2026 summits, including teams from ACC, Kiwibank, Mercury, AA Insurance, Hato Hone St John, Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Kāinga Ora. Meet decision makers face to face, with real conversations at breaks, lunch and the MLS Dinner.

Partner packages

Headline, Spotlight and Exhibition

From $2,500NZD, excl. GST

Speak, host a session or exhibit
Your brand in the brochure, on the website and on stage
Attendee list and thank-you email options

Download the prospectus

For local Māori business

Māori Business Stall

$500NZD, excl. GST · 10 places only

A stall in the delegate break area for both conference days, one stall-holder pass, and your logo on the event website. For Māori-owned businesses with under about 50 staff.

Reserve a stall

Partner an experience

MLS Dinner and Livestream

From $4,000NZD, excl. GST · one of each available

MLS Dinner Partner, An Evening with Tāme Iti, $7,000
Livestream Partner, reaching delegates online, $4,000

Talk to our team

Download the sponsorship prospectus Book a callPrefer to talk? Call +61 2 8294 2044.

Māori Leadership Summit Tāmaki Makaurau 2027

First In rates end 27 November. Time left:

What comes after survival?

Need your manager’s approval?

Want to talk it through?

Make the case to your manager

What you’ll bring back

Who you’ll be in the room with

What it costs, and how it’s covered

Talk it through with Jane Bacon

What delegates say after the summit

Explore the Event

Leaders who have walked this road

Tāme Iti

Cliff Curtis

Rawinia Higgins

Luana Nickles

Wiremu Moffitt DSD

Lawrence Maxwell

Ngira Simmonds

Suzie Anderson

Jack Bourke

Te Pere Araroa

John Kingi

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

Ria Apiata

Four days, from kōrero to action

Awheawhe o mua · Pre-conference workshop: Tue 16 Mar

Hui taumata rā 1 · Conference day 1: Wed 17 Mar

Hui taumata rā 2 · Conference day 2: Thu 18 Mar

Awheawhe o muri · Post-conference workshop: Fri 19 Mar

Six conversations the summit is built around

Who should attend

Who the summit is for

Senior Māori leaders

Emerging Māori leaders

Executives and general managers

Iwi and community leaders

Public sector leaders

People and culture leaders

Leaders who work alongside Māori colleagues and partners

First In rates end 27 November. Time left:

Book now at First In rates

Conference only

Conference + one workshop

All four days

Workshop only

Tāpiritia ki tō tīkiti · Add to your ticket

Group and sector discounts

Corporate table of 8

Pāhotanga · Livestream

Talk to Jane Bacon, Customer Success and Care Manager

An evening with Tāme Iti

See our summits for yourself

Indigenous Leadership Summit highlights

Kaitiaki of the kaupapa

Whakaaro

Moments from the room

Questions before you book

Put your business in front of Māori leaders and the people who work beside them.

Headline, Spotlight and Exhibition

Māori Business Stall

MLS Dinner and Livestream

Talk it through with Jane Bacon

Mōrehurehu ki te oranga tonutanga. From survival to sustained prosperity.

Contact us

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