"From Tawa to Oxford” An evening with Sir Ashleigh Bloomfield

Leading self and others through unique and uncertain times

Join us for a special evening with Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield as he returns to Tawa to share stories, reflections, and leadership lessons from his life and career.

From his connections with the Tawa community to leading New Zealand through the extraordinary uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sir Ashley will offer a fascinating and personal look at the experiences that shaped him, the lessons he learned about leadership, trust and communication, and why strong communities matter when times get tough.

During the evening, Sir Ashley will share:

• His personal connections with Tawa and what the community meant to him growing up, including his family's connections with Tawa Baptist and Tawa Anglican churches.

• What it was really like leading through the COVID-19 pandemic - navigating enormous pressure and uncertainty, including more than 300 of those now-famous 1pm briefings.

• Why trust and communication matter - particularly when the pressure is high and people are looking to you for clarity and direction.

• What the pandemic taught us about community - and the importance of looking out for one another during difficult and uncertain times.

• The experiences that shaped his approach to leadership - from training as a Territorial Infantry Officer to some memorable adventures hitchhiking around New Zealand.

Whether you're interested in leadership, community, New Zealand's recent history, or simply curious to hear the stories behind one of the country's most recognisable public figures, this promises to be a fascinating and memorable evening.

An Evening With a Purpose

From Tawa to Oxford is a fundraising event supporting the redevelopment of Tawa Anglican Church.

The redevelopment will create a welcoming facility designed to serve both the church and the wider community, with spaces for community groups, meetings, workshops, support services, events, and connection.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the redevelopment project, so your ticket isn't just your entry to a special evening. It's also a contribution towards creating a community space that will serve Tawa for years to come.

Event Details

• Wednesday, 4 November 2026

• 6:30pm

• Emmaus Centre

• Tickets: $50

• Dessert & coffee provided

Come and hear the stories behind the public figure, discover the experiences that shaped his leadership, and enjoy a thought-provoking evening about navigating uncertainty, building trust, and the power of community.

Book your ticket and join us for From Tawa to Oxford: An Evening with Sir Ashley Bloomfield.