How do we activate and supercharge a vibrant network of ‘leaders for equity’ by convening spaces to connect, learn, and be inspired?

This isn’t your typical conference. The Leaders for Equity Unconference flips the script — no fixed agenda, just the people in the room and the collective power we bring.

It’s part of a growing movement: a cross-sector network of changemakers committed to creating a more equitable Aotearoa. This kaupapa supports leaders to dismantle inequities, build cultural intelligence, and reshape dominant narratives.

Hosted by Leadership Lab in partnership with Christchurch City Council, this unconference is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. That means centring Te Ao Māori values, tikanga, and kawa in how we hold the day, and making sure the conversations we have reflect our shared responsibility for equity in Aotearoa.

Through connection, shared learning, and bold conversations, this day will spark insight, build momentum, and deepen the relationships that power systemic change.

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Join us at this one-day, people-powered gathering to grow courage, deepen connection, and lead equity together.

WHEN: Friday 28 November, 9:15am-2:45pm (arrival from 8:30am for a hot beverage & connection)

WHERE: Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre (455 Hagley Avenue, Christchurch Central)

(kai included)

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We’re keeping the numbers intimate (around 60-80) to enable deep, relational, and action-focused conversations.

To make the most of our shorter day while still enabling meaningful participation, we’re adjusting the unconference approach slightly. Topics will be gathered in the registration form as part of signing up. If you think of a topic after completing registration, you can email erica@eacuration.space. The deadline for topic submissions is Friday 31 October. Once you submit a topic, a member of our team will be in touch to discuss it further.

After collecting topic ideas, we will open voting to all registered attendees. This way, the unconference remains co-created, and we can maximise the time we have together for meaningful conversations and shared learning.

What to expect?

Participant-led and action-based
Crowdsourced topics and peer-facilitated sessions
Cross-sector collaboration and collective inspiration
Case studies and lived examples of ‘what’s working’

Come with curiosity, leave with fresh relationships, renewed energy, and tangible inspiration to lead this mahi in your context.

What we’ll cover:

That’s up to us, in true unconference style. But to spark ideas, here are some possibilities:

What does equity leadership look like in practice across different sectors?
How do we lead systemic change at the levels of structures, relationships, and mental models (Waters of Systems Change)?
What does it take to build the vā across difference, and sustain trust?
How do we embed intersectionality and Te Ao Māori approaches in our leadership?
What’s working — real examples of equity in action we can learn from.

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About Leadership Lab:

Leadership Lab is a Tiriti o Waitangi-led, impact-focused leadership consultancy. We grow leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand who develop equitable and flourishing communities and organisations. The team is a vibrant and diverse mix of people bringing experience, knowledge and a real passion to life and leading. We operate as a collective with a wide range of individuals teaming up to contribute to a range of projects while also supporting and developing each other in the process. Our Leadership Lab team covers all of Aotearoa New Zealand and through the extensive network of robust and trusting relationships where we form partnerships with local leaders.

Contact the host of Leaders for Equity Unconference 2025 (Ōtautahi Christchurch)