Building a secure, trusted and citizen-centric digital government for Aotearoa
20-21 May 2026
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Pōneke | Wellington
The Go-To Meeting Place for Aotearoa’s Digital and Cyber Public Sector Community
For nearly a decade, the GovTech Aotearoa Series unites New Zealand’s digital transformation and cybersecurity communities to advance a trusted, resilient and connected public sector.
This year at GovTech, two co-located summits, DigiGov Leaders and CyberGov Leaders, bring together the nation’s CIOs, CISOs, and digital executives to explore the connected challenges shaping the next era of public service delivery. From modernising legacy systems and embedding data governance to defending against AI-powered threats, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and identity compromise, GovTech 2026 delivers a 360° view of secure, citizen-centric transformation.
Amid record cyber incidents, new national frameworks, and the implementation of New Zealand’s Digital Identity Services Trust Framework Act, public agencies face both pressure and opportunity: to innovate securely, build public trust, and operationalise resilience by design. Key themes include digital trust and identity-first security, AI and automation in government, interoperable platforms and data sharing, operational resilience and continuous assurance, and workforce capability and culture.
Guided by an expert advisory board and informed by cross-agency collaboration, the GovTech Aotearoa Series continues to support a 1,000-strong IT and Cyber Community, providing the insights, connections and practical frameworks needed to deliver secure, inclusive, and adaptive digital government for all New Zealanders.
Advisory Board
Our advisory board plays a crucial role in shaping the event's direction and content. These hand-picked industry experts will bring their knowledge and experience to ensure the Summit addresses the most relevant topics and challenges facing the sector.
Rachael Milicich
Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive for Insights and Statistics
Stats NZ
Jonathan Wilkins
Chief Information Security Officer
Ministry for Primary Industries
Derek Robson
Chief Information Security Officer
New Zealand Parliament
Kari Jones
Executive Director – Operational Excellence and Enablement
Financial Markets Authority – Te Mana Tatai Hokohoko
Ruth Russell
Chief Information Officer
Te Tumu Paeroa, Office of the Māori Trustee
Jared Licht
Former Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Defence
Andy Higgs
Executive Director
Digital Identity New Zealand
Key Features
Advance Aotearoa New Zealand’s position as a thriving digital nation by attending the 2026 GovTech Aotearoa series
Three international headlines
Hear directly from three globally recognised digital government and cybersecurity leaders. These international keynote speakers will share world-class insights, best-practice frameworks and lessons learned from some of the most advanced public-sector ecosystems, giving New Zealand agencies invaluable global context and inspiration
Representation from every member of the NZ Digital Executive Board
Hear directly from senior leaders across New Zealand’s Digital Executive Board. With all board member agencies represented on the program, attendees gain unmatched visibility into whole-of-government direction, priorities and decision-making
Discover innovative products and services
Explore a curated exhibition of leading technology, security, identity and digital service providers. Discover tools, platforms and partnerships that can help accelerate transformation, uplift cyber maturity, strengthen data governance and enable secure, citizen-centric services
Experiential experience
Go beyond traditional conference formats. Participate in interactive breakouts, technical deep dives, cyber and data roundtables, and practical peer-to-peer workshops designed to help leaders apply new ideas immediately within their agencies. Learn by doing, not just listening
Two summits, one ticket
Access either Summit at any point across the 2 days included in your ticket, to find out more about what’s happening in the world of digital transformation, cyber security, and data analytics
Attendee Organisations
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Air New Zealand Limited
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Airways International Limited
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Auckland Council
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Auckland Transport
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Australia and New Zealand Bank Limited
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Broadcasting Standards Authority
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Building and Construction Industry
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Training Organisation
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Callaghan Innovation Research Limited
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Crown Infrastructure Delivery
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Department of Corrections
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Department of Internal Affairs
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Education Payroll Limited
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Human Rights Commission
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Hurunui District Council
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Hutt City Council
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Inland Revenue
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Institute of Environmental Science and Research
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International Accreditation New Zealand
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Kainga Ora Homes and Communities
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Kiwibank Limited
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KiwiRail Holdings Limited
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Landcare Research New Zealand Limited
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Land Information Services Limited
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Maori Health Authority
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Ministry of Justice
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Ministry of Social Development
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Ministry of Transport
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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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National Cyber Security Centre
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National Infrastructure Funding and Financing
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National Institute of Water and Atmospheric
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Research Limited
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National Library of New Zealand
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New Zealand Blood Service Limited
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New Zealand Customs Service
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New Zealand Defence Force
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Otago Regional Council
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Parliamentary Counsel Office
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Real Estate Agents Authority
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Reserve Bank of New Zealand
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Rotorua Lakes Council
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South Taranaki District Council
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Sport Integrity Commission
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Sport New Zealand
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Statistics New Zealand Limited
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Tairawhiti District Health Board
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Tasman District Council
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Te Aho O Te Kura Pounamu
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Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service