Foundations for Tomorrow: Reimagining New Zealand's Digital Public Infrastructure

Discover how technology can transform the nation at this exclusive evening exploring the untapped potential of New Zealand's digital public infrastructure. 

Join AWS and Techweek at Parliament on Tuesday, 20 May as government leaders, policy makers and strategic visionaries unite to expand our collective understanding beyond traditional applications. Using real life global examples and use cases, we'll explore how innovative digital foundations can revolutionise many areas of New Zealander's everyday life, from healthcare delivery to agricultural productivity, from environmental monitoring to improved disaster response capabilities – creating a more resilient and prosperous Aotearoa.

This event offers a rare opportunity for leaders, strategists, and government officials to come together to discuss an issue that promises not just operational efficiencies, but meaningful improvements in the daily lives of all New Zealanders. 

Don't miss your chance to help shape the digital backbone of our nation's future.

Confirmed speakers include:

 Adithi Pandit | Partner, Deloitte

Adithi is a strategy Partner at Deloitte, leading the firm’s public sector industry practice. Her passion is for tackling ‘wicked problems’ and shifting mindsets to equity, sustainability and impact. Her work has included a redesign of social housing services, welfare payment services, accident compensation services and child care and protection services. She is co-leader of Deloitte’s State of the State reports on the topics of Social Investment, Resilience, Inclusive Growth, Government Reform and Navigating Uncertainty. Within Deloitte, Adithi leads Future of Government and Human Services focus areas for the Asia-Pacific region.

Hon Judith Collins KC | Minister for Digitising Government

Hon Judith Collins KC is a New Zealand constituency Member of Parliament and has been since 2002. Her constituency is Papakura located in Auckland.

Hon Judith Collins KC is the Attorney-General of New Zealand, Minister of Defence, Minister for Digitising Government, Minister Responsible for the GCSB, Minister Responsible for the NZSIS, Minister for the Public Service, and Minister for Space.

Ms Collins served as the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party from July 2020 to November 2021. She served as a senior Cabinet Minister in the governments led by Sir John Key, and Sir Bill English.

Rod Dury | Founder, Xero

Rod Drury founded global small business accounting platform Xero leading it to a top performing $AU20B+ ASX100 company employing over 5000 people in 25+ locations.

After creating a number of successful technology businesses Rod was named by Investopedia as one of the Worlds Top 10 Serial Entrepreneurs, awarded AMS 2017 Global Marketer of the Year, 2017 Deloitte Top 200 Visionary Leader, 2013 EY New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year, NZ Herald Business Leader of the year in 2012, NZ Hi-Tech Hall of Fame, NZ Hi-Tech Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006 and 2007,  World Class New Zealander for ICT in 2008 and an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of IT Professionals NZ.

Pete Herlihy| Global Lead - Digital Public Infrastructure, AWS

Pete Herlihy is AWS' global lead for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). He supports governments worldwide to accelerate their digital reforms, primarily through the adoption of DPI. Prior to joining AWS, Pete was one of the founding members of the UK’s Government Digital Service, where he led the delivery of national digital platforms for 10 years.

 

Emma Dobson 

Emma Dobson is an experienced executive and director with a demonstrated history of Strategy and Leadership. With over 30 years' experience in superannuation, banking and financial markets, she has become a global expert on driving transformation through data standardisation and supports policy initiatives for the New Zealand and Australian Governments.

Sir Brian Roche KNZM | Public Service Commissioner

Sir Brian became New Zealand’s Public Service Commissioner in November 2024, bringing to the role extensive experience in governance and leadership roles in the public and private sectors across a broad range of sectors.

He started his career as an accountant and was a senior partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before becoming the CEO of the New Zealand Post Group.

Sir Brian currently serves on several boards including Timberland Limited and the Hugh Green Group Limited.

He was awarded a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for services to the State and business.